Finding a New Gynecologist
My mother (angel that she is) made an appointment at a local gynecologist that had experience in laparoscopic and robotic surgery, and seemed well regarded by her previous patients. I would like to point out at this point that we had already been the surgery route. I have had a large number of surgical procedures for a woman my age, and while we are not against surgery, we don't want to keep opening me up without a game-plan. We hoped that this new doctor, let's call her Dr. R, would provide us with potential non-invasive options, as well as explore diagnoses we had not yet considered.
A Possible Diagnosis
After taking a thorough history, and taking into consideration the diagnoses and procedures I had already explored, she had a potential diagnosis. Dr. R believed I was exhibiting some symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis. This condition is also known as painful bladder syndrome. The obvious symptom I was displaying, was mild-severe pelvic pain. I will say, however, that I do not feel like my pain necessarily revolves around the bladder or urination. Just the same way that I don't feel that my pain increases or decreases based on what I eat, or how much I eat. As always though, symptoms are different for everyone.
Treating I.C.
The best part was that the treatment is non-invasive. Physical therapy for your abdomen and pelvic floor (sounds interesting), and a medication with minimal side effects. I tried the medication for about a week- it is supposed to be fast acting- and experienced no changes in my pain. I have an appointment booked for physical therapy, but as with everything in the medical world, there's a waiting list. I'm not too optimistic about the physical therapy since the medication didn't work, but I will give it my best and try to go into it with an open mind.
I can't imagine I will have too many more updates on my abdominal pain before I go to the Mayo Clinic, but I will of course have plenty of other things to write about!
