Need some advice

[jamiecountway]

I am someone who has ic for two years now. I don't know alot about it but was wondering if it is possible to have urine infections with ic or if not where it will always show infection cause of having ic. Please don't think i am stupit i am just in alot of pain with my ic and wonder if i might have a bladder infection and am having alot of back pain.

Thanks for your time.

jamie countway

[ICNDonna]

:welcome: to the IC Network. I'm glad you found us.

One of the things about IC is that it can feel very much like a urinary tract infection, but there isn't any infection there. It is, however, very possible to have IC plus an infection. If you haven't been checked recently for infection, it could be a very good idea.

You'll want to be sure to drink enough water when you are feeling irritation. You are definitely not stupid! We aren't born knowing about IC --- it's a long learning process. I've had diagnosed IC for 31 years and I'm still learning.

The Patient Handbook (scroll to the top of this page to find the link) will help answer questions for you --- and please feel free to post any questions you have. We aren't physicians and can't give direct medical advice, but most of us are happy to share our own experiences.

Donna

[traceann]

Hi Jamie!! Let me add my welcome to the gang! And the only stupid question is the one NOT asked!! ;) I know I was LOST when I first came here, but thanks to this website and the wonderful people here on the msg boards, I have learned so very much!!!

Oh yes, with IC - UTI's can be sneaky little buggers sometimes!! The symptoms are SO similar, it's hard to tell sometimes. If it doubt - check it out! I keep home UTI test strips so I can gauge whether or not a call to my doctor is in order. If it shows positive I call my doctor. If negative I give it another day and test again - just to be sure. Honestly one time I was certain I did not have a UTI, told the doctor no way, don't have one - boy did I feel silly when the test came back positive for one!! LMAO!!! Just goes to show sometimes you just never can tell....

Glad to meet you and hope to see you around the boards!!!

Hugs!!!

[jamiecountway]

I really apprecaite you guys writting me back. I never knew you could buy strips to see. What are they called? I would love to get some. So much easier that way. Never knew there was such a thing. You guys are so kind and its so nice to have some one to talk to that understands.

jamie

[asilva]

Welcome to the IC Network. You will get a lot of good information here. I use those home-testing strips sometimes, but they don't always indicate that there is an infection there, when sometimes there is. The best thing to do is to leave a sample at your doctor's office so they can send it for a culture.

[traceann]

I just use my strips as a guide - just to help give me direction, to call immediately or wait a day to see if the symptoms abate etc. I did find ones that test for leukocytes (white blood cells) and nitrites by AZO at my local Rite Aid. Those are better than just nitrite-only testing strips. It's helpful to me as my doctor is 35-40 minutes away, and I hate running down there for blatant false alarms, lol - I can usually call them with my results and go from there. But as I said, they are just a guide - not a complete diagnosis, to help you determine your next step. :)

You can buy test strips through the ICN Shop as well. ;) And we are always glad to help, so ask anything you want (don't be shy, lol) and we will help the best we can!! :)

HUGS!!!!

[jamiecountway]

It really helps to have someone to talk to that understands. I really appreciate you guys taking time to talk to me. Thanks a million.

[Dixiefireball]

IC do get UTI's they normally don't have them a lot, but it does happen.......I on the other hand keep real UTI's.....If you expect a UTI. It never hurts to be checked. If you are scared you may be flaring and don't have a UTI you can buy those over the counters UTI test kits. You can also get them in the ICN shop.
I have heard good things about these kits. They also pick up most infections, only a few they don't pick up.
I have so many I just go to the uro to be on the safe side.
The way I know if i have a real uti is by the smell of my urine. (gross), my urine also is darker, (kind of dark yellow with a brownish tint.) it burns more when I pee. i can also see white floaty things in my urine when i have a UTI.
If the pain is unbearable with it being the weekend and all. I would call your Dr. then go on into the E.R. to be tested for a UTI and also to get your pain under control. If it is something that is bearable. I would just go out and buy one of those UTI at home test kits then I would call your uro in the morning to get what ever is going on under control.

Please let us know what you find out. We are here for you, We understand what your going threw, We do care!!

b.t.w
:welcome: to the ICN family. I'm so sorry your suffering so.
Oh if you haven't already started it the IC diet is very helpful. You can also read a lot of info. on IC and treatmens at www.ic-network.com/handbook very great site!!

sending you hugs and prayers
Rhonda

[emilyrose197377]

:welcome: to the ICN.