Interstitial Cystitis

[kichikoi]

OMG, reading some of these posts my heart goes out to you all...now that I'm experiencing some similar symptoms I'm glad I found this site.

I'm 51 and I've had my share of UTIs and bladder infections over the years, but the last few years I've had this undescribable pressure in the pelvic/bladder area and discomfort or pain around the urethra and less interest in sex for sure!!!...been put on antibiotics and sometimes it's relieved the pain and other times not and when the urine comes back negative it is discouraging to say the least b/c the OBGYN said you should feel better, just finish the antibiotic. I've also had my OBGYNs retire the last few years and now I'm with a new one recommended by my naturopathic doc who I respect tremendously.
He's now refered me to a urologist and I'm going tomorrow and they indicated they might perform the cystoscope.

All I know is I want to know what all this pressure is - get a diagnosis and hopefully a more natural approach than all the myriad of medications I've seen listed on this site. I'm on no medications now and live a holistic lifestyle so am not thrilled to say the least about my options.

I remember getting a cystoscope way back when I was 17...had alot of UTis ...don't think they diagnosed it as interstitial cystitis b/c I went on to lead a healthy sexual life and only the last few years has it become an issue again...maybe periomenopause and now menopause is contributing.

I like to be educated to be in control of my body instead of just blindly follow what a doctor recommends...so it seems alot of you feel the PST is the way to go initially - does the cystoscope hurt? as a young girl I had it done in a hosptial setting...I'm hoping they've come a long way from that over the years...

I'm just glad I found this site to read up on ppl who have experienced the same situation and to get support and/or recommendations for the fastest relief

thanks, Jean

[joeyshadow]

WHAT HAPPEN AT THE UROS? DID HE TELL YOU IT IS IC ? IVE HAD IT FOR ABOUT 18 YEARS. LET ME KNOW AND WE CAN CHAT.

[kichikoi]

Hi, thanks for caring to ask.

He simply examined me, since I was so uncomfortable...gave me a much stronger antibiotic...500 mg ..cefu something...sent me for bloodwork today, going for cystoscope Monday and CAT scan tues to rule out stones

we actually had a laugh, since my husband is going for his cystoscope Monday as well...he had prostate issue for about 3 months now...negative biopsies so that's great...but they want to see inside his bladder b/c he was bleeding too...so I kinda said maybe I'm having sympathy pains...LOL...and he said well he'll give us a family discount two for one deal !

just a wee bit better...still pressure and urge to go, little back pain

geez louise, I'm hoping it's just a major infection - even though urine came back negative a few days ago..will be interesting to see what this one showed today along with bloodwork

will keep you posted...and will love to talk once we truly know what this is
he also seems to think since I'm menopausal and on bio-identical hormone creams that it could be stemming from dryness, etc...

all I know is it sure ain't fun, it's draining to have constant dull pain pressure all day long...and I have a high threshold to pain...so I can't wait for this to subside

talk w/ya soon