Can a urologist make a dg. on first visit?

[425runner]

Isn't there some potassium sensitivity test that they can do? I'm so scared of having a cystoscopy done, especially like others say with hydrodistension which would give a more accurate diagnosis.

I'm in the middle of tax season, dealing with insane pain every day for the last two weeks! I'm so depressed if it wasn't for my husband I wouldn't be here. Can't run or give me best at work because of this bladder issue and I'm only 34!

[cmclien]

Sorry you are so stressed and in the middle of tax season. I worked in an accounting firm years and years ago in my 20's and I remember the pressure and stress of everyone around me until April 15th came.

Usually these days most docs don't want to do the PST but I have even asked my doctor about it. They can make a diagnosis on 1st visit either with cystoscopy or pst or sometimes symptoms, depends on your doc. My doc did an exam the first visit and some kind of urine retention test which I can't remember the name of it but it measured the pressure and how much urine was left over afterwards (which catheterized out). Based on the pelvic exam he thought 99% sure I had IC because my bladder was tender where he palpitated it thru the vaginal wall.
The 2nd visit was the cysto and to check for blood etc. It wasn't a big deal, took 10 minutes but he thought my bladder looked healthy. He is one of the docs who doesn't feel a cysto with hydro is necessary if you have the symptoms and if he's done the cysto and ruled out cancer etc. The whole general anesthesia just for a test he thought was s big overkill. Did you see that latest article from I think was the Uro assoc saying they don't think you need to do pst or cysto with hydro anymore to start basic meds? symptoms should be enough.
I have mentioned pst to my doc too cuz I'd like to know for sure, but there are flaws with that test too and it doesn't catch all the cases. Plus it is pretty painful most people say who have had it done and they have to do a rescue instill right after to stop the pain of it if it is positive.

I hear you on the age, I was in my 20's when mine started up. Have you started the diet? the link is below.

[425runner]

Thank you! Yes, I started the diet but it's hard...today I forgot and had 2 cans of Diet Pepsi oh my....this triggered tremendous pain, so bad I was in tears and had to take Vicodin.

I just hope the urologist I'm seeing on We is good. I wanted to see Dr. Lowell Parsons but that'd take a few weeks and I need help asap because this is killing me, draining all my energy.

[Jereme]

sorry you are having such a hard time with this. unfortunately there are no fast or easy solutions to IC at this time. Currently a diagnosis of IC doesn't require PST or cystoscopy with hydro. This site is packed with info if you look beyond the forums. The ICA interstitial cystitis association is also helpful.

[sailawaygrl]

If you are having severe pain (this is what I had when I started with IC) it might take a bit to get your diagnosis. My Dr was very thourough and had quite a few tests done to rule out anything else before turning to the IC diagnosis. My urologist never even mentioned IC until everything else came back negative. When I was diagnosed I was very confident that I had been given a correct diagnosis. My urologist did not give me any meds while doing tests, because they might have given a false read on a test. I did however get pain meds perscribed during this time from my gp, she was the first Dr I went to about my problems, and she mentioned the possibility of IC. She also knew the pain I was having. I did let my uro know about the pain meds as well.
Different Drs will have differing ways of reaching a diagnosis, and your symptoms may also make a difference in the test they perform. I was having immense pain, constant urgency but knew I couldn't "go" so I was able to put off going to the bathroom. My main symptom and still is to this day is pain in my bladder.
Good luck to you. If you find a Dr that you feel is doing all that they can to find a cause of your problems, give them time to find what is going on. You certainly want them to make the correct diagnosis.

[VCNJ84]

My new Uro made a diagnosis on my first visit. But he had my medical information from my old evil uro (who didn't think I had IC b/c I could pizza--SIGH) and charts and symptoms noticed by my Vulvo vaginal specialist.

[bob04951]

yes, some uros will still do the PST. Bob actually had the urodynamics, PST, cysto all in one visit. The whole thing took about 1/2 hour. The PST was the worst of all, he almost flew off the table, but the uro rescue distilled him immediately. If you are going to have that done, make sure your uro promises you that you will have the rescue immediately. And take someone with you who will be in the room at the time. That is a huge stress reducer and sometimes helps the doc be a little more empathetic. People with healthy bladders will have no reaction to the PST, but even if you don't, make sure you get flushed out with the rescue instill afterwards. And also make sure he/she gives you something for maybe a few days of residual pain, even if you don't have to take them. You can read up on all of these tests here and elsewhere on the net, you will definitely get more truthful info here from folks who have been through these, and medical info on other sites as well. Wish you much luck, and don't be afraid of these tests. They are very brief. And yes, the latest urological standards do discourage invasive diagnosis, however some insurance companies may require a "definite." All you really need is a good doc who understands IC, and then you will be fine.

And stick with the diet! It's not so terrible, it's actually pretty healthy, and you're getting rid of all that junk that we were all hooked on. Many, many suggestions here and good substitutes for almost everything. It is not the end of the world, you will learn much here and get a lot of support. Wish you well. Jill, wife of Bob