KCl Sensitivity Test

**VirtualBiz4u** · 12-10-2005, 10:11 AM

Has anyone had this test done?
I am concerned with the possible flare up due to the test.
What test has everyone found to be more conclusive in finding out for sure that you have IC?

This is what Interstitial Cystitis Association had to say about this test.

http://www.ichelp.org/TreatmentAndSe...ivityTest.html

Then they want me to go for a Urodynamic Test and then a Cystoscope

**Katrina** · 12-10-2005, 10:35 AM

to the ICN!!
Yes, we commonly refer to that test as the Potassium test and yes I had it. It is hard to say for sure if you will have a flare up....I did. I was given lidocaine after but it still increased my symptoms a bit for few days...not very long but still no fun.

There is no one test that diagnoses IC better than the rest. I take it by cystoscope you mean the hydrodistended cystscopy because otherwise I see no reason to have it on a separate day than the potassium test.

I had the urodynamic test done but no hydro. The hydro you are put under for and is a longer recovery but can find things like cancer and EC in your bladder with a biopsy.

The hydro and Potassium test are probably the two most common diagnostic tools but neither is perfect. You can have a possitive in one and negative in the other and still have IC. Since IC is a diagnosis of exclussion I believe the hydro serves it purpose better since it is also used as a treatment and can exclude other things. The risk ofcourse is higher though. If your doctor is planning on doing the hydro though, it doesn't make much sense to me why he would do the potassium first...I would want to ask him. There is info about these tests in the handbook.
http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/ this is an essential link for everyone with IC. It is very informative on meds, living with IC, and self help....take a look!!!

http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7562e this is thread of pain relief the second page has attachments I believe the last attachment is the list of pain relief ideas.

http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11535 This is newbie kit from the oldies to the newbies

**emilyrose197377** · 12-10-2005, 10:36 AM

I had that test it caused me go into a bad flare for awhile. But everyone is different I hope it doesn't happen to you.

**VirtualBiz4u** · 12-10-2005, 11:08 AM

So when you mention Hydro are you referring to Urodynamic Test ?

Thank you for all your information. This forum board is amazing.
I was just talking to my friends about creating a board like this and now I don't have to.
I have already referred this board to another friend of mine that is dealing with the same thing.

Thank you for the information. It feels better just to know that I have all of you great ladies to speak to about this.

***ICNDonna*** · 12-10-2005, 01:23 PM

The term hydro is short for hydrodistention. You can read about it in the Patient Handbook at http://www.ic-network.com/handbook It is not the same as urodynamic testing.

Donna

**Annie2** · 12-10-2005, 04:48 PM

I'd like to add another

to the ICN.

I was diagnosed with the PST and had no problems with the test. Yes, it is uncomfortable, but the pain lasts only a few seconds. Immediately afterwards a soothing and numbing solution is instilled into the bladder. I had a little urethral discomfort afterwards from being cathed but it really wasn't a big deal and I went on about my normal routine. I did not have a flare after the test. The only problem I encountered after the PST was that I developed a UTI from being catheterized and that, in a bladder that had been sensitized by the test, was VERY painful. Anytime a cath is used, no matter how carefully done, there is a possibility of infection. Taking a preventative antibiotic after the procedure can help stop an infection so I would recommend you ask your doctor to prescribe an AB for you to take afterwards.

**itzbezzy** · 12-17-2005, 03:05 AM

i just got my potassium test yesterday, and holy crikey on a crutch did it HURT. they gave me the lidocaine right afterwards but it's taken a round of over the counter pyridium and a lot of vanilla ice cream to get me to be able to even walk. arrrr. but i *finally* got a prescrip for elmiron (i've been after one since september) so i guess it's not all bad.