Diagnosis in Canada

[curls]

Hello.

I am new to IC and this forum. I live in Toronto (Canada) and was diagnosed just 2 weeks ago. I believe I have had symptoms for a couple of years however. It started with frequency at night, but around December 2006 I started having pain and of course thought I had a UTI. No bacteria was found. Previously I had complained to my GP about frequency and back (left kidney) pain and was given a speech about our bodies not being perfect and that sometimes pain is just part of life (insert big groan here).

I found another doctor (which is very difficult here with our shortages). After repeated visits with UTI-like symptoms, but no bacteria in the urine I was sent to a uro-gynecologist. It took 5 months to see her. My visit consisted of a 30 second conversation upon which she diagnosed me with interstitial cystitis, handed me a pamphlet (downloaded from this site i think) and said goodbye.

I feel quite alone. I returned to my GP for a follow-up appointment about a thyroid exam, told him about my diagnosis of IC and his response was "yes that's a diagnosis when you cannot make any other diagnosis". It was said with an unconvincing air -that he didn't give the disease much credibility.

I don't know if I can see this uro-gynecologist for follow-ups -as it took 5 months for a 30 second appointment I don't know what good it would do me. I also don't feel my GP has any interest or knowledge of IC.

I am struggling with pain and sleepless nights. I seem to be extremely sensitive to most foods. I have not had alcohol, coffee or tea or fruit or chocolate in months, but the pain is still here -worse after I pee and lasts for hours from my urethra right up to under my ribs with a burning throbbing pain.

I am single and find it depressing trying to fathom starting an intimate relationship with someone. I suppose this is depressing me. Some friends have already stopped inviting me out because I don't drink and I don't eat many things and even a recent tea party was bypassed me because friends thought i wouldn't have liked it because they only served black tea. I know they mean well, but honestly -i don't want to be left out!

I am 38 and I formerly loved cooking -I own many, many cookbooks. I am a vegetarian, and cooked many meals for friends. Now food and drink is not fun and social and I feel alone.

Sorry this is a long intro post. I suppose I need to talk to people who may understand. No one I know has even heard of IC -neither had I . And when your GP and uro-gynecologist seem to treat it flippantly -its a bit of a downer.

Anyone else having difficulties in Canada? Does anyone have any products they have tried that are available in Canada?

Thanks for listening -this is a great site.
Valerie.

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Constant pain worse after urination -burning, throbbing, shooting
Some frequency at night
Urgency
No tests except urinalysis for UTI
30 second diagnosis by uro-gynecologist
BETTER with menstrual cycle -much worse right after

IC Diet
Just started Deer Harvest Aloe Vera
Preleif -tried once no noticeable improvement, will try again

[Roxie2007]

HI Welcome to the site! Sorry you have IC. It can be very frustrating, that's for sure!
I see you are trying the Desert Harvest Aloe Vera. That's good stuff. How many are you taking a day? I take 1 pill 3 times a day and it works great for me. As for the Prelief....it's good to take if you know you are eating something that's going to cause you bladder pain.
I don't live in Canada, but have heard how bad the medical system is up there.....even though I can't say ours is much better down here if you don't have insurance.
Maybe some follow Canadians will jump in here and give you some advice. Take care. I hope you are able to get some decent help up there.

[curls]

Thank you for your kind words of support. I think I really needed to hear something from someone real who is dealing with this stuff. It is amazing how much it helps make me feel less alone.

I am making another appointment to see if I can get anything for pain. I have high hopes for the aloe vera treatment, but I seem to be having burning under my ribs consistently now as well. This seems to have started with a meal I had last evening out with friends. I took Preleif with the meal, but I suppose it was not enough or I am reacting to the Prefeif -or the aloe vera which I also just started.

Always seems 2 steps forward 4 steps back. I will learn soon enough to be more diligent with a food and symptom diary.

Thank you for reaching out to say hi

Valerie.

----------------------
Constant pain worse after urination -burning, throbbing, shooting
Some frequency at night
Urgency
No tests except urinalysis for UTI
30 second diagnosis by uro-gynecologist
BETTER with menstrual cycle -much worse right after

IC Diet
Just started Deer Harvest Aloe Vera
Preleif -tried once no noticeable improvement, will try again