To My Patients,

Many of you are aware that I provide urodynamics testing in my office. To learn more about urodynamics visit my website E-News section.

I would like to take this opportunity to present to you an E-Newsletter on:

RECOGNIZING INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS

         Many women are treated for recurrent bladder infections when their condition may be of an entirely different problem.  Interstitial Cystitis, or IC, is missed so often that in takes almost six and half years on the average for an accurate diagnosis.
         IC is a chronic inflammatory disease of the bladder that is characterized by urinary frequency, using the bathroom at night, and either pelvic or bladder pain. The cause of IC is not understood, but researchers believed that a protective layer within the bladder (GAG layer) is disrupted in some way reducing the “sugar coating” mechanism of this area of the bladder.
         Most symptoms of IC seem to flare with sex, menstrual cycles, allergies, and physical and emotional stress.  In addition to the above symptoms, there also can be pain above the pubic bone, sense of heaviness above the bladder prior to needing to urinate, and spasms after urination.
         A simple test is actually a questionnaire called the PUF Test that stands for Pain/Urgency/Frequency. A high score on this test is highly suggested of IC.  Copies of the test are available at our office.
         Although a physical exam and urinalysis are important tests, not all patients have tenderness when their bladders are palpated vaginally nor are urine test always positive for microscopic blood.
         In office urodynamics, including in cystoscopy, can provide useful information to the clinician.  There is a Potassium sensitivity test that can be performed in the office but is seldom done since the pain associated with a positive test can be of a sever nature.
         Treatment options non-medical options such as dietary modifications, behavioral modifications, and some new aggressive surgical procedures.
         Drug therapy consists of Elmiron, Atarax, Ditropan XL, and anti-anxiety medications as well as tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline and doxepin) since the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro) are not as effective.  Some urologists will inject certain medications into the bladder for pain relief.
         If you have any concerns about IC, would like to obtain a PUF Test questionnaire, or schedule a visit, please call our office.

For more information, check the websites at

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