Definition of a "Flare"

[amylr]

I think the title explains it all. Ive heard of so many people having flares, and I think Ive had some, but Im honestly not sure. I was told I have one nasty looking IC bladder during my cystoscopy, but I dont have any of the horrible pain that Ive heard of.

Dont get me wrong, I have had horrible pain but its pretty rare--not an every day occurance. Basically, on a normal day I urinate probably 12-15 times roughly. However, sometimes Ill get what I think is a "flare" when I urinate every 15 minutes for an hour or two and then it goes away. Is that a flare?

Also, is it possible to have just the frequency/urgency and only occasional pain?

Whats your definition of a flare?

[leelee88]

A flare is when you have any increased symptoms of IC. And I think flares care range from mild, moderate and severe...

Some people have just increased frequency.
Some can have just increased pain..
Some can increased urgency.
And some can have all this combined!

If you have times when you pee every 15 min that would be a definite flare..

[SharonA]

Leelee did a great job of explaining what most of us consider a flare.

is it possible to have just the frequency/urgency and only occasional pain?

Yes...it is very possible.

[mlzippy7]

Great explanation Ronda:)

[nottoc4]

Urgency and frequency and a urethra that pinched not helped by any of the 4 overactive bladder medicines is exactly how it started for me. But throw in 5 to 6 UTI's a year(proven by cultures)....For me a flare is increase in frequency,some retention and less likely bladder pain.

[amylr]

I always have retention, so I dont really consider that I flare symptom for me. Im one of those people that feel like they have to go RIGHT after they just went. Its also extremely difficult for me to empty and I find myself always pushing, which I know is very bad but if I dont then I cant urinate at all despite being full.