Interstitial Cystitis

Posted by Tommy  Saye on June 23, 1999 at 22:10:32
I need information about Interstitial cystitis. I do not have cancer but, I have had a terrible burning in my bladder for over 3 years. I had a Turp done over ayear ago and still have the problem. My urologist does not think my problem is urological....since he can't cure me he thinks my problem is in my head. No bacteria in my urine and such. My wife found some info over internet but I understand this is very hard to pinpoint or is it hard for doctors to except that they don't know everything. It is very painful and hard on your body and nerves. Please help!
                                  Tommy

Posted by HFHS M.D.-AK on June 24, 1999 at 11:57:17
Dear Tommy,
Interstitial Cystitis is a chronic annoying problem for whoever  has the condition.  It is frustrating for doctors and patients to treat this condition because the cause and the therapy have not been established.  There are multiple entries on the forum for interstital cystitis but I will give you a similar response to the others that have asked for information on this condition.  The answer deals with potential therapy and gives you an address for the IC Association.
You may have a condition known as interstitial cystitis(IC).  This is a chronic inflammation of the bladder wall and unfortunately there is not a known cure.  It differs from common cystitis in that the later is caused by a bacterial infection which can be treated by bacterial antibiotic therapy.  It is also important to note that IC is not a psychosomatic disorder nor is it caused by stress.
IC can affect people of any age,race or sex.  It is, however, most commonly found in women.  A 1987 epidemiological study estimated that 450,000 people may be affected by the disease.  The symptoms include:
-Frequency-Day and/or night urination(up to 60 times a day in severe cases.)  In early or very mild cases,frequency is sometimes the only symptom.
-Urgency-The sensation of having to urinate immediately may also be accompanied by pain,pressure or spasms.
-Pain-Can be in the abdominal,urethral,or vaginal area.  Pain is also frequently associated with sexual intercourse.
-Other Disorders-Sometimes patients also report experiencing symptoms such as muscle and joint pain,migraines,allergic reactions,colon and stomach problems as well as the more common symptoms of IC described above.
Diagnosis is very difficult and must follow several steps:
1)Urine cultures must be negative
2)Rule out other associated disease,bladder cancer, stone disease, anatomic abnormalities
3)cystoscopy-routine cystoscopy in the clinic may not be sufficient to make a diagnosis of IC. It is usually necessary to distend the bladder under general anesthesia in order to see pinpoint hemorrhages on the bladder wall a hallmark of this disease.  It may even be necessary for a biopsy to be taken at that time as well.
4)Diagnostic radiology-IVP,KUB
Treatments
1)Bladder distention
2)Oral medication-anti-inflammatory drugs,antispasmotics,antihistamines and muscle relaxants.
3)DMSO(Dimethlyl Sulfoxide)-bladder instillation
4)Elmiron-(Sodium Pentosanpolysulfate)
5)Anti-depressants
6)Diet
7)Tens Unit
8)Silver Nitrate
9)Clorpactin WCS-90
10)Self Help- biofeedback
11)Surgery
Recommendations:
I don