My main symptom is pain...

[LaurenEngland]

I don't experience the urgency or frequency that many IC sufferers do, just terrible bladder pain and vaginal pain.

Please, I'd like some tips on dealing with this.

I am going out of my mind x

[jjt001]

Are you on any medication? For me, Elavil has been a life-saver and I rarely experience any pain at all any more. Although I did have frequency and urgency, my biggest complain was the pain as well. It was really, really awful.

Before I started the elavil I relied a lot on pyridium or the OTC bladder analgesics and heat (either my 'bed buddy' which you throw in the microwave to heat or hot baths). I also found that exercise early in the morning was helpful for my pain management. I usually felt okay first thing in the morning (not everyone does, I know) and I was able to exercise then. I think it helped me by (a) getting a lot of water through my system early in the morning and (b) the natural boost your body and its pain fighting system gets from exercise.

I hope some of this may be useful for you -- I know what it's like to be in pain all the time and it is really disabling. Good luck!

[LaurenEngland]

Hi jjt001

thanks for your message.
I'm not on much prescribed medication at the moment as I've not been properly diagnosed with IC yet.
I've had IC symptoms for over two years now and i'm awaiting an appointment at hospital (a few weeks away) to discuss the results of a recent cystoscopy.
My urologist thinks it's possibly IC and I do find a lot of the advice on this site helps me, so it's probably that.
I have been on and off various antibiotics, and i take something called Uva Ursi ( a great herbal remedy) for the pain.
At the moment i'm on painkillers prescribed by my doctor as my flare ups have been worse over Christmas, possibly due to a slight change in diet.
Thanks so much for your advice. I will keep you posted as to what my urologist says.
I suspect i will probably end up on some of the medication you suggest.
Lots of people on here have recommended Prelief so my mum has ordered me some. I'm lucky that she's very supportive.
I hope you're well xx

[leelee88]

There are a few things that can cause severe pain in that general area. I would have the Dr try to rule out other things before just giving you a Dx of IC..I do know that Endo mimics IC ALOT.. I have both and sometimes it is hard for me to distingquish where the pain is coming from.

[OrlandoP]

There are a few things that can cause severe pain in that general area. I would have the Dr try to rule out other things before just giving you a Dx of IC..I do know that Endo mimics IC ALOT.. I have both and sometimes it is hard for me to distingquish where the pain is coming from.

LeeLee, did you have a laproscope to determine your endo, and if so, was your pain diminished by removal of some of it? Did you have adhesions? I think this summer I'm going to push my obgyn to do a laproscope, as I agree with you about symptoms.

My primary complaint is pain, sort of dull, ache pain. I have not been able to find a solid remedy yet, and have also considered a pain clinic. In the meantime, extra strength Tylenol works better than Ultram, or the tricyclics I gave a whirl.

[j9rose]

I don't experience the urgency or frequency that many IC sufferers do, just terrible bladder pain and vaginal pain.

Please, I'd like some tips on dealing with this.

I am going out of my mind x

My major pain is vaginal and bladder as well. As with others, Elavil has been AMAZING in helping my vaginal pain, I cant even begin to explain how much it has helped me. Before it, I too was relying on Uristat/Prydium and ice packs to help with the pain.

I hope you get the help you need and find something that helps for you!
Best of luck!

[bunnykinb]

First symptoms since age 4, you poor thing. My aunt remembers that I had to use the restroom a lot when we went out on outings. My mom never took me to the doctor to ask about this. I was just used to using the restroom which I thought every 2 hours was a lot. Now, it is every 45 minutes to an hour.

[lisabar36]

Hi, Elavil has also helped me alot with that pain you describe. I also use prelief. Good luck on your next appointment. I hope you start to feel better. :) Lisa

[mom_in_ma]

My major pain is vaginal and bladder as well and unfortunately, I wasn't able to tolerate elavil. I'm working with a new urogyn who seems up to solving this problem. In fact, I'm sitting with an ice pack 'down south' right now!

[bjcov]

was given pyridium which helped w/ my "gotta go" feeling but was told to only take it for 3 days. I have taken 1 per day for 4 days. Do you have restrictions on it?

[joeyshadow]

when i get flares i end up going to the bathroom every 15 mins but i have had i.c for18 years now, but i had problems @ the age of 9 and endo removed about 6 times and one was in my old c -section incision . Guess we are all so lucky l.o.l .

[LaurenEngland]

Hi LeeLee

i'm not sure what i've got yet to be honest. My uro has just put on a letter to my GP 'Possible urethral syndrome or IC'.
but i'm still waiting for another appointment with my uro and results from a cystoscopy.
i hope i am ok x

[ICNDonna]

I know of at least one person with IC who finds Uva Ursi causes flares. You might want to back off from herbal remedies until you find out your diagnosis. Are you following an IC diet? That can be very important to help you feel better.

Sending healing thoughts,
Donna

[LaurenEngland]

Hi Donna

really? that's interesting then.

i take it every day. maybe it does cause flares but when i get mild pain i always find that it goes away as soon as i take that.
maybe it doesn't go away because of uva ursi then, maybe i just assume that it does.


thanks for your help.

[LaurenEngland]

hi donna

sorry i forgot to respond to your other question.

yes i am following an IC diet but i'm not as strict with myself as i should be.

i avoid foods that definitely cause flares but other foods such as cheese and fizzy drinks i still have occasionally as i'm not sure if they definitely cause a flare with me or not

[j9rose]

First symptoms since age 4, you poor thing. My aunt remembers that I had to use the restroom a lot when we went out on outings. My mom never took me to the doctor to ask about this. I was just used to using the restroom which I thought every 2 hours was a lot. Now, it is every 45 minutes to an hour.

Yes, when I was four the vaginal pain started, my parents had no idea what was going on, they would put destin cream on me thinking that would help! My mom didnt really push the doctor issue either and when we did tell my peditirican about the pain she said it was because my skin was sensitive and that was the end of that!

I do remember "holding it" so much when i was young in fear of the burning. Ya, I am around the 45 min mark myself as well...hopefully it will only get better for us!