Should I do hydrodistention?

[KristiV]

I am going in to my uro at the beginning of June and they are more than likely going to set me up an appointment to do a cysto/hydro. I have read horror stories and am pretty scared about it. Another problem I am facing is that I have been on Elmiron, Hydroxzine, Estrace cream, replens and the IC diet for two months now and I am already seeing a difference. The main problem I am having is burning around my urethra and vagina and sometimes itching around my vagina depending on what time of the month it is. I just got done taking diflucan for a week and felt better, but I am wondering if the itching and burning is not a nerve thing. I am going the restroom anywhere between 7-10 times every day and do not really have much urgency. I have dryness on my vagina and just missed my period this month. No, I am not pregnant, unfortunately. So my question is, is there some other test that I can do to be able to tell if I do have IC? I really do not want to do a test that could cause me more pain since I have seen improvement. I also am still questioning a little in my head whether this could be pelvic floor dysfunction. Should I ask about the potassium test? Can this tell me if I have IC and to what degree I have it?

[BAM23]

you know, I read somewhere that the hydrodistention does not have to be done to get a diagnosis of IC, and that a lot of people are not doing it anymore, but I also hear that it helps some, but if you are already feeling bettter then that doesn't matter to you. I would think that if you already have the diagnosis and the meds are helping that should be enough. Why go through the extra pain and interfere with the meds if you don't have to. I don't know much about the potassium test but I did not have one, I had the hydro. I guess this is just really your call, I mean if you feel doubtful that you have IC either test might be a good idea. IF it was me I probably would have wanted to have at least one of them just to make sure it was IC but we are all different. Good luck making a choice, I know it isn't easy

[Briza]

I would say try the PST, it's much less expensive and so many fewer risks than the hydro. You're sypmtoms that you're describing don't sound bladder related, IMHO, sounds more like vulvodynia and/or PFD. But the PST could give you peace of mind regarding whether you have IC or not, but I don't think that there is a rating system. The PUF survey,though, would be helpful in determining if you have IC or not. And since your meds are already seeming to work, if I were in your shoes, I would give them a chance to work before having a hydro, because yes, it is very likely that it would cause pain that you are not having right now. Best wishes

[Zygala87]

If it were me (we are all so different) I would not take either test. Hydro or the Potassium test if you have a chose at all. Both, in my opinion ,could put you into a flare. Since you seem to be doing well that will be drepressing. I likewise am doing OK but if I go into a major flare I asked the OBGYN if he would do another hydro. He said yes. The hydro brought me down from a 10 to a 2 in pain and I didn't seem to hurt very much after. I have read where many people say it is awful. I think a lot depends on the Doctor doing it. This Dr. is the same one who did it first so I am not afraid to return to him if necessary. Talk to your Dr and ask what they think. My opinion is" if it ain't broke, don't fix it" I hope things keep getting better and better for you. Hug, Ziggy

[Eccles]

The hydro seems to help some but not others. I had no bladder pain before the hydrodistension. Since it I've had two years of agony & bleeding, & wish that I'd never had it done.

Have you tried emu oil for the irritation? I use an ice block well wrapped in two thick towels, but this has to be done very carefully to avoid frostbite!

[littlemyrn]

Hydro is good for me, I am having another in Thurs. But since you seem to be doing ok, I would leave it alone. I agree, it sounds more like VV, esp. since you only go 7-10 times a day, I go that many times before noon. Best of luck with what you decide to do. By the way, the hydo really helps my freg. that is why I choose to do them.

[KristiV]

Is there another test to confirm whether or not I have IC besides the hydro and the potassium? Is there a test to tell me if I have PFD?

[LeeAnn]

pfd

I think for a PFD test they just do a pelvic exam and assess the muscle tone in there. But I have heard of more complicated tests.....does anyone know if there's a standard way of evaluating PFD?

[KristiV]

I am going into the uro tomorrow and have almost completely decided to ask him to do a Potassium test instead of a hydro. Do uros normally do a potassium test the same day that you request it? My "IC" if that is what I have, seems to have gotten better. The worst thing right now is that I have bumps down there, about 10 or so, that are itching and sometimes hurt because of their location. Does anyone know what that is?

[SandyRN]

There's no way to tell you what the bumps could be. Since you are going to the doctor tomorrow please ask him/her about the bumps and itching. Let us know how your appt turns out. Oh, and I know that some people have the potassium test the first appt. and others have to reschedule another appt to have it done. It all depends on the doctor.

Sandy