Aa
Does this sound like IC?
37 yr old female. 5' 10", 160lbs. Overall good health. Hypothyroid (137mgs per night)
Symptoms:
Lower pelvic pain (cramps/sharp) & back pain (burning)
Suprapubic pain
No frequency (5-7 times a day)
No urgency (except for occassional "spasms"but never make me HAVE to go)
No nocturia
Occasional sharp pain toward end of a urination (strong stream;never strain).
Painful intercourse (deep pelvic pain one time; other times have suprapubic discomfort upon penetration (penis or fingers))
Overall discomfort gets worse when sitting
No menstrual cycle 4 months
Menstrual like cramps (mostly on left side)
Slow pubic hair growth
Migraines
Vaginal dryness and burning
Yeast infections
Acne at times
Tests done (was told all was okay):
Complete gynocological workup (ultrasound, std's, etc).
CT scan of pelvic/abdomen with and without contrast.
Cystoscopy in doctors office.
Several urine cultures.
Tons of blood work that included Hormone and Thyroid Levels
Doctors are stumped. Was told to stop birth control pill to see how I felt. Was on the pill for 6yrs and switched to Yaz in June 2007 which is when all this started. I was also told it could be hormonal, endometriosis (may do laproscopy next) or Interstitial Cystitis. Urologist is not yet convinced with everything else going on and the lack of urgency/frequency. She said that's rare for IC.
My questions:
1. Does this sound like IC and if so could hormone problems have brought it on? I read hormones (estrogen) can play a big part in bladder health.
2.. Does IC progress? Can waiting a few more weeks to see if I feel better make me worse if it is IC?
3. Is IC treatable? I've read some horror stories researching it.
Thank you in advance for any advice or suggestions you can give.
Sincerely,
Dana from New York
Symptoms:
Lower pelvic pain (cramps/sharp) & back pain (burning)
Suprapubic pain
No frequency (5-7 times a day)
No urgency (except for occassional "spasms"but never make me HAVE to go)
No nocturia
Occasional sharp pain toward end of a urination (strong stream;never strain).
Painful intercourse (deep pelvic pain one time; other times have suprapubic discomfort upon penetration (penis or fingers))
Overall discomfort gets worse when sitting
No menstrual cycle 4 months
Menstrual like cramps (mostly on left side)
Slow pubic hair growth
Migraines
Vaginal dryness and burning
Yeast infections
Acne at times
Tests done (was told all was okay):
Complete gynocological workup (ultrasound, std's, etc).
CT scan of pelvic/abdomen with and without contrast.
Cystoscopy in doctors office.
Several urine cultures.
Tons of blood work that included Hormone and Thyroid Levels
Doctors are stumped. Was told to stop birth control pill to see how I felt. Was on the pill for 6yrs and switched to Yaz in June 2007 which is when all this started. I was also told it could be hormonal, endometriosis (may do laproscopy next) or Interstitial Cystitis. Urologist is not yet convinced with everything else going on and the lack of urgency/frequency. She said that's rare for IC.
My questions:
1. Does this sound like IC and if so could hormone problems have brought it on? I read hormones (estrogen) can play a big part in bladder health.
2.. Does IC progress? Can waiting a few more weeks to see if I feel better make me worse if it is IC?
3. Is IC treatable? I've read some horror stories researching it.
Thank you in advance for any advice or suggestions you can give.
Sincerely,
Dana from New York
www.penilepain.org
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You have had a comprehensive evaluation, and it would be unlikely that I can come up with something over the internet without examining you.
To answer your questions:
1) IC is certainly possible, especially if the testing continues to be negative. Although possible, I am not aware of a clear association between IC and hormones. A potassium sensitivity test can be done if IC is suspected.
2) The time course of IC is variable, and it may progress faster in some patients than others.
3) IC can be difficult to treat. Options would include pentosan polysulfate sodium, intravesical therapy with dimethyl sulfoxide, or amitriptyline. These options can be discussed with your personal urologist.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
To answer your questions:
1) IC is certainly possible, especially if the testing continues to be negative. Although possible, I am not aware of a clear association between IC and hormones. A potassium sensitivity test can be done if IC is suspected.
2) The time course of IC is variable, and it may progress faster in some patients than others.
3) IC can be difficult to treat. Options would include pentosan polysulfate sodium, intravesical therapy with dimethyl sulfoxide, or amitriptyline. These options can be discussed with your personal urologist.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
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