Hi,
I just went to a urologist because I have had chronic pelvic paion which seemed to match the symptoms of IC. So far my urologist has put me on two medications Flomax, and Detrol LA to help with the symptoms. I'm supoosed to try those for two weeks, then we'll do a bladder distention if they don't help much much. In fact, that is the one way to truly diagnose this condition. Diet really does play a factor,based on the literature my doc gave me. The not smoking thing is really important. But if I were you I would double check and go through with a proper diagnosis to make sure nothing more serious is going on. Often people with IC don't have bladder infections the way you do, the cause for the condition is unknown in most cases. Also, doubke chekc about Endmetriosis, I have that as well, and the symptoms of pain are extemely similar. Please go to your urologist. A gyno is great, but they really shouldn't be the ones to diagnose you with such a chronic condition. Like I said my urologist hasn't put the diagnosis on my me yet because he hasn't done the proper tests yet. IC is one of those conditions you diagnose a patient with after everything else has been eliminated. And with you recurrent bladder infections and level of bleeding I would definently do the bladder biopsy to be on the safe side. BTW were you diagnosed with a bladder infection recently? I hope I helped you, and I can totally relate to what is going to you. Read my introduction in the Meetinng Place for a more specific breakdown of my wonderful ailments. And if you tell me anything about the symptoms of a herniated disk, and what tests they use that would be great !!! PM me if you have any questions

PS the literature my doc gave me on IC was downloaded from:
www.niddk.nih.gov/health/pubs/cystitis/cystitis.htm
(I hope I copied it right, it was a little cut of at the bottom of the page)