Not sure of the diagnosis

[kayebene]

Ok, looking for a little help on this subject. About 3 weeks ago I started having pulsing and throbbing and spasms in the pelvic floor. The GYN thought it was a UTI and put me on Cipro for three days. Did not work at all. Went to the urologist and they gave me vesacare and prosed ds. The spasms went away and a new symptom started. I started having the feeling of frequency and urge. This was over Memorial Weekend and we were at our lake house with many friends. I was drinking alcohol and soda all the time. The urgency was there for about 4 days and then went away when I stopped drinking soda and alcohol. Food is not a problem. Upon follow up with the uro, he said he did not think I had IC, but rather some sort of bladder infection that developed into these symptoms. He told me to continue the vesacare. Everything was fine. This past Friday we were at a wedding and I drank wine. I felt fine all night, but at about 6am the next morning, the urgency came back with some slight spasms. It was gone by about noon, with the help of lots of water.

So, I am leaving on a trip to Mexico on Friday with a bunch of girlfriends. I am afraid to drink alcohol.

Does anyone have these types of symptoms. I have not had any pain at all! Hence, why the uro is not saying IC. Is there a trick to drinking alcohol?

Any advice would be great. I feel like no one knows what is going on.

Thanks!

[Mrs. Peel]

First of all, let's all hope you don't have IC. There are a lot of less serious bladder problems out there that will give you similar symptoms.

IC has as many different symptoms and combinations. The only symptom that got my attention was flank pain. It felt like I was passing a kidney stone.

I'm no doctor, but from experience I would suggest asking one of your doctors (A nurse-practitioner could do it) to run a more thorough urinalysis. Culture to find the responsible microbe, and sensitivity to find out what will finally kill it. There are so many drug resistant bugs out there.

As far as drinking alcohol goes, it will give you symptoms. Period. That may include soda, coffee, black or green tea, cranberry, pineapple, and citrus juices. The only way I can think of to lessen the symptoms is to drink way more water than alcohol, etc. Beer is much more irritating than clear liquor.

You can also try Prelief. Several drug and supermarket chains carry it, but not in all stores. It's made by the company that makes Beano, so next to the Beano is where to look for it.

Prelief is also available here at the ICN Shop.

One more thing. If you do have IC, your bladder can't heal itself normally, so you'd be looking at some serious damage and a lot of hard work to get the IC into remission.

And stay off donkeys in Mexico 'cause shaking up a sore bladder can get ugly. And don't even think about mechanical bulls!

I hope you have a safe and fun trip. A road trip with the girls! I'm so envious!

[ICNDonna]

My suggestion would be to avoid drinking alcohol during your trip. Nobody should care and you'll have a much better time if you can avoid pain.

Sending encouraging hugs,
Donna

[SharonA]

:welcome:...The trick to drinking alcohol is not to drink it. It really is that simple. Also, be very careful not to have ice in anything you drink.

I hope you have a great time. :):):)

[KristyKay]

I wanted to comment on the pain symptom. Just because you don't have pain, does not rule out IC. I do not have pain, just frequency and yet I still have been diagnosed with IC.

There are so many combinations of symptoms...if you are someone who is not in pain, consider yourself lucky. (That is what my uro told me :))

I have gotten almost complete relief from my frequency from just the diet alone (for 2 months now) and lots of water.

Don't fret and have a wonderful trip!

[kayebene]

After a month of testing - and the potasium test that was negative - my uro did not know what to tell me. Said I do not have IC, but did not know what I had. After charting my day, I believe it is the Nexium!!! As I searched online, there are others with this issue, but of course it is rare. It causes a wide variety of bladder issues. If anyone else is out there and taking an acid reducer - stop taking it and see if it helps your symptoms!!

[SharonA]

I am very happy that you do not have IC.

Enjoy your trip...:)