First flare in over a year-3 weeks now

[trufflelover1]

:help:My IC has been in remission since last flare over a year ago. Both flares were brought on by a home heparin instill. This one has been going for 3 weeks now and I'm going crazy!! They checked my urine about 3 days after it started and it was clear. Could the flare really be lasting this long? I'm going to see doc on friday. I have not needed meds for years or even diet modification. I just don't understand how I could go from practically no sx. to feeling like I have to pee all the time. I also feel a sense of warmth down there and recently tried a monistat tx. no results though. Any ideas, I've tried pyridium, hyoscyamine, warm packs, baking soda in water-need new ideas Thanks SO much for any input and God Bless

[dyno]

I would have them check you again for an infection. Also you may need to watch your diet for awhile even if you haven't in the past too much. Talk to your Dr.about all of this when you go in.

[SharonA]

I would have my urine checked again if this was happening to me. It can't hurt. It's better to know for sure.

I think it would be a good idea to start being careful with what you are eating and drinking even though it has been a while since you have had to do that. If you are drinking coffee or tea, do without it. Drink plenty of IC safe water to flush your bladder and keep your urine diluted.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about these symptoms. Hopefully, they can help you feel better.

[trufflelover1]

Hi-What is IC safe water? I normally drink filtered or bottled water. I know there are expensive brands that have ph more alkaline, is this what you mean? Thanks,Donna

[SharonA]

I'm sorry. I should have been more specific. What I meant is bottled "Natural Spring Water". Make sure you read the label. If the label says anything other than "Ingredients: water", leave it on the shelf. There are bottled waters that add chemicals to the water...like sodium. I don't drink the expensive stuff. I drink Ozarka Natural Spring Water.

[NancyB]

Dear Trufflelover -

Go to the thread, "Estrogen as a Treatment for IC" under the heading IC Success Stories and read my post from a few months ago. Perhaps it may be an answer for you.

Hope this is helpful.

NancyB:)

[trufflelover1]

First of all I just want to say thanks to everyone who replied. Last night out of desperation I decided to try my 10% compounded lidocaine cream. I applied on my vulvar area and near the urethra. Within about 15 minutes I had 50% of my sx. go away!! Could I possibly be suffering from urethritis? and not a flare?? What are your thoughts on this? I am now going to do a search on urethritis-Donna

[amartaingirl]

did you eat something new?