It started with a constant urge to urinate and with burning and difficulty when I tried. I was treated with Cipro and Flomax for the symptoms which included blood in my urine, and was referred a Urologist. Within the first eight months of treatment I had a Cystoscopy, a TURP another Cystoscopy and dilation of the Urethra. The dilation of the urethra enabled me to have a good stream
again and that has continued. From then on I was treated for Prostatitis with Levaquin for the infection that wasnt found and with Flomax, Ditropan, Sanctura,and Detrol for the frequency. During the two years under treatment for Prostatitis my condition deteriorated. It was by keeping a diary of my treatment and sharing it with my nephew, also a physician, that I was able to get
diagnosed with Interstitial Cystatitis. He discussed my case with my Urologist. Since IC is primarily a womans disease it had just eluded my doctor for two years. It was two years during which I had to stop work and was mostly confined to home or where there was an available bathroom.

My symptoms were:

There was no bacterial infection detected by urinalysis.

I was making 30 + trips to the bathroom per day and from 9 to11 at night.

I had severe pain in the groin aria relieved some but not entirely by urinating.

In measuring my urine, I could not hold more than 3 oz .without experiencing severe pain.

Walking and other physical activity was painful, becoming severe at times.

Acid and spicy foods seemed to enhance the discomfort.

A spoon full of baking soda in water would greatly relieve the symptoms.

        Since being diagnosed, I have been taking Elmeron and Impramine and following a recommended diet. Five weeks ago I was admitted to day surgery and had my bladder dilated with a DMSO cocktail. Since then I have had NO pain, my bladder capacity has increased to 8 oz. and I only have to get up three or four times at night. I really do feel like a new man.

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