MY 69 YO. ACYTIVE MOTHER-INLAW WAS DIAGNOSED WITH INTERSITIALCYSTISIS APPROX. 7 YEARS AGO. IS THIS A FORM AF BLADDER CANCER IF NOT WHAT IS IT? SHE IS IN CONSTANT PAIN 24 HRS. A DAY AND URINATES EVERY 15-20 MIN. SHE NO LONGER LIVES AN ACTIVE LIFE AND IS DEPRESSED. FROM WHAT HER DR. TELLS HER THERE IS NO CURE FORE THIS,IS THIS TRUE? IF NOT WHAT CAN SHE DO OR IS THERE A SPECIALIST THAT YOU KNOW OF THAT SHE CAN CONTACT? YOUR REPLY IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.
Dear Joe,
Interstitial cystitis is a disorder that affects approximately 43,500 women in the United States. It is not a cancer but can be equally as debilitating. 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. DMSO has been utilized since it was first poularized in the 1960’s. It has a success rate of about 60 to 80 % . However , the relapse rate is high. Many patients get better for a short duration of time and then require further treatment.
Evaluation by a urologist that specializes in interstitial cystitis is worthwhile as they may have access to various experimental protocols not available to the average urologist. It is very common for patients with IC to have seen an 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 information purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. Dr.Burks at our institution has a particular interest in interstitial cystitis and I would highly recommend that you see him for your problem. If you would like to make an appointment, please call us at 1-800-653-6568. We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any x-rays and pathology slides (not just the reports) as well as any physicians’ notes and lab test results that you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly. HFHS MD-KR
*keyword: interstitial cystitis
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