Newly diagnosed

My doctor thinks that I have interstitial cystitis because I have had frequent severve UTI symptoms with blood in my urine but lab cultures all come back clear.

Ive been referred to an urologist for a Cystoscopy under local anesthetic , however, im worried that my bladder will appear normal when I go as my symptoms only tend to flare up once a month either just before or during my period and last for about 3-6 days. During a flare I suffer from chronic abdominal pain, urethra and pelvic floor muscle discomfort, back ache, urgency, frequency and the sensation that my bladder hasnt been emptied.

My doctor also said that I may have to get an urethral dilation under a general anesthetic. Im so worried about both procedures and also how I will cope with the monthly misery of my symptoms.

[ohno40]

I'm right there with you with the exact same bladder symtoms (symptoms)- except I've already had the cystoscopy with my urogynocologist. That test didn't show any abnormalities so she sent me to a Pelvic Pain Specialist, as I also have ovarian cysts, which may or may not be pressing on my bladder causing the symptoms. I am scheduled to have my ovaries out on October 12th- at the same time, he will do a cystoscopy with distention to see if I have IC, which he strongly suspects. If you can, I would strongly suggest finding a Pelvic Pain specialist in your area- I was at my wits end, but now hopefully, I'll soon have answers.
Good luck to you- there IS light at the end of the tunnel  :)

[protea]

Are you having a cystoscopy with hydrodistention?If they don't fill your bladder with the distilled water they will not see the pin ***** bleeding or inflamation (inflammation) that they need to diagnose IC. I really hope you dr gives you a lot of local cause mine said that it would be torture for anyone to have it done locally.He only does them under general.I would also reccomend a pelvic specialist.I hope you find some relief soon.Not sure if you know of this product or not but its called Pre-lief.You can order it from your drug store.You take it before you eat and it takes all the acid out of the food that would irritate your bladder lining.

[mom2.0]

I would look research the IC diet and see if diet changes help your symptoms - removing caffeine, sodas, high-acid foods, etc., can make a difference.  It is common to have symptoms flare around your cycle with IC.  With luck, you've caught it fairly early, and some simple treatments can reduce and even eliminate your symptoms.  :-)