I don't know what too do.

[Tara_09]

Im in a flare and I dont know what to do. Ive been doing the IC diet ever since my cysto/hydro so its been about a month. It has really helped me alot. I would still have some pain and frequency but not anything I couldnt stand. I started having to go alot last night so I took a pyridium about 2 hours before I went to bed. I Woke up 5 times last night because I had to pee. Now I feel like I have to go every 15 minutes and by the time I hold it 30 minutes I get the horrible pains. Im in college and my first two classes this morning were complete hell. I still have two more classes left. They are only 45 minutes long but I cant stand it between the urge and the pain. Im afraid to take another pryrdium because sometimes it almost seems like it makes it worse. Im exhausted from this. Pyridium and percocet are the only medications I have right now because I havnt seen my doctor since the hydro and I dont have an appoitment until feb 26. Does anyone have any advice on what I should do. I feel like im going to panic but I dont know what else to do. Im sorry for ranting but my friends dont understand what Im going through and Im pretty sure my professors wont except having to pee every 15 min as an excuse for not going to class. I feel like Ive done something wrong too cause this. Its just such a downer to do so well for a couple of weeks and then boom my life gets turned upside down again.:help:

[traceann]

I think you should probably place a call to your doctor - for me, when my symptoms came on like that after doing so well, it usually meant a UTI. You could have an infection brewing so I'd err on the side of caution and contact my doc!! ;) Hope you feel better soon either way!!!!!! :)

[SharonA]

I agree with Tracey. You should see your doctor and be tested to see if you are running an infection. When you call, tell them you think that you may have a UTI and would like to have your urine checked, today. If they can't fit you in, then go to a walk in clinic to have this done. Do you have a Student Medical Clinic on Campus? If so, they should be able to run a test. Please do not put this off. Bladder infections can be very painful and, if not taken care of, can result in a Kidney Infection.

[SandyRN]

I agree as well. It sounds like it could very well be an infection since you were doing so well. Let us know how things turn out.

Sandy

[jjt001]

Does heat help you at all? When I was flaring badly (I rarely flare now due to the Elavil I take) I would use one of those heat patches and attach it to my underwear. They stay hot for a few hours and it really helped on those days when I couldn't stay home in a hot bath or with a heating pad. It might help you get through class. Hopefully you can get some quick relief, whether it's an infection or a bad flare.

[leelee88]

Hello and :welcome:To the boards. I would have to agree with the others..

[Tara_09]

Thanks everyone for the advice! I made it through my last two classes. The frequency/urge finally slowed down. Im still having pain and am exhausted but I guess thats part of IC. I went to health services on campus and they said I didn't have a UTI. I called my uro and they are going to try to get me in sooner if a spot opens up. Can pyridium make spasms worse? Does anyone have any advice about what to do when I do have episodes like this?

[SharonA]

Do you have a Disabled Student Services on Campus? If so, make an appointment to see one of their counselors to discuss all the problems you are encountering due to IC. They might be willing to contact your instructors on your behalf and let them know that you are having some health issues. In my younger years, I used to work in a DSS office and I know that can be done.

jjt001 gave you some excellent advice about getting some of those sticky heat pads to help calm your bladder down a bit. I know they help me quite a lot when I absolutely have to do something and my bladder is not cooperating.

Drink as much bottled natural spring water as you can to dilute your urine. Hopefully, you have enough time between classes that you can do this through out the day. I know it will make you urinate more, but that is good.