Finding the right doctor can make a painful journey tolerable.

Suffering from an illness is one of the hardest things a person will ever do. There is only one thing that can make the experience a bit tolerable – the right doctor.

This is the story of Mrs.Bharti Kataria. She has come out of her endless struggle because of her courage, strong will, patience and most importantly, a doctor who could understand her illness, make the right diagnosis and cure her.

Mrs Kataria was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis which explained the never-ending pain and burning sensation while urinating.

Interstitial cystitis, also known as Painful Bladder Syndrome is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pelvic pain. It can have a long-lasting impact on quality of life. Although there’s no cure, right medication and other therapies may offer relief.

Her misery began in 1998 when she was diagnosed with urine infection by a gynaecologist who prescribed a few antibiotics. It cured the infection but the pain and burning sensation persisted. Even after consulting a number of gynaecologists and physicians, undergoing several tests, taking antibiotics and anti-allergens, there was no relief. Bharti remembers that her trips to the washroom had become so frequent and painful that she was scared of the idea of passing urine. This made her hold urine for hours until one day, she couldn’t pass urine no matter how hard she tried.

Then, 10 years later, she was advised to consult a urologist, Dr Rajesh Taneja. A cystoscopy was advised. It was then that she was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. Areas of inflammation were seen on the bladder wall (Hunner’s ulcers). The ulcers were resected which was followed by weekly dilatations which provided temporary relief. The pain still persisted.

Another year passed with no improvement.

In 2010, She underwent Holmium laser treatment. She finally got rid of the weekly dilatations but the pain and burning sensation did not leave her side.

Three years later, in 2013, after another cystoscopy was performed, she was unable to pass urine. A urine bag was attached to her. She remembers how much that affected her. She had stopped eating, drinking and sank deeper into depression. After a week, the urine bag was removed and she was able to pass urine which was still painful.

During this time, Dr Taneja prescribed the drug CYTOPEN which was a turning point in her course of treatment. Apart from several side effects like weight gain, hair fall, lack of concentration, the drug worked in her favour. Within 6 months of taking the drug, the gnawing pain, burning sensation and discomfort vanished.

It has been 3 years today and she is living a pain-free life. Her quality of life has improved. She says it would not have been possible without the constant efforts and patience of Dr Taneja. She is living a carefree life today because Dr Taneja did not give up on her even when she had lost all hopes. This proves that healthcare providers can do wonders if they are engaged and fully focused on the patient during the time they are with them.