Can it still be IC if:

[stormie]

I know I'm just kidding myself but I'm always grasping at straws hoping maybe there might be something else going on. Can it still be IC if you only go to the bathroom 3-6 times a day and you feel like you have a normal capacity? Long story short, I had a bladder infection (first and only one in my life) in April and am still having symptoms. My symptoms are only urethral burning and very mild what feels like urethral pressure sometimes. I can adjust the way I sit like uncross my legs and it will stop or when I go to sleep it's like it all relaxes and I get up feeling just great and it might be just a few minutes out of the day it will burn or it might burn all evening until i go to sleep but I never get up at night and I can't afford to have any procedures to find out because I'm still paying for the ultrasounds and stuff from May when I was sure it was ovarian cancer causing bladder symptoms but it wasn't. Sorry this is so long but I'm at my wits end. Could I live with the burning the rest of my life? I think I could but I'm scared it will get worse. I started taking St. Johns Wort in August and I think it has helped. I'm trying the natural remedies first because I use to weigh 50 pounds more so I know my metabolism is already slowed and I know the meds for burning cause weight gain. I have been reading this sight religiously for months and it has given me great ideas to try. If anyone has any insights about if this is IC or something else, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank You

[ICNDonna]

You really need to see a doctor to find out what's going on with you.

Sending healing thoughts,
Donna

[Rosalie]

Hi there Stormie
IC can present with a varied range of symptoms. I don't normally have a problem with frequency and the symptoms are localized to the urethra. I too, used to be able to ease the pain by sitting in a certain way. And would generally feel a bit better in the mornings. However, things got worse over the years for me as I was undiagnosed and no one seemed to have any idea what the problem was.
Have you been diagnosed with IC?
It really is important that you see your doctor.

[SandyRN]

Stormie,

Not all meds for burning cause weight gain. The antidepressants like Elavil, etc, can do this, and of course other medications out there can....but, what I've found is that if I take a medication that makes me feel better, I can get off the couch or the bed, be more active, and shed some of those extra pounds. Please be careful taking natural, over the counter pills because you never know whats going to interact with them, and how they're going to effect your bladder. Please talk to your doctor about the medications out there and make your medication choices with his/her help.

Sandy

[tabasco32]

maybe you should try switching soaps you are bathing with or something and see if that helps you. You just might have a sensitive urethra. but definetly see a doctor about this.

[Katrina]

Donna is right you need to talk to a doctor...
St. Johns Wort in August and I think it has helped This is one herbal remedy that should only be used under the suppervision of a doctor it can interfere with other things...I have brought it up to my doctor and got a no because of my current med list.

That said....My frequency was never has high as the severety of my other symptoms....possibly because I was so used to the feeling of having to go.

You may have some mild irritation and some Pelvic Floor Dysfunciton from the infection.
PFD newsletter posted http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showpost.php?p=256636&postcount=11 I am guessing Pelvic Floor dysfunction because of your sympotms and because sitting seams to bother you. Also PFD can begin after an infection.
I suggest you give the IC diet (you can find that in the handbook) a try and see if you are bothered to those things...the more you can tell your doctor about what triggers your symptoms and what helps the better.

Before you try natural remedies you should have a definative diagnosis. I love alternative treatments but they can have risks too. :grouphug: