Finally diagnosed after almost 8 years...

[KarenAnne]

That is so great that you finally got an answer & a good treatment plan going! Sounds like you found a knowledgeable dr.

[VickiB]

Oh yeah, I remember feeling that same way! I think a big part of my relief was because I was actually beginning to wonder if maybe they were right and it really was all in my head. I'd like to think if I was going over the rainbow I could do better than "My bladder hurts!".

THANK GOD somebody is finally listening to me and not acting like it's all my fault.

Sounds like you've found a good doctor!

Vicki

[soymilk]

I know a lot of people are very upset to hear about their IC diagnosis, but I for one am RELIEVED. I had been through multiple urologists and the only thing I was told before was "it's all in your head," "it's probably just stress," "if you would just relax, your pain would go away" and "if sex hurts, don't have sex."

Today I went to a new urologist and he was GREAT. I had an in-office cystoscopy, which was definitely uncomfortable but not half as painful as other procedures I've had done. Usually even catheters are 7/10 pain for me, but I would say this was about a 3/10 (plus a weird pressure sensation). I'm glad he was able to do it without general anesthesia and hydrodistention; my previous urologist said that was the ONLY way they would do a cystoscopy.

He diagnosed me with IC right after the cystoscopy. He gave me prescriptions for Pyridium 200 mg (as needed), Hydroxyzine 10 mg (one every night), and Sanctura 60 mg (once every morning). I've also got to go to an IC counseling session, physical therapy, and he wants me to do another urodynamics testing. I've had two already, so I think it's pretty unnecessary, but I am considering it.

This is all still pretty frustrating, but THANK GOD somebody is finally listening to me and not acting like it's all my fault.