Nichole
After spending 2 months in serious pain and arguing with 2 different male urologists to get a cystoscopy and other appropriate tests, I was finally diagnosed with "squamous metaplasia", a bladder lesion, not to be confused with interstitial cystitis though the two do share some overlapping symptoms. To my astonishment, I'm _still_ not getting decent treatment after for it after 6 MONTHS NOW because the attitude is to "just live with" daily rention of urine and constant pain. Twice it has gotten so bad that the backup of urine "bruised" my kidneys. I got sick pretty fast and had to be rushed to a hospital and given IV fluids and medicines. Luckily my kidneys show no permanent damage _YET_ but even after all this, the doctor's only suggestion is to go to an emergency room to be catheterized as needed! Also, nearly all info about the condition on the web _contradicts_ the doctor's blowoff comment that bladder lesions/squamous metaplasia are not possible precursors to bladder cancer, and I've already had several gyn and other precancerous lesions removed due to a precancerous condition in addition to having a strong cluster of cancers in my family. I would _very much_ like to hear from others -- particularly other women -- who have had problems getting proper diagnosis and treatment for ANY medical problem, and especially from any women diagnosed with a bladder lesion, squamous metaplasia, or even bladder cancer. Doctors, nurses, and other professionals' comments would likewise be appreciated. Obviously I am also looking for a new doctor -- presuming it's possible to find a urologist who deals with more than just incontinence and who takes _women's_ health seriously -- and though I currently reside in Maryland, I may even have to consider other regions in the continental US if necessary.