Urethra on fire after urination

[kingofpain]

I have yet to be formally diagnosed with anything. Being a man, I get the "We don't know what it is, but it won't kill you" line. Or the ever present line "It's prostatitis, and we can't fix it so bye!" My symptoms are strange because I do have some urgency issues, but my worst pain happens about 2 minutes after I urinate. And I mean excruciating pain that lasts for hours. So I find myself holding in the urine for as long as possible, and then after I go, I want to crawl up in a ball in a fetal position in bed. I also feel like I want to drink a gallon of water right after I urinate just "to put out the fire" in my urethra. 3 uros said everything seems fine. Could I possibly have IC?

[VickiB]

I'm no doctor, but I'd say yes, this could be IC. However, there's probably other things it could be as well.

One thing I do know, is I had more than my share of doctors (I've lost count!)tell me "Go home, -you're perfectly fine!". Terribly frustrating when you know for a fact that the burning and pain is not perfectly fine! It can make life unliveable! Unfortunately from what I've read here at ICN, it's not at all uncommon to have to see multiple doctors before finding help. And if it is IC, there are treatments that can help!

Have you had any tests done to find the source of your problem?

Sorry you're having to deal with this!

Vicki

[Kathi]

A couple of things you might try are: Diet (I find this my best help) Go to our Patient's Handbook & diet & make a copy, an antacid like Tums or if you can take baking soda & water (something to alkakize the urine) & believe it not drinking water dilutes the urine so it's a good thing. It usually doesn't cause frequency just amount. I hope you find a doctor that will help you soon. Kathi

[Sarojini]

I'm no doctor, but yes, it could possibly be IC -- and you are right, since you are a man, it could be difficult to get a diagnosis. Heck, for some women it is an ordeal to get one!!

You've gotten some good advice about trying diet and things like Tums, Prelief, and baking soda/water. These things help to put out the fire by neutralizing the pH of the urine. Your idea of drinking water is also on the right track... and I know it hurts, but it's better to go when you need to rather than wait, since the urine becomes more concentrated the longer you wait, and therefore more irritating.

I hope you find someone to help soon!