am i in a "flare"?

[sheba]

Hi!! I was recently diagnosed in August 2004 (but have been seeing a urologist since 1992 about this--just never called IC). I have been on the IC diet (have the cookbook), taking Elmiron, have Urimax for when needed, and have Ditropan XL. Since Aug. the diet has really helped and have only had a "flare" when trying out certain foods for elimination (pain and bloating from tomatoes, for example for 7 hours--took Urimax and seemed to go away). All the meds seemed to really help the frequency and urgency I had for 12 years and I was soooo glad to finally have a name for this :) . But last week for seemingly no reason (diet still on track, still taking meds) I started having severe pain in my abdomen. I didn't go to work 2 days b/c i couldn't stand or sit, or walk well without pain (i teach so i have to move around a lot). Finally, my uro. gave me Hydrocod. for the pain which took the edge off but I could still feel some pain but helped me. Then my period began and the pain seemed to go away, even was able to enjoy my family and THanksgiving. Now the pain is back!! I have been reading these boards but need to go lie down for awhile. I read something about baking soda i might try also. I am very new to message boards and IC so bare with me. Is this what I have to look forward to? Are these "flares"? Do they always last for days? I never had this problem for the other 12 years. I read something on this site from a Dr. about the 4 stages of IC--is this stage 4 (the "end" stage)? I also had red spots on my bladder and I can't remember if my doctor called those "Hunner's Ulcers" or not--is that what that is? THank you so much for your help....my husband will print out some responses for me, as I need to lie down. I've been reading this site for awhile and am cramping up...thanks...

[ICNDonna]

What you're experiencing could be an IC flare. However, if this is a new pain for you, I do think it would be a good idea to see your doctor to be certain you don't have something else going on along with your IC.

Sending encouraging hugs,
Donna

[Dixiefireball]

If you are still haveing problems you need to call your uro back. Did he check you for a uti when he gave you the pain meds?
have you been under a great deal of stress lately for some reason that will also set off a flare.
trying an new food heck sometimes the safe foods can set off a flare.
are you getting enough rest? If i don't get enough sleep it will set off my bladder too. :(
I wish i could be more help please call your doctor to let them know what is going on i have learned with I.C any type of new pain that want go away i need to call my doctor with.
since you are new to the boards you may want to check out www.ic-network.com/handbook it has a lot of great information in it even i still take a peek at it from time to time. Sounds like most of it is things you may already know but if you have the time its good to look at.
I'm very glad you had a wonderful thanksgiving with your family that is always a plus. :)
Hope you feel better soon please keep us updated.

P.s
heating pads sometimes help the pain or an ice pack.
sending you hugs and prayers
Rhonda

[kelly McC]

I have had flares last days and some weeks. Calling your doctor if your symptoms continue is a good idea. I do hope your feeling better soon
huggs and prayers Kelly

[sheba]

Thank you so much for your suggestions! I did the hot bath (which i have been doing a lot lately :) and the heating pad. It has been helping. I will call my doctor...is this typical for all of you, too? It is really nice to know you all are out there and i'm not alone. i guess i've gotten a bit depressed lately b/c no one seems to understand and think it is just "stress". Thanks for being here.

[Katrina]

:welcome:
http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7562 this link is a pain managment post. The second page has 4 attachments...the last one is a list of ideas for IC pain.....take a look if pain is problem for you.

stress can be a big flare up for many and a lot of the things in that list help relax you so it may be very helpful for you. I hope you feel better soon!!!

[VickiB]

I'm glad to hear you're going to check with your doctor, -it sounds like you're in a lot of pain! While it could be a flare, I have to agree with the others that it's best to get anything new like this checked out.

While most of my flares are food related, (and self-inflicted!), I have had times where my bladder threw a fit for weeks on end for no reason I could pin down. Perhaps stress, maybe hormones,..who knows! Those are the worst. Otherwise my typical flare lasts one to three days at the most.

Many of us felt that same sense of relief upon finding this site and others who understood what we were living with. IC has a way of making people feel isolated. There are plenty of wonderful people here who will help you any way they can, or offer a shoulder to lean on when the going gets tough.

I hope you're feeling better by now!

Vicki

[Sarojini]

I've had flares last for days too! It's not fun and I feel for you :grouphug: I hope by now you are getting back to normal and the nasty flare has gone back to where it came from!!!! :)

I think that any time you find a new pain you need to see your doctor to rule things out. For example, you could have a true UTI on top of your IC, and that situation can be very very painful.

I think you've been given a lot of good advice already, so I won't add too much more -- just a great big :welcome: to the ICN boards :)

[sheba]

Thank you all[U] sooo much!! I am feeling a bit better today! Even went outside to enjoy the sunshine. THank you, Katrina, too for the pain ideas...I printed them out to help. Have a good week!

[Katrina]

great! :)

[sheba]

Hi, all! I finally got an appt with my Uro...(a very quick one) and we will try some new meds. to replace the ones giving me a headache and GI problems and she gave me antibiotics just in case it was a UTI....you were right, so thanks!! I'm praying relief is just around the corner!! You all have had some other great ideas I'll try! Thanks again.
Stephanie