IC and Systemic Infection?

[Spacechimp]

I have always thought my IC was an infection. Unlike many of you, I never had recurrent UTIs. I went for the first 40 years of my life with NO bladder infections EVER. I did not aggravate my bladder tissues with repeated rounds of antibiotics. So it baffles me that, overnight, I have "chronic bladder inflammation." This was 8 years ago.

I remember very well when I got this. I was on my way to Boise, Idaho. I was at the airport and felt some twinging in my bladder. I thought "Is this what a bladder infection feels like?" It came and went so I didn't give it too much thought. Then a few days later, while in Boise, I came down with a horrible flu. I had body aches, chills and "water-faucet" diarrhea for 3 days. I was so sick that I was stuck in the motel and had to keep moving my flight to go home. It was right after this, within a week, that my bladder infection, or "IC," flared up.

My initial flare-up was violent and extremely painful. I had never experienced anything like it in my life. I believe that my episode in Boise has something to do with my bladder problems. I don't know if I caught a super bug, was bit by a tick (I used to hike quite a bit back then), or what.

I'll spare you all the details about the 7 doctors I've been to in the past 8 years who never did more than a dipstick test and looked at my urine through a microscope and basically poo-poo'd my thoughts that I have an infection. I am seeing a new doctor now who thinks that I do have an infection of some sort. He has me on Cipro right now and it is giving me relief. I am well aware that my symptoms will probably return once I am off the antibiotic. I can only hope that this doctor will work with me to find out what is wrong with me - whether systemic or not.

All of us seem to have a bunch of other symptoms that go with our IC. For me, it's roving joint pain, recurrent skin rashes, intermittent stomach upset, insomnia, depression, headaches, restless legs and weight gain. That makes me think that IC is more than just a bladder thing.

Anyway, that's my story and those are my thoughts.....

Spacechimp

[Katrina]

I just recently wrote a paper on antitiobitc therapy and during my research it seemed that there are likely certain people that would be more likely to respond to that thereapy...I also think there are a lot of us that are more likely to resond to other treatments or find that antibiotic treatment isn't enough. Those that find that there IC came on suddenly after an infection have a higher chance it seems. Keep in mind though that infections can sometimes injure our bladders if not treated well...such a chain reaction of a more sensitive bladder vulnerable to more dammage. So even if your IC began with an infection...it may stick around because your bladder has so much difficulty healing. (am I making sense?)
Anyway, if you are interested in looking into it further here are some options.
1. United Medical Lab in McLean, VA Their number is 703-356-4422, Their address is:
6720 Old McLean Village Drive, McLean, VA 22101
2.
Dr. John Toth of Concord, CA is now doing broth cultures and can treat patients. You can reach his office at this number: 925-687-9447. (He is authorized by Dr. Fugazzotto)


Thanks for sharng.

[Spacechimp]

:) Thank you for the info. I understand what you are saying about the infection damaging the bladder. Since I have had whatever it is, be it IC or an infection for 8 years, I am sure that my bladder is damaged and sensitive, and it will take time to heal, if it ever heals completely.

I live in California, so the info about Dr. Toth in Concord is greatly appreciated!

[tigger_gal]

I never had a bladder infection before I got IC.. I grew up knowing about IC because my mom has it.. I sure wish they would hurry up and figure out a med that will help us all.. not a combo of meds.

[Katrina]

AGREED!!!!!! I am on so many meds it is scary to think about...and I am far from symptom free...I hoping for better treatmens that work for us all and bring down our med list...or a few cures...since I suspect one just won't work for everyone...lets hope for few. :grouphug: