how about causes?

[P.Chef]

The more I read on this site, the more I think this is what's going on with me. I have been having the frequency/urgency for over a year, along with right kidney pain and lower back ache. :( It is such a drag to feel like you have to go all the time!

I've been to 2 urologists, my family doc and a kidney specialist, living on Pyridium and slowly figuring out my triggers, and though I don't have a formal diagnosis, this sounds right. I've also had CT scans. If you are an IC patient and need an enhanced ab/pelvis CT, be aware that the contrast will likely cause a flare. It did for me, although I didn't know what it was at the time.

But the one thing I haven't found is what causes this syndrome. I guess it doesn't really matter as the symptoms still have to be reckoned with, but there's a part of me that would still like an answer.

Thanks everybody for sharing. I finally feel like maybe I'm not as crazy as I think.
jester
Andrea

[dyno]

Andrea,
Welcome to the ICN. It sounds like you are going through the Dr.s which is what happens to many of us in the quest to find out what is going on with us. To answer your question, they don't know what the exact cause is, in fact there could be several causes.

One thing you mentioned was living on Pyridium. I think if I remember right this medication is intended only for short term useage. You may need to check with your Dr. on this and maybe get another medication to use to help with your symptoms.

If IC is your problem, the handbook on this site is very informative. Another thing that benefits many is the IC diet and use of Prelief, that helps take acid out of the food and drink you consume that could irritate your bladder due to the acid.

I hope that helps a little and again, welcome. hi

Jolene

[ICNDonna]

Welcome to the IC Network. The Patient Handbook is at http://www.ic-network.com./handbook/

You might want to give the IC diet a try to see if it helps.

Pyridium is usually given as a short-term medication, but there are others just as effective. I suggest you talk this over with your doctor.

One thing you could do is to ask your doctor directly if what you have could be IC. Many doctors still feel it is extremely rare and are hesitant about diagnosing it.

One day I feel the cause for IC will be found --- and when that happens, the cure will not be far behind.

Sending a welcoming hug,
Donna

[Dixiefireball]

welcome to the icn family. grouphug You will find lots of support here. I'm sorry you are going threw so much :( here but we are here to for you :) Donna gave you a great site to check out. You even may want to check out the ic diet sometimes if you watch your intake that will help you from flareing. good luck and please keep us posted on how you are. grouphug if you need to talk please feel free to email me my email address is at the bottom of this post.

[Iris]

Hi Andrea, no you are not crazy. We have all thought that at one time, of ourselves, I am sure. Welcome to the IC family, and a more supportive, helping, and compassionate family would be hard to find. You have been given some great advice by the gals posts. I know I went through quite a bunch of medical people before I was diagnosed, so know what that is all about. Hope that you can find the right combination of treatments for you, we all vary so much in how we have to handle our IC. Please keep us posted as to how you are doing, and once again, a big welcome hug Iris. hi grouphug

[P.Chef]

It's interesting that you both posted that pyridium is only meant for short term use. eek I have been using it off and on for about 9 months and everytime I call to refill they cheerfully do so. My urologist has yet to call back after conferring with the nephrologist, so I came here at the nephro's suggestion. Prelief is already helping quite a bit. Thanks everybody.
grouphug
Andrea

[carly]

I have been taking pyridium plus 3 times a day for 7 years. I recently looked up long term use of pyridium on the internet. It can cause liver damage and methemoglonemia (the way oxygen combines with hemoglobin). I looked it up because I was in the hospital for asthma 3 times in the last year and every time I have to go home on oxygen. Asthmatics shouldn't need oxygen when they go home. Pyridium plus is actually intended for chronic use. I don't know if I could live without it. Good luck. It took me several doctors before I was diagnosed.

[Sarojini]

Hi... I actually had problems with my asthma after taking Pyridium for only a short period. After taking a few pills I would feel wheezy and short of breath. So I discussed it with my doctor, and as suggested by ICNDonna on this site, I asked if being switched to Urised was a good option. My doctor said that should be fine, and that's what I take when needed now. For me, it seems to work just as well... it makes your urine blue-green rather than bright orange, but the pain relieving properties are similar.

Good luck!!! grouphug :)

[Zanni2]

Hi Andrea: hi

I am taking a natural approach to treating IC since medical methods failed me or made me worse. I have discovered that having a buildup of toxins in the system can cause not only IC but various health problems. Toxins can eat away at our organs, especially the bladder and stomach. eek I saw a naturopath yesterday who after looking into my eyes with a light told me I was full of inflammation. This makes sense considering that IC is an inflammatory condition. He gave me an herbal combination to try as a tea (horsetail, cornsilk and burdock) and another item to detoxify the liver (bitter bark). He also going to help me get off of my prescription drugs by replacing them with natural equivalents. For my thyroid, he gave me kelp with iodine and feverfew to prevent migraines.

I'll keep everyone posted on my progress. I pray that this approach helps my bladder and everything else (hypothyroidism, migraines, IBS, muscle aches) as well.

I wish you much luck and hope you find something that works best for you.

Zanni2 angel