Finally going to the Dr...advice?

[PikkuMyy]

Hi everyone,

First I want to thank all of you for being extremely helpful and informative, not to mention supportive to everyone on this board.

I don't like going to the doctor - not because of being squeamish or anything - but because I've gotten tired of not being listened to.

My symptoms began a little over 3 years ago, and although I've found some things that help, I've never been diagnosed with anything particular.

I went to a uro who dismissed it as "honeymoon cystitis" (HA!) and sort of gave up.

Now I'll be seeing a female (yay!) gyno-urologist who even lives near me. I pray that it works out and that I get some sort of diagnosis and treatment plan. If I have IC, it's not the classic kind since I have a very large bladder capacity and can sleep through the night. But I do have many symptoms of urethral burning, urgency, frequency, etc. off and on.

Since I always forget things and get kind of flustered at the Dr's office, this time (my appt is April 9) I intend to bring a list of questions to ask.

Do you have any advice for things I ought to ask on my first visit?

Thanks,
Emily ([email protected])

[PikkuMyy]

P.S.

One thing I'm going to do is have my previous doctors' (gen practitioners) fax my medical records pertaining to my bladder to the new Dr. (like all of the urine cultures that were negative despite my symptoms, etc.)

Emily

[vm]

Bringing all your medical records is a great idea.

Maybe one of the things you could ask is what conditions she plans to rule out and what diagnostic methods she will use to do that. You could share your concerns about it possibly being IC and ask what she thinks and what she would do to help you figure it out. That would probably generate some good discussion.

I hope your appointment goes well.

[HillaryD]

Emily,
I think all of us here know what it's like having Dr's not listen to you and it's not fun!
banghead
I got to the point where I thought that the Dr's were right and that everything was in my head, please don't get to that point! We all have sympotoms that shouldn't be dismissed, and I would tell your new Dr that you need some answers and are willing to do whatever it takes to get some! It is a great idea to bring a list of ?'s to ask her, just like you said, but I would also take a list of your symptoms. You might also want to track your symptoms from now until your appt, and that might also give you a better idea of what triggers your symptoms. I would tell her that you have been researching IC and that you don't want to diagnose yourself, but could she please consider that a possibility and do some tests (other than urine) to rule it out. I wish you good luck and know that all of us here are here to listen and to help! I don't know what I would do without this place!
grouphug

[ICNJess]

I think you've got everything under control, and Kim gave you some great advice (isn't she just great and the biggest sweetie in the world?? )

Keep us posted, I hope all goes well.

Hugs and love,
Jess

[PikkuMyy]

Thanks for your advice! I forgot to take data on my symptoms but I'll start today so at least I have 2 weeks worth. I got both current and past doctors' offices to fax over results. I'll even try that horrible unlistening uros office to see if they have the results of my ultrasounds. It was 3 years ago but I'm not sure how long they're required to keep such records.

I'll also come prepared with info in case she doesn't know a lot about IC.

I'll let you know what happens.

Thanks again!
Emily

[VickiB]

Hi Emily,

I have IC, yet usually sleep through the night,...except on those really bad off & on flare-up ocasions!

I just want to echo HillaryD's post. Don't get to that point of giving up. (I did) You know when there's something wrong, and that you shouldn't be experiencing your symptoms!

Hope April 9th brings you some answers. Let us know how it turns out.

Vicki

[Katrina]

I have IC and can usually sleep through the night...it can mean a terrible morning....and sometimes I wish I would wake up and go...but I don't. My capacity was normal when first diagnosed....and doc still thought before test that I had IC.

I recommend being informed ow what you could have and once she says what she thinks ask questions like:
--how would you treat it?
--what possibilities do I have for getting better?
--what is best and what is worse possibilities?
--how informed are you on this disease?




hope this helps

[kelly McC]

Emily,
Good Luck at your appointment!

[PikkuMyy]

Thanks everyone,

I didn't think it would be a big deal but as I think about tomorrow, I'm getting a bit nervous - butterflies in my tummy, etc. please keep me in mind/prayers, etc. as I am really hoping for a good appointment.



Emily

[CeeCee]

Handbook

I think if you have a copy of the ICN handbook and the voiding diary for your doctor to take a look at would be a big help.

It helps your dr. to know how many times your are going to the bathroom during an hour. I would write in the corner each time the pressure and urgent feeling were worse, if it burned, etc.

It has helped me to figure which times of the day seem to be worse. And at that time I try and remember what I may have eaten or done to make it that way.

Good luck with your new dr.

CeeCee

[PikkuMyy]

Hi everyone,

I've posted the results of that visit under "Newly diagnosed", as she thinks I have it.

Sigh. Thanks for your suggestions. I took lots of notes beforehand but of course I forgot to tell her several important details. I'll have to call back on Monday.

Emily