I need everyone's advice!

[erinaj1997]

Hi all,

I wasn't quite sure where to post this. We need a general question heading.
Anyway, my situation is this...

2 months ago when this (IC) all started, after doing lots of research, I made an appt. with Dr. Kristene Whitmore. The appt is this Monday. My problem is that I don't know if I should bother going now. I feel soooo much better between the Elmiron and the diet. I've even been eating lots of no-nos with very little problem. I have a list of questions that I've gathered from these boards about different things (PFD, meds, botox, you name it) but I don't think I really need or have anything else now.

I don't want to waste her time or take away from others suffering more. I don't want her to start poking around and cause a flare with potassium or anything. I just don't know what to do. I know my IC is not cured and may return with a vengeance but I'm not sure if I need this right now. It's also an hour and a half drive away to Philly for me. I just don't know if it's worth it right now?

Another thing is that we're trying to get pregnant, I don't want anymore meds but she may be able to help more in a flare then.?

Should I go?

Erin

[ICNJess]

Personally, I would go. She's very knowledgable of IC, and I'd love to hear what she has to say. You are an IC patient after all. She may be able to help with the whole pregnancy issue. Good luck, let us know what you decide.

[SheriG]

I think if it were me, I would go. The best time to see a new doc is when you are not in crisis, so go, tell her what you have been doing, ask your questions, get to know one another...then if the time comes that you do have a problem, she will be familiar with your case, and you won't have the added anxiety of seeing a new doc. Best of luck, and I am glad you are feeling better! grouphug

[jaime15]

I think it'd be great for you to go. Whether you feel good or not, going to your scheduled appt. you'll have one foot in the door, so to speak.

One thing to remember about IC flares or remissions, we just don't know when one will start and when one will end.

You can also discuss all your concerns about pregnancy and meds. Most uros only do the heparin instills for their IC pregnant patients. That was two years ago. (When I had my son). Things can change. So learning is good.

I'm so grateful to hear you're doing so well!! I hope it stays that way for you!! grouphug

[havingsuccess]

Anytime I ever missed an appointment because i was feeling better I would get symptoms again lol. Bad luck or a coincidence? I don't know.. But I would definately go and see what she has to say. You may feel good forever and then you may not it would be good to know whether you could turn to her when you need something asap or whether she's a waste of time. Since you feel good she shouldn't want to do anything invasive and risk causing a flare of symptoms. Let us know what you decide.

Success

[Cali girl]

I would definately go. Especially if you are a new patient it would be a good idea to go and see her. The reason being is if you are not a patient of hers and you cancel then it might take awhile to get in to see her. However, if you are a patient then it is usually faster to get in if you have a problem. That is what I have found. I do hope that you stay feeling good. wink

Cali

[vm]

Ditto to the last post. Dr. Whitmore is VERY well known and very good. I would definitely get into see her b/c down the road you may need her. Not a lot of us have these opportunities. Take it and run!!!

[dyno]

Just adding my agreement with what the others have said. I would definatley go.

Jolene

[auntiedeb]

I agree with the others, I would go.

[scootermom]

I think Sheri's suggestion was really good-it would be better to see her if you are not in a crisis mode. You can make a list of questions and ask her without any anxiety. She is my dr. and it is very tough to get to see her directly so I wouldn't lose an appointment with her. I went in after my hydro was done and even though I was feeling good, I had a bunch of questions anyway so I kept the appointment.

[Iris]

I am in definite agreement with all the gals posts, I would definitely keep your appointment, especially judging from the posts she is an excellent doctor. Do not pass up the opportunity to have an excellent doctor to work with. Go, or I shall have to bring the nagging brigade after you. Take care and let us know how you get on at your appointment, hugs and well wishes Iris. hi wink grouphug

[radstudent]

I agree with all of the others. You were lucky enough to get an appointment with a great IC doctor. You should take advantage of it. I am sure that she can help with the pregnancy issue. It is good for a doctor to see you when you are feeling good so that they can see the difference when you are in a flare. Be sure to write all of your questions down so that you will not forget anything especially since you have such a long drive! Good luck with getting pregnant baby and staying in remission. :cool:

[erinaj1997]

Thanks for all your replies!

I'm definitely going to go. I had all that same stuff in my head, I guess I needed to hear it from someone else. Especially the one that it's easier to get in once your an established patient. I waited 2 months for this appt.!!!

I'll take my questions and come back with her answers for you guys.

Thanks again hi
Erin

[Iris]

Good for you Erin, let us know how it all goes for you, take care and a hug for you, Iris hi grouphug