pft

[ldob]

Hi all,
I'm not sure where to post this. Here is my problem. I keep getting infections, but my doctor thinks that it is because of my pelvic muscles. I had a rectocele repair last December (I posted this on another post) and I've had a bladder infection since. Well, I did a cysostocopy with another uro doctor. He then retired and I am seeing this new doctor. She has been really good, but has not done her own tests to see if it is ic or not. She did have me do 6 rescue treatments which didn't do much at all. Also, the ic diet doesn't make any difference in how I feel. My pain is not in my bladder at all, it is in my urethra. The pfd makes sense, but I do keep getting infections. So, I'm not sure what all of you are talking about concerning flare ups. I seem to hurt all the time. I tried the ic diet for a month and I still do not drink any coffee, just water. But, this last infection I did drink a lot of cranberry juice and it actually made me feel better! So, Im not sure if it is ic or not.

I was wondering if any of you had any urethra trama in your younger days? Also, if any of you are sexual abuse survivors? I know this adds to my troubles, but I'm just not sure if it is the whole deal or not. Just wondering.

Thanks,
Lori

[Katrina]

:welcome: to the ICN!
I agree with your doctor. It sounds like PFD to me and I would take those infections seriously so you don't end up with IC as well.
Yes, I had things that dammaged my Pelvic muscles in my younger days that led to a constant discomfort down there.....and than later on to reccurrant infections and than IC.

Tightened pelvic floor muscles can cause retention....retention increases your risk of infection. I suggest you do all you can to avoid retention.
Dr Moldwin (an IC expert) states that those with PFD and not IC would not have night time frequency and not have diet affect them.

PFD newsletter posted http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showpost.php?p=256636&postcount=11 There is some info on the differences in IC and PFD, treatments and self help for PFD, and symptoms of PFD. Things that can cause a flare up of PFD.

I myself am not a sexual abuse surviver but I know there are others on the board that are and it is something that can definatly do some stress to your pelvic muscles!

These days rescue instillations are sometimes seen as a different form of the Potassium sensitivity test. When they help it is a sign that the problem is at the bladder.

on retention...work on relaxing those Pelvic floor muscles. There is info in that link I gave you. Messaging the urethra can help, cold and heat can help, and moisture can help.

My PFD has flared from sex, excercise, and stress mostly. My norm of PFD though is constant symptoms....just not as bad. A flare is anytime you are worse than your norm.

Hope you can find a path to feeling better that works for you and get those infections under control!! Good luck! If I can help you anymore feel free to ask!
:grouphug: