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Urology (Expert Forum)
HELP ... Interstitial cystitis ?
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
HELP ... Interstitial cystitis ?
by Mel__0, Mar 04, 1999 12:00AM
I have been to 3 urologists in the past 18 mos. for multiple
recurring UTIs. In the process of seeing these three MDs,
I have had an IVP (normal results), urethral dilations (didn't
help), a cystoscopy (reduced bladd cap w/ no signs of
pinpoint bleeding/ulcers, just irritation), & a laproscopy (no
endo by the bladd). The final diagnosis: Probable IC with a
a presription for Elmiron.
My question is this.... On average I drink anywhere from 4 qts.
to 6 qts. of water in a day, causing me to only urinate every 2 to
5 hours on average. Burning only occurs during urination and following
ONLY if I feel that I have not completed emptied my bladder -- only
to cause a painful SMALL amount of urine to leave my system. Perscribed Medications do
not help (Ditropan, Urised, etc). But, I started taking 8 capsules
of Acidophilous daily from what I thought was my last infection (urinalysis/culture neg)
which seems to relieve all the burning and frequency. So
why is this working just as well as the ditropan medication?
(I see urologist number 4 in 2 weeks. ANY suggestions would be helpful.)
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS M.D.-KR, Mar 04, 1999 12:00AM
_
Dear Mel,
Interstitial cystitis is a disorder that affects approximately 43,500 women in the United States. 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.
Many patients experience relief of their symptoms with alternative methods of treatment such as dietary restriction and over the counter medicines. Contrary to what you may have thought , most patients with IC do not have a significant amount of improvement with ditropan.
. In addition, evaluation by a urologist that specializes in interstitial cystitis is worthwhile as they have access to various experimental protocols not available to the average urologist. It seems you have seen many doctors for your condition. This is very common for patients with IC who 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 education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653 6568).
HFHS MD-KR
*keyword: interstitial cystitis
