Commonalities

[angelaharrell]

Ok, it's 5:00 in the a.m. I've had another sleepless night so I logged onto the boards to wander around.

On this particular topic, from the current listings, 33 people related how they think or when IC reared it's ugly head. Here's the breakdown:

Stress (ulcers): 2
Frequent UTIs: 10
Surgery: 4
Chronic Yeast: 2
Environmental: 1
Diet: 2
Autoimmune: 7
Genetics: 5

Obviously there isn't one answer here but frequent UTI's top our list.

I have never been contacted or surveyed about my IC, nor has my Doctor really investigated some of the causes or commonalities. He did one time say "You know I have about 5 of you IC people, you should get together and talk". We eventually did and found some very common things.

I know it's asking alot,and I really don't want to load down this thread, so please feel free to email me personally, but I would like to find out, from as many of you as possible the following info:

Age of first bladder problem:
Age diagnosed with IC:
Types of Surgeries before bladder problems:
How long when bladder problems started did it take to get a diagnosis of IC:
Number of Doctors you saw with bladder problems before IC:
How many Doctors have you seen since IC:
Family members with bladder problems:
How many UTI's (before diagnoisis of IC):
How many UTI's were not tested but treated(before IC):
How many UTI's were treated at home:
How many yeast infections have you had in the last year:
Do yeast infections come before a UTI or Flare:
Are you sexually active: Times per month: Painful:
Allergies:
How many UTI's after IC:
Ever worked or lived close by harsh chemicals:
Please list diseases before IC:
Please list diseases since IC:

While I realize no one could possibly remember the exact answers, I'm only wanting your best guesses and to hear your story and to learn more about IC. I'm sure that this has been done in the past, but I can't find any links on this board.

I'll give everyone some time, let's say till November 11th and I'll post the info (names to remain confidential). Who knows what we'll find!!!

Thank you everyone.

P.S-This I'm not a Doctor, researcher, or specialist. I'm just someone with IC for about 10 years, looking for answers. This info will remain confidential and emails will be deleted after I talley up the answers.

[Briza]

Hi Angela
I think this is a geat idea and a good way for us to share and compare a lot of information in an organized, compact way.
I have seen a couple of other surverys here, where you just have to click in a circle to mark your response. Don't know how those are created but I'm sure someone around here does? Just a suggestion...might make responding easier and the results easier to tally.
But anyway, I will pm you the answers to the questions you posted.
Hope you are well

[angelaharrell]

Hey this is great...thanks for all of the info guys. I told my Uro today what I was doing and he is excited. He said only good things can come of it & to make sure that I tell him what the final result is.

I absoutely love reading everyones stories and answers. While basically similar, everyone's experiences are as unique as the person. One basic similarity that I've noticed is that everyone is VERY proactive about their health!

[massagedoula]

Age of first bladder problem: 14
Age diagnosed with IC: 25
Types of Surgeries before bladder problems:none
How long when bladder problems started did it take to get a diagnosis of IC: 9 months
Number of Doctors you saw with bladder problems before IC: 3
How many Doctors have you seen since IC: 5
Family members with bladder problems:
How many UTI's (before diagnoisis of IC): never had a culture, just was given Anti's so I don't know.
How many UTI's were not tested but treated(before IC): 20?
How many UTI's were treated at home: 15?
How many yeast infections have you had in the last year: 0
Do yeast infections come before a UTI or Flare: no
Are you sexually active: Times per month: Painful: yes, 1, yes
Allergies:penicillin, latex
How many UTI's after IC: 0
Ever worked or lived close by harsh chemicals: yes
Please list diseases before IC:migraines
Please list diseases since IC:none

[Annie2]

Age of first bladder problem: 55
Age diagnosed with IC: 55
Types of Surgeries before bladder problems: hysterectomy 15 years before onset of IC symptoms...no association between the 2
How long when bladder problems started did it take to get a diagnosis of IC: 6 Months
Number of Doctors you see with bladder problems before IC: Just 1...my primary who sent me to a uro
How many Doctors have you seen since IC: Just my uro and later a gastro for other problems which developed post IC
Family members with bladder problems: Absolutely None
How many UTI's (before diagnoisis of IC): 5 or 6 but all were spaced at least 4 years apart. I never had recurrent infections.
How many UTI's were not tested but treated(before IC): 0 Not tested
How many UTI's were treated at home: 0
How many yeast infections have you had in the last year: 0
Do yeast infections come before a UTI or Flare: No, never
Are you sexually active: Yes Times per month: Infrequent Painful: Very
Allergies: Many food allergies: tomatoes, pineapple, banannas, almonds (deathly allergic to almonds), shrimp, peaches. No environmental allergies (pollen, dust, molds, etc)
How many UTI's after IC: Only 1 caused by being catheterized
Ever worked or lived close by harsh chemicals: I am a biologist and was exposed to many chemicals. I had regular exposure to formaldehyde for many years.
Please list diseases before IC: None
Please list diseases since IC: IC came 1st. Then Ulcerative Proctitis/Colitis, Gerd, Hiatal Hernia, PFD. Still undergoing testing for other problems developing (gall bladder?).

[Janie Miranda]

Age of first bladder problem: Very young - mom said I had UTIs when I was still in diapers
Age diagnosed with IC:48
Types of Surgeries before bladder problems: None
How long when bladder problems started did it take to get a diagnosis of IC: Hmmm it depends on how you look at it . . . when I had the acute onset of symptoms in December 04 I went to a number of doctors until getting a diagnosis in April. So it was relatively short in one respect - but if you count the life time of recurring UTIs (?) I guess you could say it took over 40 years.
Number of Doctors you saw with bladder problems before IC: 20-30 or more over a lifetime- all just thought I had UTIs or pain from fibroids
How many Doctors have you seen since IC: 1 doctor and 1 nurse practioner
Family members with bladder problems:Father, Mother, Sister, Aunt and Grandmother.
Father actually had bladder surgery when he was young, mom went through years of pain and was given instillations when she was in her 30s has chronic pain, frequency etc but not diagnosed, Aunt is diagnosed with IC and has had severe pain and problems, my grandmother and sister I think also have undiagnosed IC.
How many UTI's (before diagnoisis of IC): Too many to count
How many UTI's were not tested but treated(before IC): Don't really remember but some
How many UTI's were treated at home:Too excrutiatingly painful to treat at home.
How many yeast infections have you had in the last year:0
Do yeast infections come before a UTI or Flare:No
Are you sexually active: Times per month: Painful: Since acute onset of symptoms. almost never because of terrible pain
Allergies:Seasonal and environmental
How many UTI's after IC:None since diagnosed with IC - thank the lord
Ever worked or lived close by harsh chemicals: Used pesticides daily as fly repellant on my horses for over 20 years
Please list diseases before IC: Fibroids
Please list diseases since IC:
Vestibulitis

[tigger_gal]

Age of first bladder problem: I always had frequency
Age diagnosed with IC:
Types of Surgeries before bladder problems: 0
How long when bladder problems started did it take to get a diagnosis of IC: 10 or so years
Number of Doctors you saw with bladder problems before IC: 5
How many Doctors have you seen since IC: 2
Family members with bladder problems: 5
How many UTI's (before diagnoisis of IC): 0
How many UTI's were not tested but treated(before IC): 0
How many UTI's were treated at home: 0
How many yeast infections have you had in the last year: 0
Do yeast infections come before a UTI or Flare: not that I know
Are you sexually active: yes
Times per month: 3 or 4
Painful: usually
Allergies: sinus problems
How many UTI's after IC: not sure
Ever worked or lived close by harsh chemicals: I live in detriot
Please list diseases before IC: 0.
Please list diseases since IC: see bottom

[icjen]

Age of first bladder problem: my bladder symptoms came gradually. Started to notice them about age 21
Age diagnosed with IC: 23
Types of Surgeries before bladder problems: none
How long when bladder problems started did it take to get a diagnosis of IC: about 1-2 years (just never went to Doctor)
Number of Doctors you saw with bladder problems before IC: saw 2 gyno's (thought my trouble was related to low uterus), then 1 uro
How many Doctors have you seen since IC: been to 3 uro's
Family members with bladder problems: noneHow many UTI's (before diagnoisis of IC): none
How many UTI's were not tested but treated(before IC): noneHow many UTI's were treated at home: none
How many yeast infections have you had in the last year: none
Do yeast infections come before a UTI or Flare: have had only 1 yeast infection, before IC diagnosis
Are you sexually active: Times per month: Painful: Yes, down to about 6 times a month (which is actually still too much for me sometimes), Yes, very painful every time.
Allergies: none but intolerance to Ditropan, Paxil and Celexa
How many UTI's after IC: none
Ever worked or lived close by harsh chemicals: no
Please list diseases before IC: none
Please list diseases since IC: IBS, found out after IC diagnosis that I was born with Right sided aortic arch, Atrial Septal Anyerism, Mitral regurgitaion

[~*~Christine~*~]

Age of first bladder problem: hmmm pretty much my whole life. I remember using the bathroom a lot more than most kids my age and remember my first flare at 6 or 7.
Age diagnosed with IC: 16
Types of Surgeries before bladder problems: tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, appendectomy
How long when bladder problems started did it take to get a diagnosis of IC: When my IC developed full-swing, literally overnight, I was diagnosed within less than 4 months
Number of Doctors you saw with bladder problems before IC: ER doctors, my family doctor and 1 urologist
How many Doctors have you seen since IC: 2 family doctors, 2 urologists
Family members with bladder problems: hmm not that I know of. My mom was adopted so there are no medical records on her side
How many UTI's (before diagnoisis of IC): Have no idea
How many UTI's were not tested but treated(before IC): Have no idea
How many UTI's were treated at home: Have no idea ; )
How many yeast infections have you had in the last year: None
Do yeast infections come before a UTI or Flare: Look above
Are you sexually active: Times per month: Painful: no, still a virgin
Allergies: just minor stuff during hayseason
How many UTI's after IC: Have no idea
Ever worked or lived close by harsh chemicals: Neither, that I know of...
Please list diseases before IC: phenomena (twice), spinal meningitis, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, IBS
Please list diseases since IC: Sjogren's Syndrome, possibly Lupus

Not on the questionnaire but my mom also has autoimmune problems: IBS, fibro, Lupus, migraines

[kadi]

Age of first bladder problem:Birth defect kinked ureters caused many bladder infections before age 5. Treated with diletation & meatotomy surgeries twice before age 3. Stress incontinence from childhood on. No infections or pain from age 5-35. IC began 7-10-03
Age diagnosed with IC: 35
Types of Surgeries before bladder problems: Diletation & Meatotomy x2 in early childhood. Tonsils out age 8. No surgeries other than those before IC.
How long when bladder problems started did it take to get a diagnosis of IC: 3months for tentative diagnosis, 6 months for definitive diagnosis
Number of Doctors you saw with bladder problems before IC: 5
How many Doctors have you seen since IC:
4 primary care (fired one due to IC misdiagnosis, fired one due to poor bedside manner, fired one due to incompetence, have a great one now)
5 urologists (1 was horrible, 2 were ok, but I moved. I currently have 2-one local for emergencies & one at a university hospital for treatment plan)
Family members with bladder problems: mother & grandmother
How many UTI's (before diagnoisis of IC): many before age 5. None age 5-37. IC onset at age 35)
How many UTI's were not tested but treated(before IC): n/a
How many UTI's were treated at home: n/a
How many yeast infections have you had in the last year: none
Do yeast infections come before a UTI or Flare: n/a
Are you sexually active: Times per month: Painful: n/a
Allergies: multiple antibiotic & food allergies
How many UTI's after IC: 1 (on instillation treatments, probably gave it to myself by accident)
Ever worked or lived close by harsh chemicals: n/a
Please list diseases before IC: anxiety/panic attacks, lots of garden-variety colds & flus due to work as a teacher.
Please list diseases since IC: unexplained rashes, increased allergies, possible occasional vulvodynia.

[green_the_fish]

Age of first bladder problem: Early childhood.. had trouble with potty training until the onset of Kindergarten... had trouble with nighttime incontinence until about the 3rd grade...
Age diagnosed with IC: 15...
Types of Surgeries before bladder problems: none...
How long when bladder problems started did it take to get a diagnosis of IC: nearly a year...
Number of Doctors you saw with bladder problems before IC: probably just one GP... wait, do you mean before the diagnosis, or before the symptoms?... see below...
How many Doctors have you seen since IC: can't keep track, maybe about half a dozen...
Family members with bladder problems: don't know much about my family roots, but my grandmother has had bladder problems for a long time, over 20 years... my mother did for a short period of time during her late teens, but then they went away permanently...
How many UTI's (before diagnoisis of IC): one or two, maybe...
How many UTI's were not tested but treated(before IC): one, but it was right at the onset of IC... does that count? :hmm:...
How many UTI's were treated at home: none, I think...
How many yeast infections have you had in the last year: one or two, perhaps...
Do yeast infections come before a UTI or Flare: sometimes...
Are you sexually active: no, I'm only 16...
Times per month: N/A...
Painful: N/A...
Allergies: allergic to a specific strain of mold...
How many UTI's after IC: one, but it was right at the onset of IC... so again, I'm not sure if it counts...
Ever worked or lived close by harsh chemicals: no...
Please list diseases before IC: none, though I probably had undiagnosed BP I...
Please list diseases since IC: Bipolar I Affective Disorder (diagnosed after IC)...

[charmedx3]

Age of first bladder problem: 35
Age diagnosed with IC:still waiting
Types of Surgeries before bladder problems: tonsillectomy,tubel ligation,hysterectomy
How long when bladder problems started did it take to get a diagnosis of IC: 2 yrs and still counting
Number of Doctors you saw with bladder problems before IC:7
How many Doctors have you seen since IC: n/a
Family members with bladder problems: 1 sister when she was about 10 many,many years ago
How many UTI's (before diagnoisis of IC): 2 1988,1999while pregnant confirmed uti's
How many UTI's were not tested but treated(before IC): 2 that showed no infection
How many UTI's were treated at home: 0
How many yeast infections have you had in the last year: 0
Do yeast infections come before a UTI or Flare: n/a
Are you sexually active: yes
Times per month: haven't kept track :)
Painful: usually
Allergies: none
How many UTI's after IC: n/a
Ever worked or lived close by harsh chemicals:not that i am aware of
Please list diseases before IC: none
Please list diseases since IC: none

[dmmiller360]

Age of first bladder problem:16
Age diagnosed with IC: Still waiting diagnosis (35)
Types of Surgeries before bladder problems: none
How long when bladder problems started did it take to get a diagnosis of IC: it's been almost six years, was dx'd with a "nervious bladder (not meaning it was nervious, but my nerves were over sesitive - what ever that really means?) about 4 years ago, didn't go back to Urologist then, going back today to a new one.
Number of Doctors you saw with bladder problems before IC: 4
How many Doctors have you seen since IC:NA
Family members with bladder problems: none
How many UTI's (before diagnoisis of IC):too many to count, probably around 25
How many UTI's were not tested but treated(before IC):not sure, does the dip stick test count? Most were that, only 1 that I know of was sent to a lab, and that one was negative.
How many UTI's were treated at home: numerous
How many yeast infections have you had in the last year: 0
Do yeast infections come before a UTI or Flare:0
Are you sexually active: Times per month: Painful:yes, too much - 20-25 but not intercourse each time, intercourse about 12, yes painful most times with intercourse.
Allergies:pennisyln (sp?)
How many UTI's after IC: NA
Ever worked or lived close by harsh chemicals: Yes, was a hairdresser, still do hair some.
Please list diseases before IC: hypothyroid (hatshimoto's), IBS (mild, constipation type)
Please list diseases since IC:not sure if this was before or after, but endometriosis, adenomyosis

[hoping4acure]

[B]Age diagnosed with IC: 40
Types of Surgeries before bladder problems: 7 surgeries for cyst on my overies, fallopian tubes and uterus. Got hysterectomy in 1997
How long when bladder problems started did it take to get a diagnosis of IC: I was fortunate...I got DX's within 4 months. Think I has problems since I was a little girl...just didn't know it.
Number of Doctors you saw with bladder problems before IC: 2
How many Doctors have you seen since IC: 2Family members with bladder problems: 0
How many UTI's (before diagnoisis of IC): hard question for me. None while being dx'd (all false possitive) prior to that...a hand full growing op.
How many UTI's were not tested but treated(before IC): again..probably a hand full
How many UTI's were treated at home: 0
How many yeast infections have you had in the last year: 0
Do yeast infections come before a UTI or Flare: they DID come before my flare.
Are you sexually active: yes
Times per month: now...12-14
prior to remission: thank GOD I have an understanding husband...2 or 3 if I/he was fortunate :biglaugh:
Painful: then...EXTREMLY. NOW...NO
Allergies: Seasonal, tapazole,nitrofurantion
How many UTI's after IC: 0
Ever worked or lived close by harsh chemicals:yes
Please list diseases before IC: endometriosis, hyper/hypo thyroid...thyroid dectomy, high blood pressure
Please list diseases since IC:
Acid reflux & Something funky going on now with my digestive system I'm in the process of getting that looked into now.


Hope this helps

[sunni]

After reading all these stories, I really wish everyone could have the good fortune I am having with my IC after 20 years. When my IC was diagnosed in 1993 after three years of terrible pain and no doctor knowing what was wrong, I was given Amitriptlyn in the dose of 20 mg per night and I have been taking it since. I went on Elmiron for nine months and all it did was make my hair fall out. In the past two years I have had 10 days of a bad flare, which was caused twice by stress. Now, I get the odd days of pain if I indulge in chocolate or a little coffee.

I take the Am at 5:30 in the evening and by 8 pm any pain I had is gone and I always sleep through the night.

Wish it could help others.

A bit of advice - try and drink as much water as you can when you get an attack - and lie down if possible and put your feet up. I find this helps so much as it flushes out the bladder and clears out whatever you have ingested that you shouldn't have, but it tasted so good at the time!

I wish everyone the best of luck

sunnidee

[angelaharrell]

I cannot believe how many women have had hysterectomies that also have IC. It just goes to show you, that when a Doctor can't give you a proper diagnosis, they just start eliminating what it could be.

I'm not bashing Doctors, I know I couldn't have managed my IC alone, but I wish that I had not fallen prey to the suggestion of a hysterectomy at 25 years old. I would have loved to have a child with my husband.

[michaelasmommy]

Age of first bladder problem:3- I had a bladder reflux, partially corrected by surgery when I was 7, and spastic bladder, also corrected.
Age diagnosed with IC: 20
Types of Surgeries before bladder problems:The above mentioned surgery, and 2 exploratory after onset of IC symptoms.
How long when bladder problems started did it take to get a diagnosis of IC: IC syptoms started at age 16-17, so about 4 years.
Number of Doctors you saw with bladder problems before IC:before diagnosis-3
How many Doctors have you seen since IC:Just one urologist, but have been looking around for a new one.
Family members with bladder problems: none
How many UTI's (before diagnoisis of IC): uncountable! I've gotten UTI's since infancy
How many UTI's were not tested but treated(before IC): 3-4, I had them so frequently before, the doctor didn't even do a test. When he did do a test after symptoms didn't go away, the cultures were negative for a UTI.
How many UTI's were treated at home:none
How many yeast infections have you had in the last year: I've never had a yeast infection
Do yeast infections come before a UTI or Flare: never had one
Are you sexually active: yes Times per month: varies, but I'd say average 4-6 Painful: sometimes, but not always
Allergies: many chemical sensitivities, lidocaine
How many UTI's after IC: 2-3, not sure of exact number. I got them all during my pregnancies
Ever worked or lived close by harsh chemicals: I don't think so.
Please list diseases before IC: Just UV reflux as a child.
Please list diseases since IC: increased allergies- never had any as a child,

I have to say, the whole experience of being diagnosed was really humiliating for me. I was treated for an STD that I never had. The doctor just assumed that's what I had after the UTI culture came back negative. After that test came back negative, I had an exploratory sugery to check for endometriosis and scar tissue from the childhood surgery. When they found nothing, he figured I was just a hypochondriac, and that the symptoms were all in my head. He gave me something for stress. When that didn't work, he basically told me I was nuts, and maybe I should consult a psychiatrist! My mom and I went to a health talk about pelvic pain (she has endometriosis), where we heard about IC. I then went to a urologist and finally got a diagnosis. I wish doctors were more educated on IC. The one I had been seeing before really didn't know much about it at all. I got the feeling that he didn't really think it was a real disease! Needless to say, I now have a new doctor!

[Silverfern]

Age of first bladder problem: had urgency from about 11
Age diagnosed with IC: 56
Types of Surgeries before bladder problems: tonsillectomy when I was 6 and hysterectomy aged 53
How long when bladder problems started did it take to get a diagnosis of IC: bladder problems got worse immediately following my hysterectomy but deteriorated further about 6 months before I got diagnosed
Number of Doctors you saw with bladder problems before IC: GP and uro
How many Doctors have you seen since IC: None
Family members with bladder problems: None
How many UTI's (before diagnoisis of IC): Very few and they were years ago
How many UTI's were not tested but treated(before IC): None
How many UTI's were treated at home: None
How many yeast infections have you had in the last year: None
Do yeast infections come before a UTI or Flare: No
Are you sexually active: No penetrative sex anymore. Times per month: Painful: You betcha! With the vulvodynia and IC, sex is now impossible :cussing:
Allergies: too many to list, severely chemically sensitive, latex, many foods, nearly all drugs
How many UTI's after IC: None
Ever worked or lived close by harsh chemicals: 11 years ago I treated my whole house with flea spray as we had a serious flea infestation. I just wish I'd been a whole lot more careful doing that I can tell you! Two weeks later my life turned upside down and it's never been anything like normal ever since. How I wish I could turn back the clock!!
Please list diseases before IC: IBS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Chronic Gastritis
Please list diseases since IC: Vulvodynia (on reflection I had this prior to IC though)

I keep reading how drinking lots of water is the best thing to do when you're in a flare, and yet I find this is the worst thing I can do. I have to really balance my liquid intake out over the day and stick to no more than 2 litres of fluids a day. Drinking a glass of water down quickly will cause a lot of distress to my bladder. I drink little and often all day and that seems to keep things controlled. I guess we're all different!

[tanster]

Hi, I'm a little late in answering since I just saw this thread, but here are my answers if it's helpful.

Age of first bladder problem: 18 (severe UTI and have had frequency, particularly at night since then)
Age diagnosed with IC: 26
Types of Surgeries before bladder problems: none
How long when bladder problems started did it take to get a diagnosis of IC: 3 years
Number of Doctors you saw with bladder problems before IC: 3 (college campus physician, GP at home, uro)
How many Doctors have you seen since IC: 4 (GP, 2 uros, and chronic pain specialist)
Family members with bladder problems: 1 (father is prostate cancer survivor)
How many UTI's (before diagnoisis of IC): 1 (but very severe, was on long course of multiple antibiotics which led to yeast infection)
How many UTI's were not tested but treated(before IC): none
How many UTI's were treated at home: none
How many yeast infections have you had in the last year: none
Do yeast infections come before a UTI or Flare: no
Are you sexually active: yes Times per month: 2 - 4 Painful: yes
Allergies: no
How many UTI's after IC: none
Ever worked or lived close by harsh chemicals: no
Please list diseases before IC: none
Please list diseases since IC: none

I probably have what would be considered mild to medium IC as I am still able to work (with some adjustments - ie telecommuting 2x per week, reduced schedule). My primary problems are frequency/urgency (particularly at night), pelvic pain, and recently retention as well.

[twiggy]

Age of first bladder problem: 33
Age diagnosed with IC: 35
Types of Surgeries before bladder problems: none
How long when bladder problems started did it take to get a diagnosis of IC: 2.5 years
Number of Doctors you saw with bladder problems before IC: 0
How many Doctors have you seen since IC: 8
Family members with bladder problems: bladder cancer, grandfather
How many UTI's (before diagnoisis of IC): too many to count
How many UTI's were not tested but treated(before IC): 3
How many UTI's were treated at home: 0
How many yeast infections have you had in the last year: 1
Do yeast infections come before a UTI or Flare: no
How many UTI's after IC: too many to count
Ever worked or lived close by harsh chemicals: use household cleaning products
Please list diseases before IC: allergies, skin rashes, IBS
Please list diseases since IC: more severe allergies, migraines, can't convince doctors to check for hormonal imbalance

[readingmom]

t might be too late for this little informal sturdy, but I wanted to add something. I have talked to several people who have IC or other related conditions(migraines, fibro) that took long term antibiotics when they were teenagers for acne. I took antibiotics for years and years. I am CONVINCED that this messed my whole body up. I would be interested how many other people have taken lots of antibiotics!!

[Silverfern]

Hmmm! interesting theory! I was on antibiotics almost constantly for a couple of years when I was about 5 or 6 (fifty years ago...yikes!!!) for tonsilitis. I think it was pencillin as it was probably the only antibiotic around then.

Coming from another angle, you could probably put this same theory to all long term drugs, not just antibiotics. It'd be a very difficult thing to prove one way or the other I think. Still, you never know!

Hugs

[~*~Christine~*~]

I agree, that is an interesting theory readingmom!
I had mild IC up until I was 16, where it became severe overnight, and have been on antibiotics since I was a baby. I had phenomena twice and spinal meningitis so I was on antibiotics for that. I also took them after surgeries and for acne, too, but the acne one was after I got severe IC. I think I was also put on them for UTI's....
Maybe the antobiotics have made our immune systems weaker

[massagedoula]

I rarely ever took antibiotics. Just short courses for UTI's and once or twice for strep throat. But in the 1.5 years before IC, I never took them even once. I have in good health. Then I developed IC literally overnight. So I don't think that antibiotics are part of the puzzle for me, but who knows~!