Back Pain,IC, Hematuria, Renal cysts, arthritis

I was diagnosed 20 yrs ago with IC. Have always had hematuria, frequent uti's, surgery twice for fallen bladder. The past 2 years have been dealing with back pain, have degenerative disc disease. Recently, had another MRI for my spine that  incidentally showed renal cysts, also diverticulosis. I am only 53 and discouraged right now as the pain is more than I can bear when on my feet for any length of time. My profession is in healthcare and work 12 hour shifts as a Respiratory therapist,but have been off work for a month now due to worsening pain. My question is could these problems be related? I am on celebrex, zoloft, and opiods. My IC seems to have improved since my last bladder surgery, some kind of sling to hold it in place. But the back pain worsened since then. I have never had a urinalysis that was free of blood. But microscopic, however, lately the urine has an amber color vs. pale yellow. My primary care physcian gives me that "you again?" attitude when I see him so I am embarrassed to make another appointment.
This is the first time that I am aware of having renal cysts and only found them on my recent MRI, should I see my primary to check this out?

[David A Burks, MD]

Hi,
You have multiple problems that are probably unrelated.  Renal cysts are commonly found in kidneys on routine evaluations, are benign, pose little or no threat to the kidneys, cause no pain unless they are very big, and need no follow-up studies.  Microscopic hematuria is a common problem, unrelated to the kidney cysts.  A work-up  includes an x-ray or ultrasound of the kidneys, urine tests for cancer cells, and a cystoscopy (direct look into the bladder).  The work-up is to rule out a problem in the urinary tract like a kidney stone or tumor, bladder stone or tumor.  Usually the work-up finds no problems and monitoring of the urine is all that's needed.
The most common problem causing back pain is degenerative disease of the spine (arthritis).  Bladder prolapse is another unrelated problem of the pelvic floor.  Pelvic floor problems occur in 40% of women.  Both are unrelated to the other problems above and your  IC.
If you have a diagnosis of IC I assume you have a Urologist following your progress.  He or she can do the needed evaluation for the microscopic hematuria and treat the IC.  It is very common for IC patients to complain of worsening pelvic pain when they are on their feet all day, usually in the suprapubic area or vagina. Your Urologist should be able to get you started on IC specific treatment to help with the pain. Good Luck.