doctors are puzzled
December 23, 2007 - 2:37pm — garyt
i went to my primary doctor and then sent to a urologist. i am now on my second primary doctor and my second urologist. the doctors seem to have been stuck on prostitus and urinary track infection even though all tests were negative. common symtoms are hurting before and after urination, burning after urination and much uncomfort. where do i proceed now?
Persistence will pay off
Hi Gary,
First off a warm welcome to ICadvice!
Having been in much the same situation myself (granted as a woman, so things like prostitus weren't on the table) when I first developed IC (countless negative urine tests, seeing numerous doctors), I can tell you that sometimes you need a third, fifth, tenth - whatever it takes opinion. But beyond just a verbal diagnosis, in the case of IC (be it for men or women), it is often necessary to have a cystoscopy preformed (with or without hydrodistention) in order to receive a formal IC diagnosis.
I can't stress enough the importance of always remembering that you are your greatest (and sometimes sole) champion of your own health. I know that it can be unbelievably taxing on your soul, but sometimes persistence and a refusal to listen to doctors who won't properly address your symptoms is the only way to get the diagnosis (and in turn hopefully treatment) that you so dearly require. Even if it takes a dozen doctors to get a formal diagnosis (of IC, or whatever else is causing your bladder symptoms), it's OK. You know in your heart of hearts that something is wrong (with your bladder) and that you deserve to find out what it is.
In my experience doctors are very fond of facts (understandably) and exact lists of symptoms. If you're not already doing so, you may want to keep a symptom daily symptom diary. It could include things such as how often you voided, approximate quantity voided, your pain level (0-10 is a common and well received pain scale to base thing off of), what symptoms you're feeling that day, anything that you did or took for your pain/symptoms, if any event or food/beverage caused a spike/change in your symptoms, if you saw a doctor/went to the hospital that day, etc. When you go to your doctor (GP, urologist, etc) take your symptom diary (journal, if you prefer) with you as a means of helping your doctor to see what kinds of things your dealing with every day.
On a day-to-day basis, if you're not already doing so, you may wish to try the IC diet, as a means of seeing if certain foods/drinks aggravate your bladder symptoms (as this is very common amongst ICers).
Please keep in mind Gary, that I'm not a doctor or health care professional, just as ICer, so I can only offer personal advice to you, not anything even remotely verging on a medical assessment. That said, I am happy to help you with answers and information however I can. Don't hesitate to ask more questions or share your thoughts here (we don't have too many male members, but I know there are a few here, and hopefully they'll post and be able to help shed more light on to your situation).
Again welcome to ICadvice, it's great to have you here with us. I do sincerely hope that you are able to find the answers and diagnosis that you deserve.
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Jessica Cangiano: ICadvice.com creator and administrator
I have IC, but IC doesn't have me!