Making a List

[MerryBerryMoose]

Sorry but I am not sure where this would go...this forum seemed like the best fit.


I see my uro on Monday the 5th and plan to make a list of my current symptoms, all my medications (with dosages) and other relavant things. My symptoms have changed a great deal since the last time I saw him and want to bring up the possibility that I might have more of a back problem than IC.

Can anyone help me phrase that? I don't want to come across pushy or obsessive.


Thanks. Any help/advice is welcome.

[topcop229]

I think the list is a great idea, as we often have questions or concerns we want to bring up at an appointment, and then we get there and get going and before you realize it, the doc is gone and all those questions THEN pop into your head. I have started doing the same thing, if I have a question for a future appointment, I write it on a little piece of paper that I put in my purse, so I can just grab it when I get to the appointment.

As for not sounding pushy, I think if you speak from your heart about your symptoms and meds and show that you are truly just seeking the right meds and treatment, you won't come across as pushy. But remember, sometimes to get a doc to really listen, you might have to be a bit pushy! And that's okay, because your best interests are at heart.

Just bring up your concerns with him/ her. Explain that your symptoms have changed and you just want to make sure that you are taking the right meds, as you would hate to overload your body with meds that aren't even right for your situation. You could maybe also print off some credible information that you've found on the web or in books or magazines that led you to believe that your problem may be more back-related than IC-related.

Good luck! I am sure that your doc will appreciate the fact that you are being proactive in your care!

[Trishann]

I think you are doing great with making a list. Just remember sometimes your doctor may be wrong and sometimes you may be wrong, and working together to figure it out is the best thing to do. It also depends on your doctor's personality, sometimes it is better to bring someone with you, And sometimes it is just better for us to bring someone because I know I get nervous.

I think you will be just fine and doing the checklist is great.

Hugs, Trishann

[ascatts77]

I brought a 6 page letter describing all my history since the pain started! I also felt it was a bit much, but when you think about it - going to the doc can sometimed be intimidating. They may be in a rush or you may be nervous and forget things, so I found that it was very helpful to have it all written out for him to review! You sound like your being very smart about your own health care!! It is very important to be a part of the plan!! I hope it goes well for you! Good luck!

[MerryBerryMoose]

Thanks for all your feedback. I made a list (one page typed). It's short and mentiones only my current meds, symptoms and such. I am going to post it and would like some feedback.
Thanks and here it is;



Medications

Elmiron 100mg 3x daily
Ditropan XL 10mg 2x daily
Zegerid 40mg 2x daily
Seasonale
Tramadol 50mg as needed




Symptoms

Urinary:
-Frequency
-Voiding 1-3 at night
-Occasional burning (when it does burn, it is during voiding and sometimes after and more in my urethra than in my bladder)
-Feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen.
-Food no longer seems to affect my symptoms.

Back:
-Lower back pain that (sometimes radiates down my left leg to my foot and back up).
-Pain ranged from sharp to dull and a feeling of fullness.
-Pressure like feeling (like something is wedged between my vertebra).
*Pain is made worse by twisting motions and is alleviated by walking and laying flat with my legs slightly elevated with pillows.




Notes

-Bladder was initially helped with Elmiron, Elavil, and Ditropan XL.
-Back pain eventually aggravated by physical therapy.
-Symptoms occasionally aggravated by car rides (only when sitting on seats that pitch me at a funny angle stressful to my back)

[ihurttoo]

I like the list. I think it is a great idea and I am sure your Dr. will be glad that you had the foresight to write everything down and bring it. Hopefully, your Dr. will have some new ideas for things for you to try that can help with your pain and other symptoms. Please post and let us know how the visit goes!

Hugs,
Amy

[jen74]

how do you get a TENS unit to use at home? Does it help with your IC?
Jen

[ascatts77]

I got a referral for a TENS unit from my physical therapist, after using something similiar at therapy. MAKE SURE YOUR INSURANCE COVERS IT!!!they gave me one out of my network, and I am still arguing with them over my balance for the unit. Even if I have to pay for it, it DEFINITELY is worth it!!! I use it a few times a week, and ANYTIME I have to travel long distances via car or airplane. If you have any other questions regarding it, please let me know!! This is definitely one tool to cope with IC that has been very helpful to me!! Most of my pain is in my lower right side of the abdomen, and I also have severe trigger points in my right side of my back, so I use 2 leads on my right front, and 2 leads on my back, and it has been a godsend!!! you can also use it with heat or cold. Good Luck!!

[ihurttoo]

My Pain Mgmt Dr. prescribed my TENS unit. I got it at a medical supply store. Insurance covered it 100%. It helps me with pain sometimes, but not always. Like most of the pain relief methods in my "IC Tool Box", it is hit or miss, but it is definately worth getting one. Some ICers use it as their sole method of pain mgmt, though most of use multiple pain relief methods. But, I definately think it is worth the money and worth a shot!

I hope it works well for you!

Hugs,
Amy