IC

[Lena1957]

Do think there will ever be a cure for IC? I don't know about how it is now. But when I was DX it was very hard, are dr's more senstive to IC now?

[David A Burks, MD]

HI,  I understand and feel your frustration about IC.  Most studies show that patients see 5 doctors before they are correctly diagnosed.  Many patients have been told that their pain is all in their head, they are depressed, or they are just seeking narcotics because they are addicted.    It's a disorder that you can't see or feel, measure on an X-ray, do a urine or blood test to diagnose which makes many doctors confused and either unwilling or afraid to treat patients with it. It has many of the same symptoms as overactive bladder and a UTI so many patients are misdiagnosed. Worst of all, we have no cure or even reliably effective treatment. This is the sad state we are in as a country, and as a world health community regarding this disorder.
The good news is that there are many doctors like me that have dedicated their life to finding what causes IC, how to educate doctors about correctly  diagnosing it, and most importantly finding an effective treatment or cure.  The National Institutes of Health is spending hundreds of millions of dollars in research on IC.  Patient organizations around the world, like the Interstitial Cystitis Association are are also networking for a cure. I certainly hope we find it in your life time. Please join a patient organization and help in the fight.  

  

[Lena1957]

Thank you for taken the time to answer my post. I'm sure there will not be a cure for IC in my life time. It sounds like you have had a really hard time and met up with some pretty uncaring doctors. Dr. Burks is so right about the drugs. I go to pain management and he is a great doctor and helps in any way he can. I take very strong pain meds and when I have to have a surgical procedure done. It is very hard to get the doctor to understand I have to have a stronger pain med than what I take. About three weeks ago I had to have emergency surgery to remove my Gall Bladder. The wonderful surgeon gave me Hydrocodone 5/325 for pain after leaving the hospital. On a daily basis I take 60 mg morphine and 7.500 Hydrocodone. After waken up from the surgery @ home and realized what he had given me. I called his office and asked for something stronger. I was told he didn't write anything stronger and I would have to bite the nail and bare it. I called my pain management and he gave me something stronger. I realize there are people that abuse RX drugs, but I always tell my pain management doctor what I take and how many hydro's I have on hand. that way we can adjust my scripts. My PCP said that one day this doctor will undertand the meaning of pain. My advice to you is keep looking for a good doctor. They are out there and they will help you. There will come a time when you will need pain meds. If you don't have a doctor and a pain management doctor you will suffer  until you find two good doctors. good luck to you and my prayers are with you.

God Bless, Lena

[wordh]

I am the type of person who does not seek medical care unless I am in PAIN. I have recently been diagnosed with IC. Two doctors did nothing for me other than produce a diagnoses. I was offered medication but due to it's questionible results ....refused.

I am not seeing any doctors at this time just trying to control my condition with diet. Personally, I do not think MD's have a clear understanding of IC. They can't even cure cancer or the common cold. I would not hope for an IC cure in your lifetime.