Urethral pain help!!!!

[MelindaP]

I am 34 & am 10 1/2 weeks pregnant through IVF. My urethral pain all started around the same time as we were preparing for my IVF, so I have not had any formal testing done as of yet. I am pretty sure I have IC. I have been reading up alo on it. My bladder feels "irritated" on & off, although I have not real frequency/or urgency. The thing that is really getting to me is my urethral pain! IT is 24/7 & is really affecting my life! IT feel like it is right down at the tip, but inside. It used to burn all the time, now it just feels irritated.
I did a heprain/marcain instillation today & I was so bummed because I feel it did nothing! I even had her drag the meds down my urethra. She said sometimes it takes a few instillations to see results. I am supposed to go back on Friday.
Does anyone have any words of wisdom for me? I have been following the IC diet strictly for over 6 weeks, but have not seen that much in the way of pain reduction.
Does the diet even help for urethral pain?
Thank you!!!
Melinda

[liznazz]

I don't know if this will help, but my symptoms were mainly urethral; not pain, but a constant "pressure" as If I hadn't finished urinating. Being pregnant, it will be difficult for you to take medicines, but I found that taking cornsilk tablets were helpful for me. It took a week or two to kick in. I but it in capsule form from a healthfood store. It is organic. It is strictly the silk strands found in the corn husk--dried and in capsule form. I have read that some people on the boards actually make tea out of real corn silk and drink that. I don't know if this will help, but if you type in natural remedies for bladder of urethral pain, you may come up with other natural products that may help you. liz

[Katrina]

Well one Idea I have is to ask your doctor if you can have a prescription for lidocaine gel...when I urethra is really bothering me I love lidocaine gel! I can't say if it is safe during pregnancy but it might be since it is used topically.


now it will depend on the sourse of your pain as to what else might help. If it is inflammation in your urethra or is it acid irritation? Water,

Herbs (please be as careful with herbs as you would a med.) start with a very small amount….we never know how we may react to something….never give up searching for a way to feel better.
burning for me was 500mg Quercetin, 500mg Bromelain every 12 hours.
o Marshmallow root (althaea officinalis) helps sooth irritation and inflammation, can help spasms
Aloe Vera (Best kind Desert Harvest Aloe) both soothing and rebuilding http://icnshop.com/cgi-bin/ustorekeeper.pl?command=goto&file=Alternatives.html
Flax seed Oil (soothing to any inflammation and a rebuilder) Best if taken with food…can be good for constipation
Mullein soothing, healing, and protecting
o Licorice (glycyrrhiza glabra and g. uralensis) good for inflammation and anti allergic but should only be used short term
o Uva Ursi (arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is an antiseptic of the urinary track also used as a diuretic, also for inflammation…also only for short term use
o Black Cohosh (cimicifuga racemosa) not good for me since has similar effects to the hormone estrogen. Is used as a sedative and to relieve menstrual cramps. May have anti inflammatory effects. Avoid large doses. http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/herbs.html#black I have been warned, "Black Cohash and can cause strong uterine contractions " Pregnant women should not take this and should always ask doc before taking any herb.
o Catnip (nepeta cataria) eases menstrual pain, soothes the nerves, and as a sleep aid.
http://www.algonot.com/ Algonot-Plus®: Algonot, LLC, is the maker of a line of nutraceuticals specifically designed to help with the symptoms of IC, chronic prostatitis, and arthritis. Their latest products, CystoProtek and ProstaProtek, combine the original Algonot-Plus formula with sodium hyaluronate:
CystoProtek contains: chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, quercetin, sodium hyaluronate and olive kernel extract.
ProstaProtek contains: the anti-inflammatory properties of chondroitin and quercetin, and the added benefit of glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and sodium hyaluronate to help replenish the damaged mucosa bladder lining.

o Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) mild sedative, reduces inflammation, relieve menstrual cramps, can help bladder spasms http://www.ic-network.com/cgi-bin/ustorekeeper.pl?command=goto&file=Foods-Tea.html
cornsilk tablets are unreal!!!!! Good for burning but may up your frequency. Are mild dieuretics
Slippery Elm is soothing and therapuitic (used by Native Americans as a poultice for boils, ulcers and for wounds in general) puts on a protective coating, can also help Crohns disease, aside from risk of allergic reaction no warnings very safe!
Lavender Oil (the sent is a great for relaxing but to rub on bladder can also have a calming effect. Good for spasms)
Vitamin E (not really a herb but is soothing)
• Drinking almond milk (can also help burning….every four hours is recommended)
• Drinking baking soda and water mix (about 1 teaspoon baking soda per glass) I personally will make capsules of baking soda with capsules from the pharmacy. This can cause gas so the water is important or a non prescription gas meds.
Taking alkaselser Gold
• Drinking a burger king milkshake


These are just possible ideas....definatly talk to your doctor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Best of luck with your pregnancy...God Bless!