Interstitial Cystitis

[Malutox6]

Hey everyone,

I have been reading through the posts and I just want to say thankyou. I am having the potassium test this afternoon and then afterwards am scheduled for the cystoscopy if I am up for it. I am very nervous but am glad that I will finally have some answers. Your posts have defintely helped ease some of my worry over the tests. I have never had any problems in my life but this past february after a trip skiing and some wild sex I started having what I thought was repeat UTI's However all cultures came back normal but I am still having wuite a bit of blood in my urine so my doc decided we should check for IC I will tell you that compared to some my symptoms are very light. I don't have bladder pain per se. Most of my issue is with my urethra. It feels like my urine is literally burning my skin when it comes out. I do sometimes have urgency but even that isn't contstant. I sleep through the night without difficulty. I too am bummed about the possible diagnosis of IC but it is what it is. Please wish me luck this afternoon. I will keep you all posted as to my results. Have a great day everyone.

Melanie

[Malutox6]

So I lived through the tests or should I say at least one of them. Apparently the potassium solution used for the sensitivity test isn't available at this time so was unable to do this part of the test. I did have the cystoscopy. It really wasn't nearly as bad as I had been led to believe by some that it would be. The doc told me that my bladder looked good and that she didn't see any ulcers. She did see bleeding in my urethra and felt that I had a urethral stenosis and dilated my urethra to see if that helps my symptoms. I didn't have any trouble with her distending my bladder. She now wants to do a CT of my kidneys to make sure there is nothing wrong with them that would explain all the blood in my urine. I do feel better but still some very mild symptoms of having to go to the bathroom alot and not feeling empty when I am done. I see her again in 2 weeks.

Still hoping for the best.

Melanie

[Malutox6]

I do not have IC. I am so very thankful but also so very sad for all of you out there dealing with this terrible issue. After having been through everything I have gone through I now say a little prayer every day that they come up with some better answers and treatments for all of you.

Melanie

[Calverton]

[quote="Malutox6"]I do not have IC. I am so very thankful but also so very sad for all of you out there dealing with this terrible issue. After having been through everything I have gone through I now say a little prayer every day that they come up with some better answers and treatments for all of you.

Melanie[/quote]

Melanie hi, I am not sure if I have IC but I was curious to know what the doctor told you what you do have. The only symptoms I have is some constant issue with the urethra opening area. No other symptoms. This has been going on since June 13, 2008. I seen so many doctors and been give all kinds of meds but whats funny is the meds are all for pain, I don't have pain at least not yet. It's just this constant feeling of needing to pee and the feeling someones tugging at my Urethra entrance area all the time. Sorry to get into detail but I have looked everywhere on the internet for help. So can you tell me what they said? Also, are you being truthful about the Cystosocopy not being that bad? I am so nervous about. Everything I have read said it hurts really bad. I may have to have one soon. Thanks for listening. My next Dr Aptmt to see "another doctor" is August 22nd. Thanks again. Calverton.

[Malutox6]

I am so sorry that I just saw your post. First of all yes I am serious about the cystoscopy, but please remember that everyone is different and experiences discomfort differently. I have a pretty high pain tolerance. In any case the most discomfort that i had was for the few days afterward while I was healing from the dilation of the urethra that they did. That felt like peeing needles. As for the final conclusion, There were a couple of issues going on I guess. My urethra did have a stenosis or narrowing and once they dilated me I felt much better. I also had a CT of my abdomen and kidneys and I have a farily significant kidney stone. That is what has been causing all the blood in my urine. After everything, one of my urine cultures did come back positive. I am still taking a daily dose of macrobid and cranberry tablets but all of my symtoms are now gone. Please hang in there. I know how miserable I felt all the time and feel for you. Try to think positively. I will definitely say a little prayer for you that you finally find out the answer. At least then you would know what you are dealing with.

Melanie