Really bad day help

[Sally939]

I think this is the worst day ever and really bad timing. I have a work meeting coming up on tuesday. I was not looking forward to it any way. They give you great food and everyone drinks alot. Not to mension the two plane trips and the nine hour meetings a day. I really do not want to go, but that is not an option at all ever. I just do not know what to do. Please help. I just started taking the allergy med that is recomended that starts with an A. I have been taking Elimron for about two months. I also am taking pyridium. Today is the third day for the allergy med could that be making me worse? I ate two cheese burgers plain at WW Cousins yesturday that is it. I am desperate to feel better. I feel like my urethra and bladder will explode really. Can they do anything at the ER? Even my heating pad will not work to relieve any pain. If tomorrow is this bad I will die.

[ICtears]

I'm so sorry that you are in so much pain. I wish I could recommend something to you but unfortunately I'm pretty new to this. I would say contact your doctor in the morning and see if there is anything that can be done to help you. Keep your head up! I will keep you in my thoughts.

~April

[Claredale]

What I would recommend is drinking as much water as you can. I am sensitive to American cheese, so that might have bothered you as well as some of the spices.

When I used to work at a job that required traveling and meetings, I would always dring alot of water with baking soda in it. I also recently heard that tums helps. I have tried it since I am in a flare (actually I am finally getting to the end of it) and the tums really seemed to help. Don't drink any of the alcohol. That would be the end of most ICers! Try not to be around cigarette smoke or even anyone that smokes. Even the smell off their clothes made me hurt.

Valium also helped me especially when I traveled.

Hugs out to you for sure!

Tracey

[born2swim]

I heard that the Atarax can cause retention... so if you have a small capacity and have retention, I could see how you feel worse. In terms of just feeling worse with Atarax, I haven't heard that before.

I am so sorry that you feel so bad. I found that my really bad days, I get a milk shake. The vanilla shakes from Steak 'N Shake helps the most for some reason. Also, Ultram helps but I don't take that every often. I haven't had any in the last month since my hydrodistention.

[mom_in_ma]

I know just where you are coming from. I had to travel twice this summer in the middle of the very worst days of this flare. It was miserable! That said, call your doctor or the uro on call and ask for some REAL pain meds and anti-anxiety meds (like xanax). They may not perscribe them over the phone, but if you explain the situation to your uro, they may be sympathetic. Here are some other trips for traveling in a flare.

1. I've found that xanax keeps you calm and also helps calm down your bladder at the same time. In the last four years of my IC (even when I was in remission!) I never traveled anywhere without it.

2. The flare could easily be caused by the stress and anxiety about your upcoming travel and meeting. In fact, that's more likely than the atarax. I suspect you're taking atarax as the antihistamine. However, born is right, it can cause retention which could make you feel worse. Again, talk to your uro!

3. TAKE YOUR HEATING PAD!!! I flew through LAX this last summer and the heating pad went right through the security x-ray with no problems. However, my Miralax (anti-constipation med) was another story! They searched my bags because of it.

4. A lot of the airport restaurants only have dasani water. Don't drink it! They add minerals that usually irritate IC. I've always been able to find other brands in the airport magazine stores.

5. Buy really good trashy magazines (like the enquirer, star, etc.) They take no brainpower (which is good!) but are a great distraction while you're trying to get comfortable on the airplane.

6. Get an isle seat!!! Preferable one near a restroom.

7. Wear as comfortable clothing as your meetings allow.