Another Day, Another Doctor

Hi Sisters,
Sorry I haven't been around lately. I think I am literally going to fall apart...I am going nuts here! I saw that urologist that I had posted about, and he did some tests, including cystoscoping me..OUCH!!! He told me that the lining of my bladder was basically gone, from so many infections. So I was started on a month's supply of Bactrim, which I took faithfully. Well, last thursday, I returned to him, and the infection and blood are still present. So, he has now ordered yet another CT scan of my abd. and pelvis. He started me on stronger pain meds, because I am in alot of pain, constantly. My quality of life is a pathetic mess. Sorry I'm whining so much, but girls, I am about at the end of my rope. So tommorow, I am off to the doctor again, first the CT scan, then I see the urologist. I hope I will soon find some answers. I am tired of not knowing what is wrong, and also, of these doctors having no clue. I know there has to be an answer, I just haven't found it yet.
Well, you girls please pray for me, and I will keep you informed.
Thanks for everything!
Anita

{{{Anita}}}
Sending big s for you. I do know how frustrating it is to endure all these tests and all the doctors. Hang in there my friend, you will find answers. I'm sorry that sometimes it takes so long.

Anita - I'm so sorry. I know what you mean by doctor after doctor. I have seen a neurologist, rheumy, 2 internists, gyn, family practice, and a GI doctor so far. Now I have appts. with an Immunologist this Tuesday and I am trying desperately to get in to see the GI of my choice. So far, I can't get their office to respond. My problem seems to be the bowels/adhesions rather than the bladder though.

I wish I could make us all feel better. I would like to offer you my hugs and prayers and say that I am very sorry you are hurting so badly. I hope one of these days, all of us will finally find an answer and get back to living a life full of joy instead of pain.

's

Lisa

Anita, I have interstitial cystitis which is chronic inflammation of your bladder lining and one very good drug my urologist tried me on was called Elmiron, it basically builds a new "gag layer" they call it for your bladder and helps sooth it, perhaps this is something he could consider for you?

Additionally I find that eliminating certain things from my diet have helped immensely...no citris fruit or juice, no tomatoes, no vitamins (they mostly contain some citrus or another) coffee, tea.. also he suggested I take two tums a day, they help dealkalanize your urine so it isn't so irritating to your bladder and that helped alot too......also he suggested drinking water and baking soda which also does the same thing.

hope any of these things help you a little, perhaps you have Intersitial Cystitis too? Maybe a 2nd opinion from another urologist couldn't hurt......anyhoo, try that out, also I take a drug called Ditropin which helps with bladder spasms I get sometimes.

Big 's for you, I know how painful bladder symptoms can be!