Why the swelling when you flare?

[micheb]

I get a hard swelling in my pelvic area when I am hurting (which is almost daily). Does anyone know the reason for this? Is it my bladder that is swollen?
Thx.

[Portia17]

I have the same thing. Always have pain and pelvic area swollen but i dont know the answer yet

Hope someone lets us know

thx

[naenae2505]

i have the same thing.. i am so glad other people have this .. i thought i was going insane! :loco: does anyone know why?

[Annie2]

You are definitely not :loco: or alone in this. What you are experiencing is quite common among ICers. Around here it is unaffectionately referred to as "The IC Belly". I have seen a few explanations for this. In general, I believe it has to do with the inflammation process going on in the bladder.

Annie

[melanie626]

Golly, and I just thought I was pudgier, but that is why I have had such a tummy during this flare....makes sense though.

[naenae2505]

I am so happy that i finally not alone in this... i really want to thank you so much... i thought i was going crazy!!! :woohoo:

[Katrina]

I believe the IC belly is supposed to be caused by mass sells.
http://www.ic-network.com/askthemd/

[ICNDonna]

If you stop to think about it, if you have a bruise on your arm or any other part of your body, it swells from the inflammation. It's reasonable to think that when your bladder and surrounding tissues are inflamed, there would be some swelling.

Donna

[Sarojini]

Yep, any time there is inflammation going on, fluid comes out of your blood vessels and into the surrounding tissues as part of the healing response, and bam! you have swelling. However, since IC never really seems to heal completely, you will get periods of swelling during flare-ups. I get it too... sometimes I look almost pregnant (um, like right now????). I'm living in my sweatpants and yoga pants, and, when my frequency isn't so bad, my overalls right now during this flare.

[Tunia]

Count me in as having this same symptom, but the good news is that I have found a temporary, but effective, remedy. My Uro had prescribed Furosemide for me to help when I'm having retention problems. To my surprise, it also cut through the intense pain I usually experience! I asked my Uro about this on Wednesday, and his answer was that the Furosemide, as a diuretic, reduces the swelling which then reduces the pressure on my bladder. Makes sense!

Of course, using the diuretic makes me pee more often, but for a day or so it's without pain. The only caution is that using a diuretic depletes potassium (necessary for nerve health) but this can be overcome by eating potassium-rich foods such as a banana.

Hope this helps...

ETA: I just read the link provided by Katrina (should have done so first), and wanted to add that I also take the Atarax generic Hydroxyzine. Despite the info in the article provided, the Hydroxyzine never seemed to make a difference for me regarding the swelling. As we've all found, what works for some doesn't work for others...what a strange condition this IC is.

[sweetpea2555]

I also have a problem with swelling. I think it is because you are so irritated inside. My bladder turns red raw when it swells. I think it is part of the IC.

[Portia17]

I HAVE A DIFFERENT QUESTION PLEASE

I just realized I have been constipated for 3 days and just took something for it.

Would that cause the pain I am feeling now and down below

Thank you

[Tunia]

Yes, Portia - constipation can have a lot to do with it. First of all, the fullness in your colon puts pressure on your bladder and, if your bladder is already irritated, this makes it more so. Also, the strain of trying to pass the constipation can irritate the bladder.

Do you also have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? It's quite common that IC sufferers also have IBS. IBS can manifest itself with either diarrhea or constipation, and often swings between the two. You may need to take a stool softener, but this won't give you immediate relief as it might take a day or so to work and won't help with any constipation lodged in your lower colon. I keep a supply of Fleet enemas on hand for such an instance, to clean me out quickly. The advantage of Fleet over a laxitive is that it cleans you out right away and you don't have to stay near a bathroom for an entire day as you would with a laxitive. The gastroenterologist gave me a prescription for Generlac Solution (for my IBS) to stay regular, and I use this in conjuction with a stool softener. Even so, constipation will still occasionally be a problem. It's during these times that I have the worse IC flares because of the additional irritation and pressure.

Good luck! Lots of fun, this IC - isn't it?

[Portia17]

Hi Tunia

I just took ducolax before and waiting to go as my pain is starting bad in the bladder and private area.

I don't think I have i.b.s I had a colonoscopy done a few months ago and he said everything was fine

thanks

[Annie2]

One of the side effects of many of the meds used for IC as well as many pain meds is constipation. You might want to talk to your doctor to see what they recommend you use for this problem.

Annie

[micheb]

Thanks ladies for all your help. This is a wonderful message board..and it's nice to not feel so alone in this. It's an awful disease and I pary that someday there will be a cure. It's really not fair!
Take care. Michelle