pain 10 days

I went to 3 doctors this week. One last Saturday at walk in clinic- took Cipro 4 days- I had doxycycline I started at home last Thursday- an old stand by from an old rx that has always helped- urologist from 12 years prior- he also found nothing but recurrent utis and a red scalded bladder wall...- so when we did UA they were not surprised it showed no infection- I had goofed it up with the doxy... no help actually the pain went away for two days and CAME BACK while I was still on Cipro- Next my PA put me on Levaquin 3 days,she said in her office that I DID have an infection, (culture and sens. still not back yet) then went back in pain (after about 36 hours of glorious relief)  to see the MD and I was told to go to the ER yesterday and get a huge dose of IV antibiotics. We did cbc, Urinalysis even a ct scan to check for stones- all negative- no infection whatsoever...... why does this come and go- the PA thought possible prolapsed bladder if there was no infection- but that was when she came back in the exam room and said there was an infection.

I ve  been crazy with discomfort- it feels as if there is a Qtip UP my urethra and a melon in my bladder pushing downwards,,,they asked me how bad the pain was- well it's not like Im being crucified or anything- I give that a 10 - so I said a "5" on the pain scale.
That ER doc refused to give me IV antibiotics even though my GP called him and told him to......and sent me home with a pain shot that "will last 4 hours" for my back pain--- he wasnt even listening to me- my back pain is worse in the AM and PM- I have pain in my BLADDER. Ive had sciatica for 17 years- I can deal with back pain. Told me to go ahead and see a urologist if I wanted to but there is nothing wrong- I am 48 and had partial hysterectomy


No there is nothing protruding from my vagina- Does IC last over 7 days and come and go?
What do I do next?

[David A Burks, MD]

HI,
The question is-- what is the diagnosis??  You've been treated with antibiotics for many months with no resolution of symptoms.  I assume you have cultures of your urine during symptoms that show no infection.  I agree with your ER doctor that more antibotics is not necessary.  You may have Interstitial Cystitis (IC).  It's an inflammation of the bladder that causes frequency, urgency and bladder pain,pressure or discomfort.  You are structurally normal based on the CT scan and no prolapse on the vaginal exam. You clearly need to see the Urologist you were referred to for an evaluation to rule other problems and start treatment.  Go to the website: ichelp.org for more info on IC and how to get a correct diagnosis.  Start with the diet modification to eliminate the foods and drinks that can make your symptoms worse. Good Luck