Questions posted in the The Urology Forum have been answered by urologists from Henry Ford Health System and by Dr. Kevin Pho.

Question Title: In Pain And Need Help

Forum: The Urology Forum
Topic: Bladder Cancer

I have been to several doctors because of svere pain,blood in urine,burning sensation,and I don't know when I have to go to the bathroom. I am a 21 year old female who is in constant pain from morning to night. I have been treated for interstitial cystitis with elmiron,elavil,dmso treatments. I went to another doctor after that and was diagnosed with endometriosis, along with the IC. Then I went to another doctor who told me IC is a category where doctors put patients when they don't know what is wrong with them,and they try different medications on them until their body responds. I am getting very frustrated and would like to find a doctor who will help me eliminate my pain,so I can live a normal life and be able to go to work. How do I find a doctor that can get to the root of my problem? I'm in desperate need of some pain relief,since it is getting worse every day. Please help. Thanks for your time.

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Dear Antoinette,

I Interstitial cystitis is a disorder that affects approximately 43,500 women in the United States. It is characterized by pain, frequent voiding , burning and urgency in the absence of any evidence of infection.. Treatment is largely directed at alleviation of symptoms. Many drugs have been evaluated in the treatment of IC. Recent attention has been given to Sodium pentosanpolysulfate ( Elmiron), tricyclic antidepressants such as amitryptiline, and bladder instillation with various agents such as DMSO and BCG. There is little data an the treatment of IC with hormones. However, the fact that you have endometriosis as well may warrant consideration for this treatment.
The effect of progesterone on the bladder is not well characterized. It may be worthwhile to consider utilizing a mini-pill with lower doses of progesterone/estrogen. In addition, evaluation by a urologist that specializes in interstitial cystitis is worthwhile as they have access to various experimental protocols not available to the average urologist. It seems you have seen many doctors for your condition. This is very common for patients with IC who average 4 physicians before the diagnosis is correctly made. To contact a physician in your area call the Interstitial Cystitis Association ( ICA) (212) 979-6057. This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653 6568).

HFHS MD-KR
*keyword: interstitial cystitis
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