
Hi I Am A 49yo Male Who Recently Injured My

Question: Hi I am a 49yo male who recently injured my back and developed intense sciatic pain. A couple of weeks after this I had an intensely painful burning during urination and it was also intensely painful in my bladder all of the time. I have since been diagnosed with a bulging disc at L5/S1. I was referred to a urologist for my bladder and urinating issues who checked my prostate and did a cystoscopy on me. During the cystoscopy he noted some red areas of inflammation in my bladder, however I have had 3 urine tests done which all were negative for infection. My urologist just told me to make an appointment to see him in a month, but my pain is intense and I have been given no idea of what diagnosis he may have or if any?? He seemed completely perplexed and I mentioned interstitial cystitis and he brushed it off as if he was very proud of the fact he had never diagnosed a male with this disease, however I am aware that this does afflict some men. My history as a very frequent urinator (up to 15 times a day and 3 times a night) has me quite worried that this is indeed what I may have and the inflammation may have been hunners lesions? Can you help?
Brief Answer:
Certainly sounds like interstitial cystitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi jdn07,
Thank you for the elaborate history and astute considerations. I agree with you, that considering your symptoms and the findings on cystoscopy, that you have interstitial cystitis. My recommendation would be to have a second opinion with a different urologist or to simply start treatment via your GP.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have further questions.
Certainly sounds like interstitial cystitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi jdn07,
Thank you for the elaborate history and astute considerations. I agree with you, that considering your symptoms and the findings on cystoscopy, that you have interstitial cystitis. My recommendation would be to have a second opinion with a different urologist or to simply start treatment via your GP.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng


Do you believe the findings on the cystoscopy suggest Hunners Lesions? The urologist showed me the image of red areas and said they were areas on inflammation?

Also is it possible that this pain could be caused by my disc issue? I have read that L5/S1 disc bulges can compress the nerves and give symptoms such as urinary frequency/burning type pain similar to IC. I'm trying to cover all possibilities as I have an appointment to see a Neurosurgeon for my back/sciatic pain also.
Brief Answer:
Sounds like Hunner lesions, unrelated to disc issues
Detailed Answer:
Hi again Jdn07,
From what you describe, it certainly sounds like Hunner lesions of interstitial cystitis. It is true that disc herniations can give urinary symptoms, e.g. urgency, overactive bladder syndrome, etc. but a herniated disc will not cause the inflammatory changes found during cystoscopy.
Please let me know if you have further questions.
Sounds like Hunner lesions, unrelated to disc issues
Detailed Answer:
Hi again Jdn07,
From what you describe, it certainly sounds like Hunner lesions of interstitial cystitis. It is true that disc herniations can give urinary symptoms, e.g. urgency, overactive bladder syndrome, etc. but a herniated disc will not cause the inflammatory changes found during cystoscopy.
Please let me know if you have further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana


Thankyou for your reply my understanding is that if it is diagnosed as Hunners lesions then these need to be surgically repaired via laser cauterisation or resection among other things, possibly steroid injections. I realise that you are not from Australia but do you know of any people here that have expertise in this disease that I could contact for a second opinion?
Brief Answer:
Unfortunately not
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Unfortunately, I do not know any. My best advice would be to hear your GP. What state do you live in? Perhaps I could help you find a good urologist.
Best wishes.
Unfortunately not
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Unfortunately, I do not know any. My best advice would be to hear your GP. What state do you live in? Perhaps I could help you find a good urologist.
Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng


Thank you I live in Adelaide, South Australia.
Brief Answer:
Try XXXXXXX Penkoff
Detailed Answer:
Hi Jdn07,
Sorry for the late reply. Have you heard of Dr. XXXXXXX Penkoff of Urology Health in Adelaide? If not, I suggest you try to google him and find his contact information.
Best wishes.
Try XXXXXXX Penkoff
Detailed Answer:
Hi Jdn07,
Sorry for the late reply. Have you heard of Dr. XXXXXXX Penkoff of Urology Health in Adelaide? If not, I suggest you try to google him and find his contact information.
Best wishes.
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D

Answered by

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
