i've never had a hydro, should I get one?

**jena55** · 01-22-2008, 08:11 AM

My last uro mentioned this as a possibility last time I saw him... but said it wasnt necessary and recommended DMSO, which I cancelled out of fear from what all I have heard about it.

I seem to read mixed things about hydros and it seems kinda complicated having to go to the hospital and all, but would it be worth it?

I deal with extreme frequency, would it help maybe?

I dont want to do something that will make things worse if I dont have to do it, but if this is something that could potentially do me good it may be worth it.

Looking for opinions.......................

Thanks,
Jena

**cbb1981** · 01-25-2008, 10:28 AM

Jena,

You and I seem to be having the same problems. I started with all this business 2 years ago. My regular dr. tested my urine during a visit and found lots of blood in it. So I had to have all the test done, IVP, Cat Scan, cystoscopy etc by a urologist. He couldn't find anything, put me on all the OAB medicines. I tried them all they didn't help me at all. My problems are frequency (about every 30 min) and urgency. I've also started to experience the pain in the last 6 months or so. Anyway, the urologist finally threw up his hands and said we could try a hydro and DMSO instillation. He didn't seem really helpful, so I put it off until this Jan. (this has been 2 years of this). The uro didn't even tell me to come back or anything, just to think about having the procedure and let him know. I was ******.

So I went to a different urologist (one listed on the drs list on this site). He's farther from me but he walked in the door and said, I bet you're having back pain, pelvic pain, etc. He listed almost all of my symptoms. He gave me a cysto and now has me scheduled on Mon for a biopsy, hydro and DMSO if needed. I even hesitated to have this done. I'm scared what if it makes it worse. But my regular dr. really helped and told me I was too young not to try this. I'm 44 yikes almost 45. So I'm going for it. I hope it helps and it isn't too bad.

Christy

**Katrina** · 01-25-2008, 02:17 PM

If you reason for considering it is because it could potentially be a therapy than trying it is definatly something you want to get info and consider.
http://icandme.9.forumer.com/index.p...t=0&#entry2586 frequency

There are a few different things that contribute to frequency and if bladder capacity is contributing to yours than out of the few options you have a hydro is one of them.

Good luck!

**karen10** · 01-25-2008, 03:09 PM

Jena -- there are lots of other things to try that are less invasive. My doctor recommends that only as a last case scenario. She does the electrical stimulation to the ankle first, and it's been very helpful for many of her patients for the frequency and urgency issue. Also, make sure you're doing the diet very strictly for a period of time as this can make a big difference! Good luck to you!

**A.J.** · 01-25-2008, 05:32 PM

The first hydro I ever had left me pain free for almost an entire year. It was one of the best IC-related decisions I ever made, but I was in bed for about 2 weeks after the procedure. I had one at the end of 2007 and it did not seem to help at all, which really disappointed me. I had it done by a different doctor though, so it could have a lot to do with it. I would suggest that you look at some other options first, but it could definitely be beneficial to you.

**rant** · 01-25-2008, 06:24 PM

I dunno. I had a pretty mild case of IC -- still do, I would think, in comparison to the horrible things I read about on this site -- before I had my hydro. The hydro seemed to make it much, much worse... and stayed worse.

But it's different for everyone!

***ICNDonna*** · 01-26-2008, 03:19 AM

I'm one who has been helped by hydrodistentions. In my 33 years with diagnosed IC I have had 41 hydros. If you've tried other things and are still suffering, I suggest you consider it.

Donna

**Zygala87** · 01-26-2008, 04:06 AM

I am the same as Donna. A HYDRO brought me down in pain and frequency. I am able to sleep through the night again. I don't know why they work for some. Extending the bladder (by an expert Doctor with a lot of skill) must make it larger. Maybe it was too small to hold much urine. To my knowledge he only put water in the bladder and took nothing out like a piece of it. I never did suffer much after. He gave me some pain pills and said to rest which I did. I have no idea but I believe many people who have a horrible time after a HYDRO had a Doctor who overfilled the bladder or decided to put some meds in there which might help in the long run but hurts right after. It would not be out of place to ask the Doctor how many has he/she done before and just exactly what he/she is going to do. I believe a OBGYN is more familiar with the insides of a women's body then any other kind of specialist. Mine delivers babies, takes care of all kinds of cancers, etc. He seems to understand completely when I explain something going on that is new for me. He has seen and heard it before. It is a hard decision I have no doubt. I think if I were in terrible pain & frequency and nothing else worked at all. I would give it a shot. Please keep us informed. We need your inpute, not to mention, we care very much. Hugs, Ziggy