Would you recommend a hydro if amitriptyline is working???

[edc]

Hi everyone -
When I was diagnosed with IC a couple months ago, I had very bad health insurance. They did a cysto, but didn't do hydro, and I still had to pay $1200 of the $5000 bill. The only treatment I have been using is Elavil 25 mg nightly, which has been working great and is very cheap ($11/mo). However, I felt like I was not in control of my condition because I financially didn't have access to all the treatments out there (oh, I'm a poor graduate student). Well, I just got some AMAZING new insurance, and I was wondering if I should try hydrodistention, even though the Elavil is working for me. I just feel that the Elavil is simply masking symptoms, and not changing or correcting my anatomy in any way. I have done a lot of research, and everything I read says hydrodistention is the 1st line therapy. I'm just wondering what you all think. I hear such mixed reviews on this.
Thanks for your suggestions (in advance!) -
Liz :hmm: :bow:

[Sarojini]

If Elavil is working for you, I'd stick with it. Remember, there is NO CURE for IC... not even a hydro will cure it, and that helps 50% of patients at best. In addition, it doesn't get rid of IC symptoms for good... you'll likely need another hydro in a few months to a year. It does NOT permanently "change or correct your anatomy" either. SO, in other words, "masking your symptoms" is the only thing that happens with any treatment .... my opinion is that if Elavil has completely masked them, then you're doing pretty darn good, especially since regardless of how good your insurance is the Elavil will be cheaper than repeated hydros :) Why fix something that ain't broke? ;)

[MegFezziwig]

Hi. I am kinda new here and if Elvail is working for you I would just stick with it. I have had IC all my life (probably) and I have gone through several hydrodistentions. It is my opinion that they only made me worse and rarely did anything do relieve my symptoms. It is hard to find research defending my opinin and I can only say what has worked or not worked for me. It is a difficult procedure in that you have to be under anesthesia and that is a risk in itself. I think I am in the shape I am in (bad) as a direct result of too many invasive bladder procedures, including hydrodistention and instillations. I wish they did work for me cause I have good insurance which pays for everything. Wishing you all the best in whatever you decide to do, Meg

[ICNDonna]

I have to agree. If a treatment is working, why not stick with it.

Hugs,
Donna

[kadi]

In spite of having good insurance, I still owed $1400 out of pocket for my cysto/hydro. I was quite shocked because the laparoscopy I'd had done a month prior only cost me $400 out of pocket & that was a longer & more invasive procedure. I'd definitely get an estimate from the ins. company &/or the hospital before deciding.

That said, if the Elavil is completely taking care of your symptoms, you are so lucky! When I went through the cysto/hydro, it was because there was uncertainty as to what was wrong with me & the photos were extremely helpful. Overall, it did not help my IC physically. Psychologically it was good to know my anesthetized capacity was 650. It gave me more confidence to work with bladder retraining (waiting longer between voids), but didn't ease my pain or reduce my frequency overall.

Wishing you continued success with the Elavil & lots of good days:)

[MegFezziwig]

Hi. Does anyone have bladder pictures on their email that they could share with me? I have 3 of my gross things and I need to compare mine with other bladders, LOL...I am fighting a nasty disabilty case and I need some references. I know this is a weird request. I am Meg at MegFezziwig@webtv.net. Thanks, and my thoughts and prayers for pain free moments are with all of you.

[kadi]

Hi Meg, here is a link to bladder pictures on this site:)

http://www.ic-network.com/md/distentions.html

[MegFezziwig]

Thanks Kadi, for the bladder picture link. Looking at those is a wonder any of us get out of bed! Thanks again, Meg

[dancemomof2]

I also agree, if your treatment is working hang in there. My hydro to diagnosis me was so painful and I wasmiserable for weeks after.