Document and quantify your problem. Trying to remember symptoms that you had two weeks ago can be difficult, but your doctor will want details. To facilitate discussion with doctors, keep logs to record the type and frequency of symptoms. You may want to rate your level of pain, count the number of times you need to use the bathroom, and determine your level of urgency. Keeping a log will: 1) help your doctor assess your situation; 2) help you articulate your unique experience; and 2) corroborate your need for specialized care.
Research
Patients will want to research bladder conditions and treatment either on the Internet or in recent books on bladder conditions. Compare your symptoms with your research and talk to your doctor about your findings.
#3 Understand Your Treatment Options
Review your treatment options carefully with your doctor. Doctors today have an arsenal of bladder treatments at their disposal including: antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, bladder relaxants, anti-anxiety drugs, bladder analgesics, and diet and lifestyle changes. Doctors generally prescribe a course of common antibiotics for most conditions before trying other treatments. Some treatments unique to each condition are:
Cystitis – For recurring infections, doctors may give you stronger antibiotics and monitor your recovery more carefully. In addition, they will help you identify “trigger” events for your infections. Some doctors may give you a prescription of antibiotics that you can self administer before "trigger" events to prevent infection. Doctors will also discuss diet and herbs and other over-the-counter remedies with you.
U.T.I. – Doctors generally treat a single bout of an U.T.I. with common antibiotics and a prescription for lots of water.
Urethral Syndrome – Doctors may give you an extended round of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, and painkillers.
Interstitial Cystitis – Patients with IC must see an urologist who is knowledgeable about the condition because there is no known cause for IC, and finding the right treatment is an ongoing process. Patients are often diagnosed with all or at least one of the above conditions prior to being diagnosed with IC. For IC, doctors may prescribe Elmiron, the most widely used drug treatment, and changes in your diet and lifestyle. In-office bladder treatments to relieve symptoms are another avenue to explore with your physician. Visit the Interstitial Cystitis Network online for more information on this condition.