I am 5 1/2 weeks pregnant & scared...

[MelindaP]

I just started having IC symptoms this past DEcember. Couple of rounds of antibiotics (including Cypro that made it worse) & I feel like my IC is here to stay! It did go into "remission" of sorts in early January. I thought I was cured. Then my husband & I started an IVF cycle & wham! The burning came back as soon as I started the hormone drugs. Coincidence? At the time I did not realize it was IC & the DR's were all telling me to go forward with the IVF. Well, here I am , pg but miserable! This should be the happiest time in my life, but all I can do is cry! I mainly have urethral burning & it is driving me insane!!!! I follow the diet, but do not see any effect! I know there are not many medications you can use in pregnancy. Does anyone eles have this symptom & how do you deal with it?
Thanks!
Melinda

[work it]

congrats melinda! I don't have any suggentions sorry

[work it]

Melinda One thing that I do is crab the ice pack and place it down there. It sometimes help because then all I feel is the cold and numbness. Also what about the Elmiron bladder instills? have you talked about maybe doing that durning your pregnancy? I am sorry you are not having the best of time with this. Pregnancy is supposed to be fun and full of joys.

I have only had a few flares durning my pregnancy its the all day morning sickness that is getting to me. I really hope things get better for you, make sure you keep you Dr and uro up to date on you pain.

[Babs RN]

First of all, congrats. It is awesome sometimes what our body will surprise us with--just when you've given up. As far as the pregnancy and the IC, I would see your uro asap and then have your uro contact your OB(just a suggestion)so they are on the same sheet of music. Hopefully between the 2 of them they can decide what is safest for you and the baby that gives you the best quality of life during a very exciting experience. Another suggestion would be to see a perinatologist or a maternal-fetal medicine doc who specialize in high risk patients. Good luck and again congrats! :woohoo:


Hugs,
Barb

[Lenia]

Melinda,
Hang in there and do not lose hope. Do not panic, you will get through this. Although it is exciting having a life form inside of you, pregnancy is usually not fun or pleasant (although some women do have wonderful pregnanies). Between morning sickness, tiredness and a list of all the other aches and pains that pregnancy brings, the last thing we need is ic. Give yourself permission to be sad and to complain. Try to remember that pregnancy is temporary and it has a wonderful outcome. Also remind yourself of anything positive that you can think of. As far as help with flares, I second the ice motion from the previous person. Warm baths help me relax and laying on my side. Drink lots of water and talk to your uro about meds and pregnancy. At last, the best help is a hug from my husband and his encouraging words.
Hugs, Lenia

[contactjh2001]

Melinda:

Congratulations! I also recently discovered that I am pregnant. 8 weeks today! I typically only have urethral burning, too. I'm having a flare right now, actually, and was looking for comfort on the web. I'm so glad I saw your post because I have pretty good success with reducing to eliminating the burning when I soak in a tub with lots and lots of baking soda. I actually hold a handful of the baking soda to my "area," in addition to letting quite a bit dissolve in the water. Don't use really hot water and don't let the water line go above your pubic area, the heat is not safe for the baby. Also, mine usually occurs after a gyno visit, so I have told my doctor to insert the instrument side-to-side, not traditionally because the instrument causes mild trauma to your urethra and puts undue pressure on your bladder. Also, ask them to use non-latex gloves, latex is another thing that usually brings me to tears. I hope this helps! I know how you feel, so let me know if it helps. Take care and congratulations.

[MelindaP]

Thanks you guys for all your help! I thelps not to feel so alone! I have to say, someone suggested Almond milk for the urethral burning & it REALLY does help! I drink about 1/2 to 1 cup every 4 hours. It really takes the edge off! I just hope I can heal my bladder soon!
Thanks guys!
Melinda

[work it]

Where do you find almond milk at? I have never heard of it but am willing to give it a try. Thanks in advance.

[MelindaP]

I called around & found it at TRader Joe's. Check with your local health food stores. Good luck & I hope it helps!
Melinda

[Sherry5]

I did about the same thing, only I got pregnant on accident after deciding not to. For the urethral burning, I use an otter pop. Are you familiar with those? I tend to sleep with them, use them when I am driving, etc. etc. They are quite helpful. I also have a hard time being excited when I am in so much pain. Good Luck!

[MelindaP]

I have never heard of an Otter pop? What is it? Where can I get one?
Thanks!
Melinda :)

[Sherry5]

Where are you from? Otter pops are really common here in AZ. They are those little popsicles in plastic that you have to push up to eat. Because of the way they are packaged, they are like nice long narrow icecubes in plastic. They are much more convenient for urethral pain than an ice bag. Around here you can get them at any Costco or Wal mart, etc. They are a life saver for me. Good luck! :)

[MelindaP]

I am from CT. I will see if they have them here at my local Walmart!
Thanks!
Melinda