Could this be IC?

[sissygirl]

I am wondering if there is something less than IC but on the same spectrum?

My history: WHen I was 28, I had a UTI that tested negative for bacteria/ didn't respond to antibiotics and for months after I had symptoms of burning and that feeling of always needing to "go". A urologist performed an inoffice cysto (sp?) and found nothing abnormal and the test stopped all my symptoms. Hallalujah!

Ten years went by, two pregnancies, and lots of bladder abuse later (spicy food, coffee, wine) and I was fine. Then when I was 38 I had a similar episode, a UTI that tested negative/didn't respond to antibiotics and followed by a month or so of feeling like I always had to go. This went away on its own eventually with only estrogen cream as I was breastfeeding.


Today I am 44, six years after the last episode. After what I thought was a UTI at the start of the month, I am on a third round of antiobiotics, WBC but no nitrates in the urine, culture being done. Seeing GYN tomorrow and then on to urologist likely if my very troubling symptoms continue (up at night VERY frequently, insomnia) Some days are better than others but it has been up and down all month.

Is there such a thing as just a very irritable bladder that takes a long long time to heal? Would I have had more bladder sensitivity between episodes? Just wondering if this sounded familiar to anyone.

I did just go to an acupuncture treatment, BTW, which was wonderfully relaxing. I am trying to be proactive with this episode...

Thanks to this wonderful site!

[purpletomorrow]

I have a similar history and have often wondered if I have a supremely irritated bladder instead of IC, or perhaps IC runs on a continuum and I have a milder version of it than many of the sufferers here.

I do recommend Estrace or Vagifem vaginal estrogen as you approach 50; the urogenital atrophying that accompanies the progressive loss of estrogen worsened my bladder symptoms.

Replacement of that estrogen made my bladder less sensitive. The IC diet also helped a LOT.

Would be interested to hear what other folks think about your question.

CHeers, laura

[sissygirl]

I plan on asking about estrogen cream tomorrow--interestingly (to me anyway) my two previous episodes occured when my hormones were screwy--first when I was on the minipill (progesterone only), then when I was breastfeeding and hadn't had a period in months and months....so you advice makes sense to me.....