Newly Diagnosed--2 Weeks Until Doc's Appt. What to do in the meantime?

[bpelley]

My gynecologist is fairly certain that I have IC and after reading the stories here on the board and reviewing the website, it would seem to be the case. I have been living with this for years so it was a bit of a relief to hear that others share my experience. I thought I was going crazy.

Unfortunately, the urologist that my doctor recommended can't see me for another two weeks. That is seeming like an eternity right now given that I am going through a bad period of pain and urgency. I would like to avoid taking the pain medication that my gynecologist gave me because it prevents me from going to work and generally puts me out of it.

Aside from diet changes (this website has been so helpful in that), are there any other things that you would recommend that I do/take to get me through? I have read about Pyridium, but the labels all seem to suggest that you shouldn't take the medication for more than two days at a time.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

-Bonney

P.S. Giving up caffeine and other tasty no-no beverages has been hard. Water is just not as good!

[Annie2]

Hi Bonney!

:welcome: to the ICN. You will find a wealthy of info and support here. The period just before diagnosis is, for many of us, the hardest time of all. You have obviously started the IC diet and that is probably the single most important thing you can do for yourself. The majority of ICers find the diet to be the best self-help tool we have. I know, it's the pits! Most of us despise the fact we have to gave up so many of our favorite foods but we do it because it works. It can, however, take a few weeks for your bladder to calm down and to start feeling better so don't be discouraged if you don't see big results right away.

Many of us find heat helps tremendously. My heating pad is my best friend when my bladder is misbehaving. Stick on heating pads are great, too, as they can provide the same heat relief without electricity and are, therefore, good for riding in the car or when you are out and about. Other ICers find cold is more soothing than heat and use ice packs or cold compresses. It is an individual thing so you might want to try both heat and cold and see which works best for you.

Warm baths or showers help many. Just be sure to stay away from bubble baths or soaps that can irritate.

You are right about Pyridium. It is not for long-term use. It does help some of us when we are flaring. I use it for 2-3 days if I go into a bad flare. You can buy an over-the-counter version of Pyridium called Uristat. It is the same compound, just a slightly lower dosage. Another brand to look for is AZO. Some find that helps.

Constantly sipping water through the day can help to keep your urine dilute and, therefore, less irritating. Some find the chlorine in city water can be irritating and do best by drinking bottled spring water with no added minerals.

Stress can also make the situation worse for our bladders so doing your best to cut the stress in your life helps. Easy to say, but much harder to accomplish! It is worth doing all you can to cut your stress level, though.

Rest is also huge. Give yourself permission to rest a great deal. Your bladder is injured and will respond much better if you get lots of rest and don't push yourself. We hear so much praise about people who push through the pain to accomplish some goal. For an ICer, that is definitely not a good thing to do. Give your bladder lots of rest so it is better able to begin the healing process.

I am sure others can give you other helpful hints. Please do keep in mind that, though it may take some time, trial and error, most of us do find meds and treatments that help us and allow us to resume a fairly normal life.

Again, welcome to the ICN. Hope you quickly find some relief and begin the healing process.

Annie

[theclownster]

Hi Bonney! It looks like Annie has given you a lot of good suggestions. I also want to add a warm welcome to the ICN. May the next 2 weeks go by quickly before you can get intot he uro.

Sending you warm healing thoughts~
Jennifer

[Katrina]

:welcome: to the ICN!

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.

http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/ this is an essential link for everyone with IC. It is very informative on meds, living with IC, and self help....take a look!!!

http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?p=90935#post90935 Newbie kit from the oldies to the newbies

I hope that gives you some helpful ideas. There are a lot of self help tips there and life changes that can help too. Following the diet and giving up things we are used to eating or drinking everyday is very hard....I agree....my best advise if it is truly too difficult to completely give up try having Prelief or Calcium with it. Much luck!

[ICNDonna]

You mentioned that your doctor gave you pain medications --- you might try taking one early in the evening so you will be able to sleep --- which can help a great deal. You might also give your doctor a call and ask about taking only part of a dose. Sometimes just getting a break overnight from pain can help the following day.

You are in the most frustrating time with IC --- the time before diagnosis --- once you know for sure what you have and begin treatment, it does get better.

Warm hugs,
Donna