I had my appointment for a consultation with a urologist today!
It went so well. The doctor knew all about IC and seemed to think I did my homework and that IC is very likely but is going to rule out everything else first such as overactive bladder and bladder cancer -which he did say is a risk due to my years of smoking but I won't let myself worry about that yet- and whatever else. He scheduled me all the tests I need in about 5 and a half weeks..
Tests that will happen on the 23rd of August:
A uroflow test which is measuring how quickly my urine comes out.
A CMG which will evaluate the activity or pressure inside of my bladder.
An EMG which will record the activity of the sphincter muscle and the pelvic floor muscles.
A Leak point pressure test which will be be coughing, sneezing, and jumping to test leakage when bladder is full.
A pressure flow study which measures the pressures of my urinary flow.
And final and MOST important test is the Cystoscopy which is where they will put a thin telescope like tube with a light into my bladder through the urethra so the doctor can examine my lower urinary tract which includes the urethra, prostate, bladder neck, and bladder.
The doctor is clearly constantly busy and booked so our time was short but he clearly took me seriously and understood the magnitude of my suffering. I felt heard and I felt he was going to do what it takes to give me answers and treatment. I wanted to cry when I left the office because this was so long overdue. In FL I couldn't get these tests and then I wasted some months after I got here because my pain was so bad and I felt it wouldn't really be easy to get medicaid. But finally, the ball is steadily rolling and everything is in place. Now, I just need to get my MN ID which I STILL don't have so I can also apply for food stamps to help me through this difficult time.
Thanks Dr. Shawn McGee for being awesome and thank you Minnesota for caring about your people!
YAYYY, that's really good news! I'm so glad your day went well. I know you were concerned about how it would all play out, but sounds like you made lots of progress!
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Yes, I just made myself get up and go. It was uncomfortable and painful being out for so long for sure but obviously worth it. I am on the right path.
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SHIT I forgot to talk about the amazing cab driver experience!!!
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Tell us right now!!!
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OMG! Great news. Glad to hear you will be getting the treatment you need. I know you were really anxious about your appointment just a couple of days ago. :) Hopefully the pain goes away soon.
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I don't think it'll be soon. In fact the only med for IC only works on 30% of people and takes about 6 months to kick in and then they have to just try random stuff.... and my appt for tests isn't even for almost 6 weeks. So, not hoping for soon personally but just relieved to have the ball rolling and a dr that is taking me seriously. :')
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It's not an easy thing to get relief for sadly. There is no quick fix. But getting answers and trying things is at least going in the right direction.
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Sickness in health is such a scary thing. :( Yes, getting on the right path must be a big relief... wish you well!
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I'm glad to hear that the medical process is finally getting started for you! I know it's going to take a while, but at least the process is started now.
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Oh yes the process starting helps me mentally more than you'd know. In FL for more than a year I had no options and felt so hopeless. Now, I know I am on the right path with an informed doctor who listens to me. :')
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I'm happy for you! This is excellent news. I hope the investigation finds a viable solution. Its really wonderful when the doctors make you feel like they give a shit!
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Ha, that's so weird; I just wrote about fear last night! https://steemit.com/quotes/@allyoop/the-waterslide-of-death-and-what-it-taught-me-about-life
I'm glad to hear you got through your appointment, from your later post, and made some progress!
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Very happy for you!
By the way - you probably know this, but I will mention still - there have been cases where Steemit community has helped people get the help they needed. So don't hesitate to ask - there are some highly resourceful people on here.
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insteresting your post and information, thank you for sharing, good luck for you.
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So glad things went well👍
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Glad things went well and that there's more good in your future :)
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I'm glad it went well.
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