Problems after Cysto & Hydo-help!

[E-Lisa]

Hi,

I am new to this board and I have a couple of quick questions for everyone.

I was diagnosed with IC on Thur 2/26/04. The Dr. performed a cysto, biopsy, and hyrdodistention. My symtoms are just as bad now as they were prior to the exam, in regards to urgency and frequency. I called the Dr.'s office, and all the receptionist told me was that things would be bad for a few days. Is this true? I asked if they put in any anti-biotics during the procedure and they did use some in the IV, but I'm not sure if this is an infection or residual from the procedure.

Does anyone know how long it takes to determine if the procedure is successful? Have others experienced discomfort after the procedure?

THe only medicine he has me on is Urised.

Thank you,
Elissa

[ICNJess]

Hi Elissa,

Welcome to the boards! You and I share the same diagnosis date--I was dx'd 2/26/03. My symptoms remained the same after my hydro--actually became worse--and that sometimes happens. If you are concerned about infection, you could always go in and drop of a urine sample?

Good luck,
Jess

[E-Lisa]

Hi Jess,

Thank you so much for answering me. It is encouraging to know that I'm not alone in this. I will let you know how things progress from here.

Elissa

[ICNJess]

Hi Elissa,

Glad to have you aboard. You are NOT alone! (By the way the rest of my story is under Success Stories in a post, the story up now is only the half of it LOL)

Hugs and love,
Jess

[E-Lisa]

Jess,
I sent you a private message. Hope you see it.
Elissa

[ICNDonna]

Hydrodistention is a surgery and it can take time to heal. I usually plan on taking it easy after I have one. If you're not feeling better within a few days, I do suggest you see your doctor to be sure you don't have infection. And if you have an increase in symptoms, you'll want to be checked right away.

In the meantime, rest, drink lots of water (six to eight cups a day).

Sending healing thoughts,
Donna

[Lexi]

Hi there,

I just wanted to respond to this because I am scheduled for my second hydro in April and am debating because of fear. I was diagnosed with IC 4 years ago and had the hydro and for 1 month afterwards I was living in what seemed to be hell. My husband had to walk me back and forth to and from the bathroom and I felt like my bladder was completely raw. After the initial month, I had gotten a lot better and it lasted for 10 months. Has anyone ever heard of complications from a hydro or is there a limit or controversy to having this procedure done a lot of times? I'm not having the spinal, but the anesthesia. Has anyone had both a spinal and anesthesia at separate times? Sorry for the questions, but I read a lot and know quite about hydros. I also have a support group for IC, but for the first time in my life, I am really nervous about the risks involved with doing this again. Thanks all and hope everyone is doing well!

Lexi

[ICNDonna]

For Lexi: First of all, welcome to the IC Network.

Now about hydrodistentions --- This has been a major treatment for me. I was diagnosed via hydrodistention in 1975 and have now had the procedure done 35 times. My time between hydros has varied from six months to just under two years. I had my last one in July of last year.

My anesthetic of choice is spinal, but there have been times when I had a second procedure at the same time which required a general anesthetic. I have a severe problem with nausea with many medications, and it's worse with general anesthesia.

When I have a hydro, my urologist keeps me in the hospital overnight for pain control and a continuous bladder irrigation of a steroid solution. I firmly believe this helps me to feel better when I come home. I am always given pain medications to have at home, but rarely need them beyond the first two or three days.

Hydros don't work for everyone --- I read an article that estimated it helps about 50% of ICers --- but it does work for me and for that I am very thankful.

There is some disagreement within the medical community about the benefit of repeated hydrodistentions, but as long as it helps me, I will continue to have them.

If you have questions about hydrodistention, feel free to ask. I'll be happy to share my experiences.

Sending warm welcoming hugs,
Donna