Coming off HRT - did this cause my IC

[Capey]

Hi there, I am new to this site, and have suffered IC (undiagnosed) for most likely about 10 years now. Over the past few years it has become more frequent. I didn't know at the time what it was so kept on throwing antibiotics down my neck....metronidozol, told I was having NON specific urethritis (non specific is such a cop-out). Eventually thanks the the wonders of Google, I started to notice my symptoms coming up in searches.
So to cut this to a snappy soundbite, I went to my doctor who tried to give me more antibiotics and eventully begged to see a urologist. He did one of those scopy things and said he did not see damage to the bladder lining, but hell't teeth I know all about burning "nether regions" and could happily park on the toilet and watch ER for the rest of my life.
My symtoms are strange though, I have no bladder pain or spasms, I do have IBS, VV and a few other acronims as well.
This all seems to have started around the time I had to come off hormone replacement therapy - wondered if this is what is causing this.....should I go back to the urologist or should I see a gynacologist.
FYI, I am not American I live in the UK and we are not quite so up to date or aware as you lot across the pond seem to be, so I would appreciate some input from you guys, who seem a lot more informed.
ps. I am on an IC diet (I swear Buddist Monks are having more fun than me!!) drink only Rooibos (red bush) tea, and am awaiting the arrival of other interesting herbs to add to my exciting drinks cabinet.
OK any input very welcome./

[ICNDonna]

Hormones can definitely play a role in IC symptoms. A cystoscope done in a doctors office will not usually diagnose IC --- my bladder appeared to be normal and healthy --- it was not until it was stretched during a hydrodistention with anesthesia that my severe IC was diagnosed.

Some gynecologists are aware of and treating IC; I see a urologist for mine. My IC was diagnosed 36 years ago and I feel good most of the time.

Warm healing thoughts,
Donna

[Capey]

Thanks for the reply Donna, I had a whole scope thing done under anaesthetic in surgery with the urologist, which is why I am puzzled. He said it was just a sensitive bladder, and that there was no damage to the lining. I have made an appointment with my GP and am going to ask her to eithe send me back to the urologist or refer me to a urologist./gynae. See what I am concerned with is that I might have accidently diagnosed myself and be treating myself for something that I don't have or I might have something else that I am doing more harm to.
Odd that he claimed the lining of my bladder was intact and fine, and that I held quite a bit of liquid. I suffer from vulvodynia, which comes and goes, somehow at the same time as IBS flare ups.... I can happily go to the loo every half hour or hour, but can also hold it in and sleep through the night, so either i Have very mild IC (in luck if its caught early and I can try and sort it) or I hav something else. I was hoping from the experience of peeps on the site, they might have some input. Will ask the specilaist about the HRT too - its worth going back on it although I am 53 and don't need it, and just keeping an eye on things.