I'm new and have lots of questions

[KristiV]

I was just recently told by my urologist that he thinks that I have IC. It all began in January when I developed itching in my vagina. I had a couple yeast infections and a couple of UTI's and was still having problems with both. I was then tested for yet another UTI and it came back negative. I was tested for yeast, a couple of weeks ago and my gyno told me that there was blood in there and that he could not see anything but that it might be hidden by the blood. I have had itching on my vagina for the past three months. I have not had one day free of some sort of pain since January 19th when all this began. I might have had a couple days off here or there on itching, but have always had pain. THe weird thing is that in the morning when I wake up, I seem fine. The mornings are the best for me by far. I also take hydroxzine so I am wondering if that is why I feel better on that. My gyno told me to try not to think about the itching, which made me extremely mad. I believe the reason my doctor thinks that I have IC is because I void anywhere between 7-11 times in a day and when I went in before I was given medication I would wake up 1 or 2 times a night. I don't really have urgency. I can hold it for quite a bit of time, but the frequency part I have always had since I was young. I was told at a young age that I had a small bladder and that I had to stretch it out. I am still trying to get a proper diagnosis and was wondering if anyone can help. I have noticed that I have weak urine stream, but if I wear an adhesive heating pad to bed at night, I can void fine the next day. If not, I will start and stop a couple times and just trickle. Does this sound like IC or PFD or both? By the itching I was talking about earlier could I have vulvodynia or something else crazy? Before this happened in January, I had only had one UTI and one yeast infection and they went away with medication. Please give me any advice that you can since I feel like I am also in a battle with my doctors to help me. Thanks.

Kristi

[OUCHitis]

Hi

Im new too...welcome aboard! Hopefully us newbys can find the help we need. Im glad we arent alone. Makes this struggle a tad easier.
sending you HUGS

[RAS6]

Hello Diane and Kristi! I am so glad you have found us! I hope you both will get some answers and relief soon. I was very overwhelmed at first, but the wonderful people here were able to give me great tips and support. I am glad you have started the IC diet. The IC handbook is another great resource to read. I was able to even find a great specialist through the ICN's physician locator service.
Kristi, I have had that same "itchy" feeling you described and was later on diagnosed with PFD. I don't know alot about Vulvadynia though. It may be a symptom. Hopefully one of the ladies who know more about it will get back to you.
Good luck to you both!