Hi, I've read a lot of posts but I've never contributed but I'm at my wit's end. Before developing IC for years I had IBS and was told I had fibromyalgia and/or some undiagnosed autoimmune disorder. I also had migraines and I am infertile. I didn't realize that possibly all these things are related but when I go to the doctor's they just treat each thing separately and treat the symptoms. I only had bladder urgency up until two years ago when because of perimenopausal problems I had a uterine wall ablation to get rid of fibroids. The burning, pain and urgency increased after that. Then I went to a urologist in Santa Ana and have been going to him ever since but he only treats the bladder. Sometimes the pain spreads to the vulva. When I went to the gynecologists they didn't know what to do and that sent me back to the urologists. Three years later I only have temporary relief and on top of that I've gained 30 pounds (I'm on elavil, prozac, elmiron (which doesn't work for me), and three different high blood pressure meds because that has sky rocketed). The only answer my doctor gives is to solve the immediate flare with rescue distillations of DMSO/cocktails. It is so painful that sometimes I'll stay in a flare instead of calling for an appointment. I'm a teacher in a high school and this is making it very difficult to do my job. But then the doctor always points out to me that I must do something about my stress levels. Learn how to handle stress better. Or that it must be something I'm eating. Also, no one seems to understand when you tell them that there isn't a "cure." I'm tired of just maintaining and coming home in pain and then just curling up and going to sleep just to get up the next morning and hope I can make it through my job. Recently, I read Dr. Vliet's books and I found it encouraging, but because of a previous experience with a doctor who promised he could holistically solve all my problems (vitamins and herbs that sent the IC in overdrive that I had to buy from him was his "cure") I'm afraid to try someone new. Dr. Vliet says that she looks at all the syndromes and instead of treating symptoms tries to find the root cause. Has anyone gone to Dr. Vliet? The reason I ask is usually these clinics require money up front and then you have to deal with the insurance companies and it isn't cheap. I think Dr. Vliet's is 3500 for testing etc. and that doesn't include flying to her place and staying at a hotel during the visit. I'd like to know if anyone has tried this and if this has already been posted, I'm sorry. Just tired of it all. Teewren,MV, Ca
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