[deadra]

I was just diagnoised with IC ..yesterday. But, my symptoms are not like most on this forum, this puzzles me.

I had a par. hys. on Sept 13 - ended up with an infection of my incision and a UTI Spent another 3 days in the hospital on IV antibiotics trying to get rid of the infections.

Each check up resulted in the continuation of the UTI Nothing got rid of it. I've been on antibiotics since Sept 13. My ob/gyn sent me to a Urologist. He sent me for a Abdominal CT then performed a Cystoscopy in his office (yesterday). His diagnosis was IC

As far as symptoms, I have pain when I start to urinate, during and at the end of urination. All pain is inside, none on the outside....no burning, itching, stinging - nothing. The only time I realize that I have a problem, is when I empty.

I asked if this could have been caused by the catheter - my uro. said yes. But, the more I think about it, the more I wonder if the catheter just iritated what was already there? Any thoughts?

I've had lower back pain for the last 3 years - I first noticed it when waking up, then it progressed to waking me up at night, now I can feel the pain during the day. It's not severe, just bothersome. My Ct didn't show anything out of the ordinary - my left kidney is tilted, but that's not really out of the norm.

About 6 months before my surgery, I think I had a bladder/uti infection but I'm not really sure. I did feel urgency and frequency, but I tried a home remedy involving baking soda and it seemed to work.

Is it possible that I've had IC for several years and just didn't know it - and maybe the surgery just irritated it and caused the inflamation to worsen?

I did have an infection in the lining of my uterus and cervix when they were removed.

My urologist has put me on Doxycycl and prosed ds - is this normal with IC ? He did tell me it would take a while to get rid of it and that I would have to change the foods I eat.

Can anyone shed any light on this for me? To me, it sounds like I have a combination of a bacteria infection and IC. Any thoughts?

[deadra]

Hmmmm.....no replies. Maybe my symptoms are more different than I thought?

Does ANYONE have any thoughts about this?

[sadone]

Hello,
I was diagnosed with IC few months ago and it has been very difficult ever since.
If you had a cysto and doctor diagnosed IC, then you have it.
They look for ulcers, or damaged tissue on the wall of the bladder that protect it from acids, etc.
This lining is damaged and that is what causes spasms, urgency, painful urination and intercourse.
For me it was the years of UTI's that were misdiagnosed, back pain after third child and waking up every morning stiff and sore all over. I also have pain in right foot and knee. It is a throbbing sensation around the belly button area, all around the back and above the pelvic bone.
It comes and goes like the wind. I also run to the bathroom 19 times or more a day. My urine also has a different kind of odour. Intercourse with my husband after 20 years is very painful now, almost like after you have a baby and you are all sore down there. I have also have real UTI after cysto was done and some vaginal yeast infections that needed a special cream for treatment. I am sure that all of this is connected. Bowel movements are different now, more spastic and sore.
I am at home on short term disability right now as I could not cope with my stressful job and this illness.
I am on Elmiron, Vesicare and Wellbutrin antidepressant as I am not sleeping and coping with this very well.
I am waiting to see another urologist who has specialty with IC in the new year. Current urologist is not very knowledgeable. He basically told me after the cysto, that I have IC and put me on drugs.
All I can say is that the symptoms are different for everyone.
Make sure you find a urologist that you are happy with. Make sure you ask alot of questions and be specific with your symptoms. I find that I am always justifying pain to doctors, employers, insurance companies and even friends. This is so frustrating for me as I am an honest person, who only goes to the doctor when extremely necessary.
You may also notice that you are tired all the time and do not have alot of energy. This was huge for me as I was a superwoman, working full time with three kids. Now I can barely get up in the morning and take a shower. Forget about functioning in the workplace or the public.
I understand what you are going through. Try and be positive and keep a daily journal of how you are feeling and at what times. You will definitely see a pattern.
Good luck and keep in touch.

Sad One