not sure

[misscafe]

Hi...it's been a while since I've been here.

A few months ago, I thought I might have IC. I was referred to a urologist, but I had other health concerns at the time and never got to go. My symptoms went away for the most part, and I was even able to drink coffee and eat certain foods without much problem.

A couple weeks ago, I got my third UTI of the year. (I'm 31 and never had a UTI until this year, and I've already had 3). Everything happened the same as my last UTI...symptoms continued after antibiotics were finished, just in a milder form. And now I have lots of pain when I drink caffeine, fruit juices, etc. I had a limeade on the way home from class one day, and I thought I was going to die that night! Ouch!!! I had already dismissed IC, so I didn't even think to put two and two together until the next day when I had another limeade. :bonk:

Does this happen with IC? I'm fine for the most part until I get a UTI, and it's then that I start having symptoms of an IC flare. Would I have just a really, really mild form of it? I can't afford to go to the urologist and get tested right now. I'm just wondering if this pattern fits anyone else here.

Also, with other UTI's I've had small amounts of blood in my urine...usually bright blood on the tissue when I wipe. This time, however, I was passing clots. Fairly large and very dark clots. Has this happened with anyone else?

Thanks!!!

[VickiB]

Sorry you've had the need to come back here again! It seems to me there's lots of variable with symptoms & such among those with IC, and yours could likely fit in to the group. But we're not doctors so the best we can do is share our thoughts & experiences.

"Does this happen with IC? I'm fine for the most part until I get a UTI, and it's then that I start having symptoms of an IC flare." That's kind of how my IC acts. I'm fine until something happens to set a flare off. A bad food or drink choice, stress, too much activity that irritated my bladder, not staying hydrated, etc. And definitely, a UTI will send my bladder into mega-flare mode.

"Also, with other UTI's I've had small amounts of blood in my urine...usually bright blood on the tissue when I wipe. This time, however, I was passing clots. Fairly large and very dark clots. Has this happened with anyone else?" I've only had small amounts of blood but I'm pretty sure I've read others say they've passed significant amounts and even clots. But, you really should see a doctor on this. It's a shame that medical help is so expensive,..urologists in particular,...but that's the only way to know for sure what is causing your symptoms.

Sorry you're having to deal with this!
Vicki