One step forward - Two steps back

[NSH]

Exasperating blankety-blank disease !
I thought I was getting "better" for the past few days but today.....my bladder is spasming like crazy, the urgency/frequency with bloodtinged urine, the pain. All over again. AAAAAIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEE
I am drinking nothing but water with an occasional half apple/half water juice. Last night we did go out and have pizza with friends so I'm thinking that did it. So tiresome trying to find out what flares ya and what doesn't and not being able to eat like a normal person.
I will finally be home in 10 days and will be able to see a Dr there. I know there is something that can be given for these awful spasms but the doc here has given me nothing but the Elmiron and Amitriptyline.

Thinking back, like so many here, I believe I had IC way before it was diagnosed a few weeks ago. I started having bladder spasms almost 10 years ago when they found that I also had a kidney stone. At that time, the doc didn't think the stone was causing the spasms but never investigated it further and they kinda went away, except for mild mini-flares. I also had several what we thought were UTI's. I'm convinced now it was the early start of this IC.

So here I sit miserable and achy while hubby and friends are out riding bikes. Thanks for letting me share your world today. Perhaps another step forward tomorrow :pray:

[ICNDonna]

I can eat pizza if I order it without tomato sauce. And it's really not bad at all.

I hope you feel better soon.

Donna

[SharonA]

Have you tried an OTC Pyridium (Azo) to try to settle your bladder down a bit. It is an analgesic for the bladder that numbs the bladder. It also makes the urine blue and stains everything it touches. If you decide to take this, use panti liners.

If it is the pizza that you ate that is causing the symptoms, drink plenty of water (Natural Spring Water without any additives) to dilute your urine and flush it out of the bladder quickly. Then try to stay away from foods that use tomatoes or tomato products.

It could also be a bladder infection. Is there any way you can get your urine checked for this where you are?

[elamar]

If you are able to get a precription - urelle or prosed sounds like would be your best option. If you can't check the local drug stores for over the counter stuff like Azo. Also, pre-relief can help reduce the burn. I so far can only find that at Walgreen's. Some on these boards also drink a small amount of baking soda in water. I find drinking club soda when I'm burning can help. It has sodium bicarbonate in it. Hope this calms down for you. I so know the frustration of missing good tasting foods - especially pizza.

[NSH]

Thanks all,
I finally got the spasms calmed down. I'm not sure if it was the xanax (I take it occasionally for anxiety) or the Prelief.
It's weird though, when I have these flares, I feel really sick all over not just the urinary symptoms. No energy, just a blah, really really feel bad feeling.
It does help to have everyone's support and know I'm not alone.
I'd doing well with the cola's/caffeine. The diet, I'm still working on......