Question about this awful flare

[Lmarks33]

I have a questions for anyone who is willing to read this. I have had a flare since I had gallbladder surgery a week ago Thursday. The frequency and urgency are unbearable. My urologist put me on Ditropan, Flomax, Elavil and Urelle. I am off the Flomax and Urelle because I think the side effects were getting to me although I might try the Urelle again. Nothing is working. I am sleeping better because of the Elavil but the frequency and Urgency is just as bad and the pressure is still so present. How long is long enough to see if these meds help? I want to stop the Ditropan because frankly, it is not doing anything.

Please....I need advice.

Laura

[tigger_gal]

Elavil is an anti-depressant and it helps with pain and to help you sleep.. Urelle??? is that an anti spasm med? Detropan, made me retain something horrible..
seeing you just had surgery and flairing, that may be why every thing is way out of the normal range....... If you have a heating pad that will help.. and if you can take a hot bat that might help.. also you can try ice.... all else fails call the doc for pain meds.
feel better soon
hugs
Brat

[ICNDonna]

Since you recently had surgery that involves catheterization, I suggest you be sure you are checked for infection. And I think you should call your doctor and request some pain control.

Warm healing thoughts,
Donna

[vm]

I wondered about infection, too. Also, since it was abdominal surgery it really could have set off a flare and it may be a matter of a week or two before your bladder calms down from that. :kissing:

[Sarojini]

I agree with Donna & Kim. Get checked for infection just in case... even if they gave you antibiotics after the surgery, it is, unfortunately, still possible to get a UTI with a resistant bacteria. :(

Other than that, do call your doctor and see if he'll prescribe some pain meds -- even something "lighter" like Darvocet or something may work well for you. However, you shouldn't be left to suffer in pain, so keep calling until you get relief!!

[Lmarks33]

I was on an antibiotic for 7 days due to possible infection. I have been tested and do not have one. This is so frustrating. The Ditropan I was prescribed has done nothing. I am afraid that I will gain weight on the Elavil and the frequency/urgency and pressure is unbearable. I am not having pain per say, just discomfort. I have Vicodin but I don't need it. It won't help calm my bladder down. What is the most frustrating thing is I had a Cysto/Hydro back in April and up until my surgery, I felt great.

[Laina22]

Sorry you are having this horrible flare.

After I had my last hydro done in April it took about 3 months before my bladder calmed down.

I don't really have pain only when in a bad flare, I mostly have frequency/urgency. But about a month after the surgery I was burning all the time and found out I had a UTI and got some pryidiam and an antibotic. It went away but I still had burning. So in August I went to my doc and he gave me a prescription for pryidium for the burning and also ultram since everytime I would take a step I could feel my bladder. I also started levsin. Once I started these along with my Elavil and Elmiron that is when I noticed a difference. I have tried everything and this is the only thing that has remotely helped.

I only take the ultram when I am in a flare. It makes me wired but it helps cut my flare time.

Laina

[Lmarks33]

what is ultram? I have never heard of that. That is how I feel when I get up. I took myself off the Ditropan yesterday because it wasn't helping. I started taking Urelle yesterday afternoon and maybe it helped. I was feeling great this morning but not so good now. BTW - Urelle for all of you who don't know is like Urised but I think it is new.

I don't want to go in for another Cysto/Hydro but I do know I can't live day-to-day like this.

[Laina22]

Ultram is a weaker pain med. I take 50mg when I have a bad flare. One of the side effects, well at least for me, is that you have alot of energy, kind of wired. But I don't mind because I feel great and not tired as I always do. I really helps me and I have tried so many different meds. I got to the point where I thought that I was never going to find anything to help. I also can't rule out that maybe the hydro has added to that benefit. I still go every 2 hours which is ok with me. On really good days I can hold it for 3-4. I am greatful.
I also don't feel my bladder anymore when I walk. I guess it was just swollen from the hydro. It did scare me though cause I thought that this was how it was going to be from now on and I regreted having the hydro done again but it went away thank God.
I just did it again because I got to the point were I was always flaring and going every hour, which I know isn't as bad as others have it. But we are all going through our on little hell. I had my first hydro May of 2002 and the second April 2004. At least I know that if I get to the point I was at before the second hydro. I will know I need another one. I do hate doing it cause the recovery for me is long and I feel like I shouldn't have because maybe it made it worst. But now I have something to compare my symptoms with.

Sorry I am rambling.

Anyhow, hope you get to feeling better.

Laina