You Know It? I'm Scared!

[dines]

Hi everyone! I'm back in the USA after 15 months in the UK. I came back because I miss the East Bay so much and because I was getting nowhere with medical help for what is probably IC.

In the v. short time I've been back, I've seen a urologist and he's set up an appt at a local hospital for a distension and cystoscopy under a general anasthetic.

I'm very nervous. I've heard horror stories about distensions from many people. I don't want to be in dreadful pain after the proceedure. I can't tolerate codeine, so vicadin is out, as are all codeine painkillers. I'm hoping that there are other painkillers that will do the job, if it's needed, without sending my body into the usual pain attacks and hallucinations I have to endure on codeine.

If anyone has anything to offer in terms of info or advice regarding alternative pain meds and/or distensions in general, I'd be glad to hear from you. My urologist says that for a really clear look at the bladder, a dist. is necessary. He says that sometimes disruptions on the bladder lining only show up with distension, they can't be seen with just a cystoscopy.

Well. At least things are moving. Hope I hear from someone. I wish all the best of health. More later.

dines

[ICNDonna]

Hydrodistention is a major treatment for me and I have now had 35. I'm always nervous before I have one, but I believe that's normal --- being in a hospital and having an anesthetic is scary for everyone.

I can't take codeine either --- so my uro orders pain medications for me that don't have codeine. That's not a problem; just be sure your doctor knows. And when you go to the hospital, be sure to tell them that you can't take codeine.

One good thing is that you will very probably be diagnosed by the procedure and will know exactly what it is you're dealing with.

Sending healing thoughts,
Donna

[dines]

thanks ICdonna, for the very useful advice. it's so comforting to know that i'm not alone, that other people have intolerances to certain drugs. i always forget that and think i'm the only one with sensitivities.

have you had 35 distensions because they work for you? do they ease the pain and reduce or eliminate the urge to pass water? or have you had them because you've had to keep checking on your condition?

dines

[dines]

one other question, ICN donna - do you leave hospital with the meds in your hand or do you have to make your way to walgreens or some such and pick them up there?

dines

[ICNDonna]

Hydrodistention always eases my symptoms for anywhere from six months to a year or more. I usually go about a year, but once did go almost two years.

Donna

[dminton]

Hi there!

I'm sorry you feel so scared but I think it's pretty normal! Like Donna said, no one likes to go to the hospital and get anesthetized. I have to go next week for lip cancer and dread it.

Maybe you will have a positive reaction to the procedure, as some people do. That would be awesome!

Best of luck-

Diana.

[Iris]

I know it can be really scary, having any procedure done, its a normal reaction. Saw your post Diane about you having lip cancer surgery done. I had surgery on my face done three weeks ago for cancer, and any help I can give you, would be pleased to do so. I know I was nervous about the whole situation, but it came out fine. Keep us posted how you gals are doing, hugs Iris. grouphug

[lotsofgirls]

Iris,
you are so amazing, how you handle everything so well, your an inspiration!!
Cath angel

[Iris]

Hi Cath, thanks for the post, it was really nice. In all truth, I think when I was diagnosed with IC, it really changed me as a person, a lot. It was my first challenge, at dealing with a health problem that was there in my life, everyday, until a cure for IC comes along. So when I was told I had skin cancer, I decided, O.K. here comes another challenge. In all honesty, both challenges have given me more strength, and more faith, than I had before both. Also a great support team, like the IC family, has been a wonderful help to me, in everyday living with IC, and now my skin cancer, that was very successfully removed. Thank God, in whom I have great faith and strength. Thank you again for you nice post, take care and hugs to you my IC sister, Iris. kissing grouphug