Interstitial Cystitis

[livingwith]

i was a strong independent person before i/c [interstitial cystitis]. 6 years ago and many tests on my bladder — some were supposed to be under general anesthesia (i found out later) — after coming out of the office worse then when i came in and many days and nights living in the bathroom in tears, i finally went in to my pcp doctor and said I don’t want to be tested and hurt anymore. she said ok and put me on many meds. it took a long time to get this right and i am still hou...Read the full article

[vonnette]

Oh my God, you poor woman. I was just browsing this web site trying to find out more about I.C. which I was diagnosed with a few years ago, but am just now starting treatment. I have just moved to a new area and had to find new doctors and have been going through the same kind of doctor nightmare you describe. I also have an auto-immune connective tissue disease, osteoarthritis, and disc problems with my back. I know how it feels to live in constant pain and the damage that does to your sanity. My husband hasn't had sex in two years. I know how it feels to be in pain every day of your life and to see your life slowly slip away from you. I feel like a spectator....sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else go on while I stay stuck. The first doctor I went to here didn't even let me in his office. His receptionist looked at my medications and promptly told me this doctor would not prescribe pain medication for me. I said fine, I was in there because I had been throwing up for days ( I have reflux) and needed to be treated for that. She went back and showed the doctor my list of medications and he refused to see me. If it weren't for my husband pushing me and telling me that it's the doctor's problem and not a reflection of me, I would just curl up in a ball an quit. Every time I walk into the doctors office, I brace myself for the worse. It hurts. Physically and emotionally. Whatever you do, don't give up. I finally found a therapist who specializes in people with chronic illnesses, and he helps me a great deal emotionally. My new PCP (he was the third doctor I tried since I moved to Colorado in August) is compassionate. He can't help me with everything. He keeps giving me referrals for the specialists I need. Some of them see me, and some won't. If feels so humiliating to be rejected by a doctor. A pain specialist read my records and refused to see me also. For some, it's all about money. For others, they are simply too lazy to try and figure out a complicated person. I would love to line them up and kick them hard between the legs and then ask them how they would like feeling like that every day of their lives. I am so sorry for what you are going through. The next time someone treats you like that, walk out. Never, Ever, Ever let them insult you with their lack of compassion or arrogance. Be strong. You deserve to find answers and to find relief. God bless you. Do not give up!

[tjbl]

I feel for you. I have been living with chronic headaches, neck, and back pain for over 7 years. My pc had me on many meds and I got a letter stating he would no longer be treating me. I'd call looking for a new pc and either fax my med. records or give them my list of scrips and the answer was sorry we can't accept you. I finally found a new pc. and was totally upfront and honest with him about my meds and he made me feel like I was a criminal and the door was open so I'm sure the whole waiting room heard him. Ifelt embarraced and left in tears. What do we do when we're in so much pain and doctors just don't believe us because there are so many people out there just looking for pills. I just wish someone would find a diagnosis for me and all of us without answers. Like you, I'm scarred to walk into another dr. office. I hope things turn around for you and seeing that your not alone helps.
tjbl

[joeyshadow]

IM SORRY THAT YOU ARE IN SO MUCH PAIN AND I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR GOING THOUGH . IC HAS HAD ME FOR 18 YEARS AND THE PAIN IS UNBAREABLE . FIND A GOOD URO AND ASK ABOUT BOTOX IN THE BLADDER IM GOING TO TRY IT. GOOD LUCK