Interstitial Cystitis and hysterectomy

I have struggled with endometriosis for years. Also have a fibroid tumor which appears to be growing. My periods are very painful and the pain continues all the way until time of ovulation...then I have a few good days. I also have Interstitial Cystitis, which is a whole other problem, but that condition worsens when I am having my period and right after. My doctor has suggested either a hormone to stop periods or a hysterectomy. After reading horror stories about depo privera (spelling?) I am more than likely going thru with the hysterectomy, but am scared....scared to have to go on hormones...scared to gain wait, etc. Also worried that the hysterectomy might not help the pain because perhaps a lot of my pain is related to the I.C. Has anyone out there had a hyster. that also has Interstitial Cystitis? If so, how did the surgery affect the IC? Is is better, worse, no different?

First off it sound like you could really use a big . I havent had my hyst yet, but am scheduled for July 13th. I have IC also. I found out that most people who have IC also have Endo. My dr said that they pretty much go hand in hand, and that a hyst will help w/ some of the pain. Has your dr given you a list of things that you should and should not eat yet? When I was first diagnosed the dr gave me an info packet w/ a list of foods that most likely will irritate the bladder. I found out that spaghetti sauce is off limits for me, as are tacos. I have always had bladder problems, as long has I have been menstrating(which I started when I was 12). I didn't know that it was this until MArch of this year, when I went through a test to diagnose it. Are you on meds for your IC? If you aren't you should talk to your dr about trying to get on Eliron. It is the only IC med on the market as far as I know. Thats what I am on and I can honestly tell you that it has made a world of difference for me. I haven't really had many bladder problems since starting the meds.

I don't know your IC history, but if you are concerned that a hyst wont help w/ the problem then you should consult your dr about the pros and cons of each option. I actually went on the depo shot when I was 18 and had a really bad reaction to it. I dont know that you would, but it made my hormones go haywire. My progestirone skyrocketed, and my estrogen went way low. It also causes weight gain. I gained 25 lbs in 3 months. Everyone I know that has ever been on it has gained weight, but then I have been told that it isn't a normal reaction by a dr.

If you would like to talk about this you could PM me or call. Just let me know if you would like to talk.

As far as the painful periods and the IC pain around that time, that is a normal thing w/ endo and IC together. I suffer the same thing during my monthly periods and right after. I think you should call your dr and make an appointment for a consultation so you can get out some of the concerns that you have. The dr can probably answer more of your questions then I can, but I mostly wanted you to know that you are not alone in this. There are others of us who are suffering the same way you are. You are among friends and sisters here.

sorry to hear about your situation. i also have IC. i don't have any answers for you, but here is a good web site for IC.

http://www.ic-network.com/

good luck, and keep me posted.