Had Mild IC--getting worse! Help Please

[TKC]

Hi all,

I have had mild IC for at least 5 years--could eat anything except colas, chocolate and citrus. I would get a mild bladder ache but after taking a Pyridium or Azo I was fine. I also have fibromyalgia so I never know if the bladder ache is from IC or the Fibro. The pubic bones hurt too!

Just recently I had some enterococcus bacteria in a culture and was treated by my family doctor with Cipro. I don't have problems while taking the Cipro and my last culture came back clean, however, the aftermath from the Cipro made my bladder sore.

I went to my uro yesterday and was told to use pyridium for a week, use dot doses of Estrace cream, drink water and follow the IC diet. The urine at his office looked crystal clear--but I ache.

I get bladder aches, sometimes a burning feeling in the bladder as well as irritated urethra.

I would like to treat myself naturally because I do not do well with prescription drugs--very sensitive.

So today, I took calcium carbonate (seems like Prelief makes it worse), Fish Oil, Non-citrus Quercitin and Evian Water.

ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS for a beginner (I guess you can call me that now).

Thanks,
Tania

[Katrina]

Alternative start for IC. http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25908 There are a lot of ideas in this thread and they are categorized so you can have a better idea of what may work for you.

Check out the alternatives in the ICNstore, vitamin E is one I like :) Sounds to me like some of what may be going on is Pelivic Floor Dysfunction. I also think you may want to try probiotics...yeast may be contributing to your urethra symptoms or other symptoms as well. :grouphug: Good luck!

[TKC]

Thanks Katrina for your post. Could you explain what pelvic floor dysfunction really is? I would like to bring this topic up to my uro next appt.

Tania

[Katrina]

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is a weakening and/or tightening of the the musscles in your pelvis. When tight they can cause burnging, stinging, or sharp pains. When mine flares up It is a sharp sensation....and it is one of the only times I have burning during urination. It can be caused by long term symptoms of frequency, abdomenal injury, and other things. It is extrememly common in patients with IC. :grouphug: Physical therapy can help as can musscle relaxants, TENS unit, cold, heat, and moisture. There is more info throughout the board and other places but that is the short version :) :grouphug: