new and need help

[lauren jordan]

I've never posted anything in a chat type area,but.....I'm trying to help my 73 yr old mother who just starting showing symtoms 4 months ago, we've been to 4 doctors who are now saying IC. We could use some expert-been there guidence. She seems to be very medication sensitive and everything they've given her puts her right out in a fog, can't drive, just sits. And she'll still have urgency and urtheral pain. Has tried instillations 4 times, got an infection 3 times. Yesterday had bladder distended, and we're waiting to see what happens. Help.

[ICNDonna]

The Patient Handbook on this site will answer many of your questions. It's at http://www.ic-network.com/handbook

You'll find the diet in the handbook and I suggest she try that first. I hope the distention will help.

Donna

[ouch09459]

I feel for your grandmother. I have some "been there" advice on the urethral pain. I've used a heating pad between the legs on low. Also, I wear long skirts and no undergarments for air flow. That helped a lot for me .... Hope this helps....some?