What portion of cases are severe and could this just be stress?

[icguy754]

Hi All,

I haven't been diagnosed yet but I am seeing some of the symptoms and trying to relax and not jump to conclusions.

One of the problems I am having is that I hear about a lot of the worst case scenarios in the literature and on the forums - it is enough to freak a guy out, cause more stress and make the problem worse! I am willing to guess that a lot of the people that use this forum are those who are most severely affected.

I'm wondering two things:
1) I've been very stressed lately and I am wondering if this could just be a result of that and not actually PBS or IC and will leave when my stress leaves (stress causes all sorts of other problems such as indigestion that go away when the stress is dealt with.) Is it possible my stress brought this on and it won't disappear now when my stress goes? (can I undo any damage to the bladder with proper eating and relaxation - I'm only 24)

2) I'd like to know if there is any research or anecdotal evidence with regards to how many people suffer the most severe forms of this condition vs how many people just have to live with it as a minor inconvenience that comes and goes.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

[tigger_gal]

The worst thing about ic is, we all have different symptoms, and different pains, one med may work for many but not for you. Not 2 people are alike with IC and take the same meds. ts hard to dx and harder to treat.
May I suggest you see a uro and rule anything that can mimic IC. Ask about getting a hydro/cysto. That is the most accurate test to prove you have IC.
My theory is I would rather some one look at my bladder and say yes it is, rather then having a potassium test, and you react to it and they say you have IC, and you may not have it, please note an aggravated non ic bladder can react to a pst test.
I would go and see a uro that is knowledgeable about IC.

[leelee88]

While I will agree that stress can trigger alot of things. But I will have to say this. While I am a firm believer that stress can trigger IC and can complicate the symptoms. I do not believe that just because you alleviate your stress you will get rid of IC. Because IC is an incurable disease.
But If you get your stress under control I do believe it could help your IC symptoms.

[Sally939]

ICguy,

I know how frightened you are. I would try to relax and get rid of as much stress as you can. Also, make sure to start the diet right away. It will not hurt and it might help. I would also go see a uro as soon as you can. It is possible that you have ic. And if you do know that with some diet changes and/or meds and/or stress control you can start to feel better. This site is great and a lot of help. Remember, a lot of us are females on the site and we love to talk about all our problems. Do not let our stories scare you. It is easy to run to the site when you hurt so most of the threads are asking for advice. Good Luck and let us know how you are doing. The first three months were hard for me. I still have some hard days (today) but everyone in the world has hard days to deal with.

[mdkohio]

Stress can definetly make IC worse. I had a recent flair after a very stressful incident. I also take Elmiron which helps alot. There are times I do not have any symptoms at all. I know relaxation and deep breathing are great stress releasers. Dont get discouraged, you will feel better, try to follow the diet and drink alot of water too. Seeing a urlogist is crucial. Your not alone.

[ICNDonna]

First of all, I'd like to say :welcome: to the IC Network.

You are correct in suspecting that people who are doing well with their IC don't spend as much time on these boards as those who need support through their rough times. It's important to remember that for every person posting here that they are in pain, there are literally hundreds out there with IC who feel good and are not in need of support.

Donna

[born2swim]

Well, I just wanted to say that I am not a severe IC patient. I don't have pain (occasional pressure feeling). I have severe urgency and frequency. It is better since I stopped straining to urinate. That was a big change I could make. I have tried many things to try and help my bladder, but so far not much luck.

[icguy754]

Hi All,

Thanks for the quick and supportive responses.

I'll relax, eat well and get to a urologist.

Are there any estimates on how many people are able to achieve remission through relaxation, exercise, eating well and tackling all of that very early on?

Best of luck to everyone,

[karen10]

Hi Icguy!
You came to a GREAT place for support and hopefully some answers that will be helpful for you. I am working on a presentation that I am presenting with my doctor's office to our support group, and have been researching that very question! I have not found any numbers yet, but have found (in the April 2007 issue of the Urology journal) that some researchers believe that (and here's the direct quote) "early identification of IC creates the opportunity for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes." This study was conducted by Matt Rosenberg, MD. I would sure like to know if you find out more about this. I wish you well!

[Sally939]

I do not know any stats but maybe someone else will. When it comes to diet do not try just to eat healthy try to eat low acid. Here is a link that might help http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/diet.html#topfive.

[Claredale]

I am on here alot, every day pretty much. I have severe IC, but I am doing well on my meds combo that I am on right now. Stress is definitely a trigger for many of us, but I have had flares in the past that came out of absolutely no where. I was eating only what I was supposed to, taking my meds, etc...I would be in the best mood and loving life and wham, I would be in a flare for weeks. That was before my interstim and before I started continuous birth control. I still have pain, but no longer any flares (except 2 short lived ones in 2 years). I decided that when I was working at a very stressful job, even though I loved it and was good at it, I needed to give my body a break and see how I did without working. I seemed to do better for a while and my body reaped the benefits from the interstim and just allowing myself to heal, but a few months after, I was nuts from not working. I never was a stay at home mom and when I was staying at home, my kids were almost grown and I felt even more trapped, so my stress came in a different form. Going back to work, but at an easier paced job was what path I took. I don't make near the money I made before I "retired" but I am happier and as long as I stay this way, which I pray everyday to keep getting better, life is going well. I get tired easier, which I know causes stress, so I do my best to know my limits to keep myself from any triggers.

[Tracie]

I use to break out all the time. ( done Acutane a few times) But ever since I have had all this urethra pain, my face is so clear. I thought the stress from all the pain I was/am in would make me break out more. I wonder if I have redirected all the my stress to my pelvic area instead of my face.

[SharonA]

Stress really is my #1 trigger for my bladder along with too much caffeine (more than 1 cup of coffee in the a.m.) and citrus anything, but usually I feel pretty good. Oh...I have an occasional flare, but I have learned how to quiet those symptoms by drinking lots of water to dilute my urine and to flush out the offending food/drink as quickly as possible. I am still working on reducing stress. Sometimes I am successful and other times not so much, but I keep trying.

BTW...:welcome: to the ICN.