Any suggestions for frequency/urgency/constant full bladder

[KateD]

Hi. I'm new here. Hi everyone.
I was diagnosed with IC in February of this year after hydrodistention and I have been dealing with my symptoms since December. My most prominent symptom is always frequency and urgency and I always feel like my bladder is full. I'm taking Elmiron and Hydroxyzine and Cysta-Q and have adjusted my diet to eliminate anything I have read that I am not suppsed to eat - anything with acid, coffee, chocolate, fruits, cheese, nuts, anything carbonated, everything that is on all of the IC "bad foods" lists. My doctor has also tried the "IC cocktail" instilled into my bladder and that hasn't done anything to help this feeling either.
I was just wondering if there is anyone who has similar syptoms and has found any relief by any other methods.
I have a full-time job, and I go to school and have an internship position as well. It is so hard to live like this, it is almost impossible, as I'm sure you all know, so I'm just looking for anyone who can offer any advice. I'm pretty desperate at this point.
I would appreciate any tips at all!! Thanks!!!:hi:

[ICNDonna]

You might want to ask your doctor about trying an antispasmodic to see if that helps. And be sure to drink enough water. I know that doesn't sound like it could help with frequency, but it can help by keeping the urine diluted.

Donna

[KateD]

Hmmm. I've tried Pyridium. It didn't work for me. Are there others that have worked for people with IC?

[theclownster]

Hi Kate! Welcome to the ICN. You have a very busy schedule - I can relate. I've had IC for 4-5 years. I was diagnosed while I was in a 4 year graduate school where I worked full time, went to school, and did an internship. There were days where I had no idea how I made it through. Your symptoms were similar to mine when I was first diagnosed. I also had that constant urge to go and then I'd get to the toilet and I couldn't get anything to come out - that was the worse!

Like Donna, I think it's extremely important to drink lots and lots of water. I know it sounds like it would make you have to go more, but it really helped me a lot. I also have to be careful what kind of water I drink. I drink bottled water - but I also have to be careful with that. Some bottled water has "added minerals for taste" - OUCH - they hurt the bladder (Dasani is the worse for me). You have to read the fine print on the water bottle. I take a few meds: Atarax, Elavil, Ditropan XL, and Seasonique (Birth control which helps my symptoms). I tried to take Elmiron, but was not able to because it made my symptoms worse. My meds really help me. In fact, I live a pretty normal life :) It's not the same as before IC - but definitely a good life again.

I hope you are able to find some relief from your symptoms soon!

Take care,
Jennifer

[A.J.]

Kate,
Ditropan worked best for me. I don't take it anymore because after a few years it seemed to "wear off" like many meds do for me. But I'd give it a try, it was a near lifesaver for me. Good luck!