M.D suggestions for Miami/ Upper Keys

[bolee]

I have yet to be diagnosed, but after suffering with the symptoms of urethritis for over a month and initially having a urologist and lab-diagnosed staph infection of the urethra that, according to bacterial culture studies, has been cleared up for 2 1/2 weeks, I still have symptoms of frequency, burning, backache, spasms, forced, stop-and -go urination, pain after bicycling and with sex. I started the IC diet when these symptoms began and found Prelief, which has allowed me to drink 90% acid reduced coffee (Kava) and have a little chocolate and occasional alcohol. I am now in my 50s and had frequent cystitis (honeymoon cystitis, as some call it) in my 20s and 30s when I was often in long-distance relationships. I had urethritis flare-ups occasionally as a child and kidney infections 2 or 3 times in my life. I also had major gyn surgery 13 years ago after suffering with horrible endometeriosis, fibroids and ovarian cysts. I did not have a hysterectomy, however.

But this recent bout seems never ending and my urologist has told me straight out he does not believe in IC. Since this flare-up began with a staph infection I have stayed with him and hoped the symptoms now were just holdovers, but I really wonder. I had a cystoscopy today and the urethra and bladder wall looked fine apparently. I have found a uro-gyn in Miami I will visit tomorrow (my second attempt to find one who is at least aware of IC). But I would like to know if there is a doctor in the Miami/ Upper Florida Keys someone can recommend. Also is there an IC support group in the area?

I wonder about the connection with endometriosis and/or inrritable bowel syndrome, which I've had over 10 years. Any advice out there?

Feeling not so sunny in the Keys

[floridamom]

There is a Dr. Ghonim (not sure of spelling) who was recommende by my Uro. he is down in Ft. Lauderdale area.