Finding Relief Through Diagnosis

Tammy* is a 38-year-old woman. She has suffered for many years with pain in her lower abdomen. As a child she was told she had “lots of bladder infections” and was given antibiotics. But, the medications still didn’t help.

By the time Tammy was older and became sexually active, her pain had gotten worse. Her gynecologist said the pain was caused by “honeymoon cystitis” and it would get better. Later, she was diagnosed with another problem – overactive bladder (OAB). Even though she was taking medicines, she did not feel better.

Finally, she found a doctor who realized she did not have a problem with infections or overactive bladder. Her urologist said she had a condition known as Interstitial Cystitis or Bladder Pain Syndrome, or IC/BPS.

While it took Tammy a long time to get properly diagnosed, once she did, she was very happy. Tammy said, “Having the diagnosis helped me understand what I could do to manage my pain and not to give up. Treatment and relief are possible!”

*Name has been changed

For more information on Interstitial Cystitis or Bladder Pain Syndrome, click here.

Check out this podcast to listen to another IC survivor story: Interstitial Cystitis (IC): A Candid Talk with a Survivor and Dr. Suzette Sutherland