New to BC...I need help - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

Bencouver · 10-10-2004, 11:54 AM

hello all,
I'm fairly new to BC (New Westminster area). I moved here in July 2003 with my wonderful husband and my big fat huggable 20 lbs cat

from Toronto. While there I was in a Pelvic Clinic ran by Dr. L. Carr out of Women's College Hospital. I was able to recieve every kind of treatment available at the time.
Although I was not able to use any meds in the bladder or by mouth I found that physio, message threapy, warm water swimming, diet, and counseling really helped.
When I developed a bladder infection in late December, in the South Vancouver area (a real one this time) the doctors did not know what to do, no one knew a good uro to send me to. I was sick from a week before Christmas to the end of February. I was sent to a Dr. ****...he seems ok, but 3x in one appointment he suggested that we have a baby.
Is anyone from the Vancouver area, any groups or doctors that know how to deal with IC and all the side stuff that goes with it?

I need help and your suggestions. Thank you

**jaime15** · 10-11-2004, 01:49 PM

I hope you get the treatment you need to feel better soon. I'm sure someone will be along that's near your area who will know of someone who is up on their IC knowledge.
Has anyone referred you to the handbook to browse around?? If not, here is the link.....
www.ic-network.com/handbook/

Joanne · 10-11-2004, 02:04 PM

Hi Bencouver,

I'm glad to see that you found the ICN. I'm not from Vancouver, but there are a few people that come here that might be able to help you. Maybe a family doctor can refer you to see one. You mentioned that no one knew of a good one to see, was that a doctor? I hope that you can get the help that you need. Perhaps one of the local hospitals can help with some names.
Take care, Joanne

Lou · 10-20-2004, 07:14 PM

Hi Bencouver! Doesn't sound like you've had a good start in the doctor department. Best thing is to be referred by your regular doctor to a good urologist in town. ( Have a baby? Who asked him? Maybe he thinks it would "take your mind off your problems" if you had a baby to worry about )
I think that Dr. Fenster has had a lot of experience in this area. He's my uro. and works out of Vancouver Hospital. Also the Women's Hospital on Oak Street does have a Pelvic Clinic, where they might be able to guide you in the various treatments available. Don't know if you've actually been diagnosed with IC, but they do have help for a variety of problems.

Hope things improve for you. Make sure you get good medical help so they can be there for you when you need them, especially in a new town.
Hugs from Lou

Kahlen - Sue · 11-08-2004, 09:28 AM

Hi BENCOUVER, WE ARE STARTING OUR OWN SUPPORT GROUP FROM MY HOME

. WE ARE HOPING TO GET A MORE FORMAL SETTING IN THE FUTURE. THIS IS TOO IMPORTANT TO WAIT UNTIL THAT TIME, SO I HAVE OPENED MY HOME TO SUPPORT MEETINGS UNTIL THEN. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED LET ME KNOW. OUR FIRST MEETING IS TUESDAY NOV 9/04. LETS GET TOGETHER AND HELP EACH OTHER AND TO WORK TOGETHER TO GET DOCTORS (GP'S) TO RESPECT AND UNDERSTAND THIS DISEASE AND THE EFFECTS THIS HAS ON OUR LIVES AND LOVED ONES. WE ARE TO IMPORTANT TO BE IGNORED, AND SO IS THIS DISEASE.

Janette Rass · 11-08-2004, 05:14 PM

Bencouver, Hi I am not new to Van. but I am new to using the chat boards. I have replied to Kahlen-Sue's postings re her support group she wants to start perhaps this will work for you. My uro has been Dr Fenster for the past 5 yrs or so . I have been recently trying a new guy at St Paul's Hospital. He is new to BC. (apparently from Texas) and so far he has some different (for me) ideas for treatment. If you want I'll give you his name but you will need a referal from your GP. I use a local GP in Coquitlam and I don't believe they are taking new patients. Sorry. Don't give up though, I have found that although you may have to educate the GP most will listen and hopefully be willing to refer you to a Uro. lots of warm hugs JANETTE