Is this common with IC?

[Katie14]

Is it common to have an aching feeling low in the pelvic area with IC, kind of a fullness or cramping feeling that can extend backwards along with discomfort in what feels like the urethra? This is what makes it uncomfortable for me to sit when I'm really having a problem. I read a lot about bladder pain and I don't have that too often. When I do it's more of a mild stretching pain above the pubic bone and I most often notice it when I lay on my back. I'm just trying to figure this all out. I had a cystoscopy recently and my urethra looked fine but that still seems to be where most of my discomfort is. When I'm having a problem and I need to urinate I feel an uncomfortable pressure on my urethra and can have UTI symptoms. I'm wondering if this is referred pain from the bladder?? I was tested and was negative for UTI last week.

[July]

You may want to ask your dr. about pelvic floor dysfuntion or tense pelvic muscles.

[icjen]

I experience those type of symptoms often. I would say, yes, that is common with IC.
Jen

[Katie14]

Thanks for responding. I asked my dr about tense pelvic muscles because often when I'm having that feeling I also tend to stop and start when going to the bathroom, like going in stages. When I told him about that he said he didn't give me an explanation for that. When I suggested tense pelvic muscles he agreed that could be a possibilty. I get the feeling I'm not his "typical" IC patient if there is such a thing.

[July]

You may want to ask your dr. if physical therapy may be beneficial.

[Katie14]

I had biofeedback several months ago. It was like kegal exercises done with a vaginal sensor so you could learn to isolate the pelvic instead of abdominal muscles and also electrical stimulation that made the muscles contract. I did these for stress incontinence. I thought they made me more uncomfortable but didn't tell them too much at the time because I really wanted to avoid surgery if possible. They didn't help my stress incontinence and I ended up having surgery. I don't like the thought of doing either of those again.

I think when you are having pain or are stressed out as I was by the frequency/urgency/worry/lack of sleep you end up tightening up all parts of your body, including the pelvic muscles. There are times I have to consciously make myself relax when I realize I'm holding myself so tight! I've also noticed though that after trying to go to the gym and do a few things with weights the aching got worse and frequency and dribbling when urinating too. My doctor said he hasn't had people with IC say exercise affects them that way. I said I it made sense to me that for example jarring activities like walking down a steep hill or jogging could irritate the bladder... I'm trying yoga to see how that will affect me and thinking the relaxation/meditation that can go along with it should be beneficial.

[Silverfern]

I can totally relate to the crampy, pulling feeling in my lower pelvis when I'm lying on my back. Sometimes I lightly massage across my pelvic bone (right on top of the bladder) and that eases it out. I figure it's my bladder cramping or spasming. You'd think applying heat would help but sometimes it actually makes mine worse.....I think I must be a bit weird though. :loco: :)

Hugs

[mare mare]

Hi Katie!!
The chronic pain in my pelvic/groin area, is what started my journey to diagnose ic! My ob-gyn put me through all kinds of test (over the course of a year) and one day in her offfice, I was reading a questionare about ic and I had every sympton!(Go figure! That was easy!) That's when she referred me to a uro. My main issue with ic is chronic pain in groin area (women do have a groin, sounds like something just men would have) :biglaugh: and urgency. My groin/pelvic area is almost always hurting especially when I sit for a while!It's painful to walk too.
My uro said that the pelvic, groin, lower back pain were all part of ic.
When I've had enough, I can always count on my B@O supposotories. They make the spasms, pain and urgency go away!(For a few hours anyway) Has anyone tried B@O??? I don't guess it would hurt to ask your dr. to let you try them.

Praying for an ic-free day!!
:grouphug: :grouphug:

[jimmiesgirl]

I have that feeling 24/7

[Mare]

Hi Katie, I get that urethral pain and burning frequently. When I am going to be sitting for a long time, I use a cushion with a hole in it to avoid any pressure on the urethral opening. I believe that there is an IC cushion available on this website to purchase. Mine is one that I got at a local pharmacy. It seems to help me a little bit, but sometimes lying flat on my back with my heating pad is the only thing that relieves it. Just keep trying different things until you can find something that works for you. Good luck, Mare

[mare mare]

Great Idea Mare!! :idea:

The cushion with the hole in it! Why didn't I think of that sooner? I have terrible pain when I sit especially when driving. I'm getting one today!!
:grouphug:
mare mare