Is this a diagnosis for ic

[pickles37]

Hi. I've been through all the necessary tests to rule out everything.  I am scheduled for a laparoscopy on Monday since endomoetriosis is also a possibility.  I was given a test where my bladder was given two solutions in which the potassium one gave me an urgency and irritated my bladder.  The pain was only mild, and from my understanding is that people with ic will experience a lot of pain from the potassium solution.  The other solution did not bother me at all.  Are there any other conditions such as endometriosis that wll react to the potassium test such as endometriosis?  Does this mean since I could tell the difference that I do have ic.  Any advice will be greatly appreciated.  

[emtd65]

Hi pickles,

I was diagnosed about 20 yeas ago with IC and I also have endomytriosis. They can be very difficult to tell apart. I have gone to the ER and depending on who gets there first, the GYN or the urologist, my diagnoses would be one or the other. At least I would be given something for the pain while they hashed it out ! The test you had maybe a sign that your IC is not too bad or that you do just have endomytriosis, it is a tuff call. By doing ultra sounds and laproscopy, they may discover a thickening of the endomytrium indicating endomytriosis, not necessarily ruling out IC. Some GYN conditions can contribute to one developing IC. Hope this helps............

Christine

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

There is no definite diagnostic test for interstitial cystitis.This is one reason wherein this diagnosis is usually overlooked among patient with chronic pelvic pain.

Have you had a complete assessment done by your urologist?

Was a urine culture done?

Was a CT scan of the kidneys ,ureter and bladder also done to rule out any structural defects and urinary tract stones?

Cystoscopic distention of the bladder may present with certain findings among patients with IC.You may want to refer to this site:

http://bcbsma.medscape.com/viewarticle/464487_side2

Potassium sensitivity test when present may suggest the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis to be highly probable.This indicates that a urologic problem more than a gynecologic problem is present.In terms of its sensitivity in diagnosing interstitial cystitis, your physician may best guide you with this.However, not all patients with confirmed intersttial cystitis may present with a positive potassium sensitivity test.You may discuss with your physician how a positive potassium sensitivity test presents as this will shed some light on your condition.

[pickles37]

Hi Vanessa. I ws sent to the urologist because of pain and blood in my urine.  They did a series of tests including since antiobiotics didn't work, ct scan, ivp, rinalysis, cystoscopy at the urologist.  Stones, cancer everything urological wise has been ruled out.  The only test the urologist didn't do was the potassium test for ic, and he never even mentioned it to me.  My gynecologist tested me for it, and I could definitely tell the difference between the two solutions.  She is having me set up to do a lap surgergy according to my history.  When the urologist did the cystoscopy he said that my bladder looked really good so wouldn't this have ruled out ic? He never mentioned ic to me, and said that I needed to go back to my family doctor.  I at times feel like I have a bladder infection, but then my symptoms are so hard to pinpoint because it's in my pelvic area in differnt areas of my pelvic.  I sometimes get pain on my inner thighs at times also.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Would you be able to elaborate on your symptoms more?

For how long have you been experiencing this?

Pelvic pain syndromes may suggest several differentilas.It may range from a urologic to a gynecologic cause in women.In your case, tests have indicated that everything seems to be normal. The laparoscopy may help rule out endometriosis.In women, IC and endometriosis are one of the more frequent yet easily overlooked causes.

The cystoscopy requested by your gynecologist required potassium sensitivity testing which is a special test to help strengthen the diagnosis of IC.I think if you have felt pain during the test then this is something that you need to discuss with your physician.

IC is primarily diagnosed through a complete medical history and clinical presentation.

Do you have any frequent bouts or urination ?

Do you wake up at night to urinate several times?

Any previous urinary tract infections in the past?