I'd Like to Introduce Myself

**Jerseyguy** · 12-13-2007, 11:39 AM

Hello everyone. I have had what my primary doctor intitially diagnosed as chronic prostatitis for five years now. According to my urologist, chronic prostatitis and interstitial cystitis are just two different names for the same disease. He may not be correct about that, but I still thought it would be useful to post on this board, since my symptoms are so similar to those which I have read about here.

I got this awful thing when I was 18. I'm 24 now and while I have had some improvement in that time, it is still a major burden in my life. It has drastically altered my personality and dashed many of my hopes for the future.

The interesting thing is that pain is not one of my symptoms at all. It is all urinary: frequency, urgency, weak stream, retention.

Well, like I said, I just wanted to introduce myself, and let you know that there is one other person out there like you dealing with this crap. Also, I'm curious to know what medications/therapies have worked best for all of you.

Thanks.

**mom_in_ma** · 12-13-2007, 12:28 PM

Have you checked out the book, "A headache in the Pelvis." It seems to be greared to folks with your symptoms. Welcome.

**leelee88** · 12-13-2007, 02:19 PM

Hello and

to the ICN..
The meds that have worked best on my frequency and urgency are Tofranil and hydroxine..

**dancemomof2** · 12-13-2007, 02:30 PM

to the icn

**formom** · 12-13-2007, 02:40 PM

hi and

be patient, you will find what works best for you. i use bladder q that you can read about in one of the links above i believe, it definetly helped my frequency and urgency until i was officially diagnosed with the cysto/hydro--now of course, i am on elmiron which has only been 2 1/2 weeks..keep fingers crossed. try and follow the diet on here also, that may help you get started. Good luck and God bless

**Tracie** · 12-14-2007, 03:18 AM

Hello.

I have seen other post from men on here. I think it was in the remission section on the board. You should check it out and see if your symptoms are similar. There is great info on this site and many ideas from others.

**Claredale** · 12-14-2007, 04:46 AM

Welcome to the ICN!

Tracey

**lisabar36** · 12-14-2007, 05:40 AM

Hi and welcome! I would say what works best for me is the Elavil, but I also do bladder instills 2 times a week and they help me the most! Good luck to you!

**sickofmybladder** · 12-14-2007, 08:13 AM

Welcome -

For my frequency issues - the antihistimine at night and 3x per week at home rescue instillations have cut my voiding times in 1/2.

***SharonA*** · 12-14-2007, 08:23 AM

Hello and

to the ICN.

**dverba** · 12-14-2007, 10:01 AM

**karen10** · 12-14-2007, 10:09 AM

IC diet and Desert Harvest aloe instantly helped with my urgency. Also, marshmallow root and chamomile tea surprisingly. If I'm having a really bad time (always related to something I ate), I will use a half tsp or less of baking soda in 8 oz glass of water and that relieves it somewhat quickly. BUT if you have high blood pressure or high sodium, you need to be careful with that. Check that one out with your doc. Bladder instills help for pain. Hope you find something that works for you!

**Jerseyguy** · 12-14-2007, 11:54 AM

Thank you all for the warm welcome and the suggestions.

**Alex1981** · 12-18-2007, 11:55 AM

Welcome. I am a 26 yr old male with IC. Been dealing with it for like a year and 1/2. I can def relate to some of the frustrations and life changes because of IC you mentioned. Also I was intitially diagnosed as chronic prostatitis too.

What meds are you taking. How are you feeling?

**Jerseyguy** · 12-20-2007, 11:17 AM

Hey Alex,

Right now I am taking Flomax and Elmiron, and just recently started a trial of Vesicare.

I suppose that I am doing well, relatively speaking. When I hear the stories of the pain that some people on this forum suffer, I am glad that my situation is not that bad. As I said in my first post, pain is not a prominent feature of my symptoms. Only a handful of times in over 5 years have I had any instances of pain.

But it does suck to have to go to the bathroom as much as I do. Also, the feeling of not completely emptying out my bladder is very annoying. Often I will go to the bathroom, and then go right back two minutes later to try and empty out.

My condition waxes and wanes, with occasional flares. I can usually find a "comfort zone" with a little sanity by just staying home and watching TV, or reading a book or something like that. But going out to bars, or parties, or any kind of socializing is very difficult. It sucks because I know it is limiting my opportunities.

What meds are you on, and how are you feeling?