Flare or UTI?

[lulu43]

One of the things that frustrates me so bad is trying to determine if I'm having a flare or if I've got a UTI (or bladder infection). The burning is so similar for me. I read another post where a lady said she felt like a catheter with a knife blade was being inserted into her...me too! Though, I am sitting here with my laptop (also my heating pad) and I can feel my bladder like it is full or something...it's all puffed up and sore. I know it's not full because I just emptied it. I took some Detrol last night to calm the spasms; but, I was in so much pain this morning I just took a strong pain pill and fell back asleep. I can't keep taking these pain pills though, I've got to go back to work. IC is so disabling. I hope this is a short-lived flare. I go to my Uro at 11:15 in the morning, so I'll make sure it's just a flare. I may be set up for another bladder hydro.

I do have some other things going on, in my pelvic area causing pain. These are due to my hysterectomy a couple of years ago. I'm scheduled to see a pelvic specialist on 2/3/05 due to fears that I have an inguinal hernia and adhesions as a result of my hysto. And, I'm fearing my endo has returned.

Anyway, don't know what else to do except place heat and take strong pain pills to get me thru these flares. Elmiron didn't work for me within 3-4 months and it's too $$ for me to stay on it. Prelief works sometimes and not sometimes; but, doesn't help me during flares.

I read somewhere about heparin...is that similar to Detrol? I don't have urgency and frequency, that Detrol is primarily for...though, it does help (slowly) with the spasms.

[shell]

I sometimes have a hard time telling the difference between a flare and a UTI. I often wind up going to the doctor's office to have my urine tested to find out if it's a UTI. I won't start antibiotics until the lab results are back, but then I know for sure which it is. And if it is a UTI I can then start on the antibiotics.

I believe there are also home tests you can get over the counter to check for infection. There're not necessarily as accurate as a lab test, but if the home test is positive you know it's definitely worth contacting your doctor.

[ICNDonna]

Sometimes it's difficult to tell the difference for me too. I do use home test kits. The one I like best is called First Response --- I like that brand because if there's infection present, it foams --- I don't like having to compare colors with the dip sticks.

Donna

[lulu43]

Never heard of the home test kits...but, I will definitely keep in mind for the future.

I went to my Uro this morning and no infection present. They did a sonogram on my bladder, after I had just emptied it, and there was still 114cc's in it. So, it's not emptying properly (which the Dr assured me is a total result of an IC flare). So, he is supposed to call this afternoon and let me know what day next week my Hydro/Cysto, etc. will be.

He told me to plan on having to get a Hydro/Cysto once every year or so. He also mentioned some new medicine that is just out, that he may try me on. I tried the Elmiron last year and it didn't work. But, he said this is a more immediate relief drug. I can't recall the name...when he calls this afternoon I will ask again.

[Sarojini]

I'm glad you got in to see your uro... I hope he's able to help you with your pain and other symptoms!!!

And yes, retaining urine like that is common in IC patients. I do it too... sometimes it has been so bad that I've learned to catheterize myself to relieve the pressure the retention can cause. Luckily I do not need to do it often, but it is nice to have that skill at my disposal just in case.

Take care of yourself!