Cystoscopy Hydrodistension flare - help I need to travel overseas soon!

[psj]

Hi -

I am 23 years old and was diagnosed with IC in April 2008. Because my symptoms (mainly frequency and urgency) haven't improved much since my diagnosis, I had cystoscopy hydrodistension on Tuesday (I was put to sleep). I was at the hospital for about five hours. Everything went pretty smooth. Yesterday, I was fine. I was able to work. But today has been the toughest IC day ever - I am in such a bad flare. I am running to the bathroom every 10-15 minutes. I also woke up several times during the night, which I usually never do.
I am worried because I have a trip to Europe planned on Monday. I have no idea how I can get on a plane like this...

Does anyone have any tips for how to manage flares from cystoscopy hydrodistension? How long do they last? When can I expect to get some relief from the procedure?

Thanks!

I had a cysto hydro back in April 2008 when I was diagnosed. I wasn't put to sleep then, and I don't remember having such a bad flare...

[Briza]

Hi
I don't know what to tell you....it is almost unheard of to go to work the day after any surgery where you are put under, it seems...and a cysto/hydro usually the pain is great enough after the procedure where most need at LEAST a few days of rest before they are back on their feet.
I hope you can make your trip...tho I would be worried, becaue there is no way to tell how long it will take you to recover. Are you taking an antibiotic? I ask because getting a UTI after a cysto/hydro is not uncommon. And would not be good if you were to develop one while out of the country!
As for flare helpers....pain meds, antispasmodics, bland diet, lots of water, cold packs, heating pad...that kinda stuff seems to help to some extent...
Hope you can make your trip....keep us posted! Take care....

[psj]

Hi -

Yes, the urologist gave me antibiotics (for three days)... Today will be the last day I am taking them.

(Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking going to work today... I should have stayed home. Sometimes it's just hard to keep telling people "I have bladder problems").

Thanks for the post.

[kadi]

Wow, you're tough! I had my cysto/hydro on a Wednesday & went back to work the following Monday. By Saturday I was back to my prior level of IC. Hopefully that will be the case for you as well. Briza already gave you some good flare-reducing suggestions, so all I'll add to this post is some travel ideas.

I flew to Europe last summer from California. It was a very long flight. Hopefully you will be feeling better by Monday:

A few things that helped.
1. I talked with my pharmacist about how to time the medicines so I'd take my nighttime medicines during my longest flight (10 hours) and when to take them again after arrival so I'd sleep that night.

2. Stick on heating patches are great, just don't wear them through the security checkpoints. They do set off metal detectors. I learned this the embarrassing way.

3. Get up to stretch frequently during the flight.

4. Stay as hydrated as possible.

5. You might want to take an ic-friendly constipation remedy for after you arrive at your destination. Travellers' constipation is no fun. And searching a foreign country for an enema is even less fun.

6. Take lots of IC friendly snacks for the plane. Steamed milk and croissants were at every airport I went through, but on the plane, not much that was ok.

7. Take plenty of your regular medications with you & take extras in case you have an infection or bigger than usual flare while you're overseas.

Hoping you will feel better soon & that your trip will go well,

[psj]

Thanks for the great travel tips. Any other tips would be very appreciated.

I am going to Norway/Denmark to see my parents/brother/extended family. Please cross your fingers for me that I can make it on the plane on Monday... I have been looking forward to this vacation for so long.

[Briza]

How are you doing today?

[psj]

Thanks for checking-in :)

I am doing better. I am still flaring, but nowhere near as bad as on Thursday when I wrote the first post. I hope I will feel even better on Monday for my trip...

[psj]

I have arrived in Norway :) Despite semi-flaring, I managed the plane trips pretty good. I used the rest room frequently before boarding the planes, take off, landing etc just in case, but other than that, it went well. I was able to check-in online, which meant I could skip the long check-in line-ups. Instead of waiting in "economy class" line to drop off my baggage, I just walked over to the "first class" line and asked if I could drop it off there, which was fine.

I still have more plane rides, long car trips etc to manage the next couple of weeks, but it feels great to have managed the first stretch :)

[ICNDonna]

I'm glad it sounds like your trip is going well. Hang in there! I hope the rest of the trip is comfortable for you.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[Landish]

I have arrived in Norway :) . I used the rest room frequently before boarding the planes, take off, landing etc just in case, :)

It’s very important to use the restroom before landing because you can feel a lot of pressure in your bladder during the landing. The last time I felt like a vise against my bladder and I had to argue with the stewardess that she didn’t understand that I have to go. Finally the plane landed with me in the restroom.