Hi, Only one of the Urologist that I've been too mentioned the installations... The other two said they would give them BUT they don't work on everyone and some feel worse afterwards.

I'm kinda in the same boat KArm. I was taking Elmiron, but my gastroentrologist took me off of it because I have elevated liver enzymes. I've had a liver ultrasound, and may have to have a biopsy. I am currently receiving instills once a week, and it has helped. But in the event that I can't take the Elmiron, (it helped me tremendously) what in the world am I going to do for my IC? My Uro says the only treatments for IC are Elmiron, bladder overdistention, and instills. OF course, he gives me paid meds, but is there any other meds for IC? What is PT??

I found out PT is Physical Therapy. All Uro's do different things for the patient. I've never been talked to about installs... I call when I need refills on my meds and let him know when the pain is unbearable so I can have a hyperdistention...

Wow. PT for IC?? I've had PT for my back, but I was unaware that it could help IC. Has anyone here had PT for this illness, and what do they do to help?

it seems like a lot of people have pt for pain in their lower pelvic areas. I myself was never given that option so I don't know how it would help. sorry!

MY DAUGHTER WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE PT ALSO FOR HER IC. SHE ASKED A COUPLE OF HER FRIENDS, SHE ALSO ASKED HER DR. AND CALLED THE PERSON WHO WAS GOING TO DO IT. THEY TOLD HER IT WAS A ROD-LIKE INSTRUMENT THEY INSERT IGNORE INTO YOUR VAGINA TO STIMULATE THE MUSCLES THERE. HER FRIEND WHO HAD IT DONE SAID IT REALLY HURT. SO PLEASE DON'T HAVE IT DONE UNLESS YOU TALK TO OTHER WOMEN ABOUT IT. IT IS A NEWER THING THEY ARE TRYING ON WOMEN WITH IC.

HI...It's Jacki:
On the PT The therapist do give you the option to have manual therapy done or w/ TENS units and ultra sound.It cost more for the TENS and Ultra sound.
The device that was used at my PT was very small(you have to buy your own...health reasons)about 40.00.Okay it looks like a small dildo and it goes in with Ky Jelly.The therapist always let me insert it and turn it on.I could not feel anything till I got to Number five on the small hand held machine. It didin't hurt at all.I would say it's a weird /odd sensation BUT not painful!
I was totally in charge of the strength of the small unit.
I took it home for four months and it does help relax the muscles and calm down the bladder.
I was using it almost everyday.
When I go back to PT this summer I'm going to buy a unit.
You can get a RX from your Doctor for one.Just like the TENS..Transcutaneous electial Nerve Stimulation.That is great on the outside of the bladder and back. You can also use it on Neck, backetc.
PT has so many different things to offer for treatments....External massgae,internal massage, bio-feedback,ultrasound,stretching exercises for the muscles in pelvic area.
I would check it out sometime.At least talk to the therapist and see what they do.
Jacki

thanks. I know what a tens is, I had a smaller unit a few years ago for my arms...I'm just trying to figure out why the doc never mentioned these to me/