Urethral burning

[Boni]

Can someone explain what urethral burning is exactly?

The reason I ask is that I think this is what I have most of the time. My bladder itself doesn't actually ache or have spasms, only ocassionally. I have urgency and frequency, but, with me the burning is like sitting on a hot chilli pepper after I urinate and sometimes before. Is this urethral burning? and what are the meds that people are taking for this specific problem?

I hate to sound so dumb, but, my Uro never explains any of this stuff. Most of what I learn, I learn here.

thanks

[Mrs. Burschman]

Boni,

You don't sound dumb at all!

It might differ for everyone, but your description of the chili pepper is pretty close to what my urethral burning feels like. Or like someone is jabbing me with a hot poker. Nortriptyline (it's a tricyclic antidepressant like Elavil but with fewer side effects) really helped the burning, but I couldn't handle the weight gain. I'll go on it once I talk myself into not caring if I'm gaining a couple pounds every month!

Amy (Mrs. B) :bunny:

[Boni]

Amy:

Why does an antidepressant help with urethral burning? I don't understand. Does it literally stop the burning? or, does it help you COPE with the burning?

Also, why do you gain weight on it?

Is Elavil what everyone takes for the burning? Is it an antidepressant?

thanks for your reply.

[VickiB]

You know when you've managed to get a really bad sunburn, then afterwards you get into the shower and that awful stinging you feel as the water touches the burn? That's exactly what it feels like for me as my urine passes through my urethra.

Most of this pain for me, is caused by food or drink choice, so besides the obvious (-don't have any more of that food or drink!), I combat it by increasing my water intake to flush out the offender. Drinking baking soda in water is usually soothing for me, but would probably not be wise if your diet is sodium restricted. I also keep AZO or Uristat (OTC urinary pain, burning, etc) on hand for those awful times.

Of all my IC symptoms, the burning is the absolute worst! It makes me cringe just to think of it!

Vicki

[Boni]

VickiB:

If the burning is in our urethra's (say that 10 times in a row), then why is it our bladders are the ones that are supposed to be inflamed. Why is it that the urethra is where the burning is?

I don't get it.

and yes, I have the same feeling you do down there. I combat it with trying to stay away from the wrong foods, drink, etc. Baking soda, pyridium, they all help. A big glass of Evian dilutes it and send some relief.

I am just trying to figure out why it burns down there like that. Is it concentrated urine...or acidic urine..why does it burn in that area???:hmm:

[Mrs. Burschman]

Boni,

Tricyclic antidepressants are often used for nerve pain. Burning pain often means nerves are involved in some fashion.

Just about everyone gains weight on tricyclic antidepressants. They are hardly ever used for depression anymore because of that reason, but they work great for nerve pain.

Elavil is the brand name for amitriptyline. I took it before also, but I found nortriptyline (a very close relative of amitriptyline) had fewer side effects.

Hope that helps!

Amy (Mrs. B) :bunny:

[VickiB]

Boni,

That's a good question and one that I don't have the answer for! All I know is that for me, if I dare to drink grapefruit juice for example, my urethra will make me pay! On really good flares my entire bladder will get in on the fun too, though that's more of a razor blade type sensation. It may very well be nerves, or who knows what. All I know is it's miserable!

I do take the amitriptyline as well. 25mg in the evening. I had a bit of weight gain when I first started it two years ago but have since been able to lose it again. I have found it seems to make me crave carbs.

Vicki