scared and worried!!

[lyaeger]

I have just been diagnosed in August of 2003 and have had lots of success with Elmiron and Atarax but I have been in a off and on flare for about a month. The pain gets so unbarable at times and the only thing that relieves the pain is drinking lots of water. Does that help anyone else? I am in transistion to find a new gyno/uro because the last won was not very sympathatic and wanted to do lots of procedures. I want to know what kind of meds there are for pain and where to find a Dr. in the St. Louis area?
leah

[vm]

I have heard that if we aren't drinking enough water it causes the urine to be too concentrated and that can be very irritating to the bladder. It may be that by increasing your fluid intake you are keeping your urine diluted a little better and that is helping your bladder. Maybe? :)

[auntiedeb]

I know if I drink more water my urine is clear and diluted and it helps my flares and spasms. I just want to welcome you to the icn boards. You will find loads of support and love and caring.

[Iris]

Hi Leah and welcome to the boards. Lots of caring, loving and supportive ICers here to help you out in any way they can. I agree with Debbie, I try and drink a lot of water, I think it helps to make the urine not so concentrated, and irritating to the bladder wall. Please let us know how you are doing with your IC, hugs Iris. grouphug hi

[alana rose]

Leah-
Welcome-this is a wonderful place to find support!
I was told that I had to drink 3 litres a day. To be honest, I never reach that amount, but I do try. Our bladders are so raw and sore that water is very beneficial! Take care!
alana

[carly]

Drinking lots of bottled water helps me to, I can only drink Evian. The ICA has a list of doctors, you can go to their website and request it. The dr's they recommend have to go to a certain amout of semminars to stay current on IC. Good luck!