Ugh! Not again

[Emmy1151]

Hi everyone,

I am 22 years old and was diagnosed with IC in Dec. 08 through a cysto however my main symptoms have always been in my urethra. I'm so glad this section was added because now I know its not just me :)

Anyways, a little over a week ago I went to the doctor and tested positive for a UTI and was put on some antibiotics. And then only a few days later my worst nightmare happened...the urethral pain I had dealt with for 3 straight months when I first diagnosed with IC has returned :cussing:...along with some new symptoms. And after reading alot of posts I am 100% sure that I have urethral syndrome along with IC. I think I have actually had it for my whole life because I remeber as a kid I would often complain to my mom about burning after peeing.

So, I am going to see my doctor who treats my IC tomorrow and I just had a few questions...

1) does anyone else have a really hard time starting to pee...like i can feel it coming but I feel like I have to try really hard to make it actually come out.

2) Most of the time when I pee I still feel like I have to pee afterwards but the feeling is not in my bladder..its more in my urethra. Like I basically feel like pee gets trapped inside my urethra. Does this happen to anyone else?

3) Also, does anyone have an especially hard time peeing at night?

4) Do these seem like problems that could be helped by an antispasmatic? Or does anyone know of any specific medications I should ask my dr. about?

Thanks for any help you girls can give me!

Oh, and the current medications I am on (and have had alot of success with):

For IC
Elmiron 100mg in am and pm
Amitriptyline 50mg

For other issues
Synthroid .075 mg
Adderall 25mg
Levora (BC)
Buspirone (just started for anxiety caused by symptoms)

[Snowden1]

Hi,
I have a couple of your symptoms, but a little different. I have clitoral pain and actually feel like there is urine trapped in there that makes me feel like I have to go back and go. It helps to lay down with my knees bent. I hate this feeling. On top of this I have severe pelvic/bladder pain.

[Hannah13]

The elevil could contribute to retention if taken regularly. I only use it for flares since my doc is treating my retention with flomax. I also have an amatriptilyne cream to help with urethral issues similar to yours. Hang in there. Love, H.

[ICNDonna]

I agree that elavil can cause retention. Also, if you're straining to urinate, that could make the problem worse. Please mention this to your doctor. There are medications that can make it easier to urinate --- the ones that come to mind are cardura, hytrin, and flomax, but I know there are others.

Donna

[mouse]

I have some of your symptoms also. When I hold at night I have a really difficult time urinating and can't seem to empty completely. Also, I have difficulty starting and maintaining a stream. sometimes I actually have to run the water in my faucet. I too have clitoral or urethral pain/sensation but have never been formally diagnosed. For years I blamed it on kidney stones but now I am starting to realize that is not why I have the urethral sensation and yes when I am don urinating I always feel like there is something left in my urethra and i just want to push it out....Although any doc will tell you this is the worse thing to do! However, he doesn't know what it feels like:evilsmile

I assume my difficulty starting streams or maintaining a stream has to do with the fact that I have a pelvic floor dysfunction and the muscles surrounding my pelvic floor are very tight. I have to agree with the one post, if your symptoms just started it may be the elavil....It is known to cause urine retention. I know I had to go off it after almost a year because of the very same thing!!