You are here: Interstitial Cystitis Network : Patient Stories : Salena

"I'm Glad to Know I'm Not Alone"

By Salena (Submitted August, 2005)

I'm glad to know I'm not alone. I recently have been diagnosed with IC after
a lot of second opinions and finally a concerned OBGYN. I too, like many of the stories read, have been trying to get someone to listen to me for years. I have had other gynological problems which resulted in several surgeries and finally a uteran ablation, which has stopped my menstrul cycle permantly. I still felt awful but could never explain exactly where the pain was coming from. An OBG said to me one day after I had passed out while stepping up into my shower, "Salena, I think you are trying to make something out of nothing." I was really taken a back by her comment and started doubting myself, am I ? Is this all just in my head?

I spoke to my family Dr. of this and she recommended seeing a Urologist. He stretched my urethra w/ no anestsia and gave four different perscriptions and told me I will need to come back monthy to have this procedure repeted. I left the office crying, thinking can I endure this again & again?

I called a girlfiend and explained what had just happened and she gave me the number to my new OBG. I explained the pain in my abdoman and my past medical history, and for the first time in long while I was being heard...... she refered me to Physical Therapy to learn stretches and breathing excercises to help stretch my pelvic floor. She had me get an ultradound and ordered the PST testing for IC. It came back and my puff count was the highest she had ever seen.

I  was diagnosed w/ IC and finally I felt some relief. That was 8/26/05 and even though this means a very big lifestyle change I am prepaired to take it, my Husband and son have been very patient and understanding throught this whole experience. I am thankful and am looking forward to getting my IC under control. To everyone that has shared their experience I thank you!!! As your words have encourage me to follw the regimant, as their is an end in sight. :)

Salena

Revised: 8/31/05 - kj