My worst IC flare so far.

[TheresaMae]

I was diagnosed with IC 4 months ago. I have had symptoms for about a litle over year. About 10 days ago I began t have severe burning in my bladdder and urethra right before urination and it would only during the process of voiding. I thought for sure I had a UTI but I was tested a week a go yesterday and the intial test was negative and the culure came back negative as well. after 10 days I not had one ounce of relief from my IC symtpoms. My situation is complicated by the fact that I have MS and it has left severely incontinent. I have to wear protection 24/7. As my IC increase my MS symtoms often do as well and vice versa. I was wondering if MS and IC could medically related diseases. Any info on this would be very helpful. I was having difficulty dealing with MS and now IC is making matters even worse for me. I hate to sound so negatiive but I really need to let out my frustration somewhere. This message board seems to be a good place to find understanding people with chronic condtions. Thanks for listening.

[aleet7]

Theresa,
I'm so sorry that you are having such a rough time! I know that MS is considered an autoimmune disease and some say that IC is as well. I bet if you could get your IC under control, some of your increased symptoms with MS might calm down temporarily. I would think that IC or any other disorder would cause your MS symptoms to worsen.

I am currently in a flare...and what I do to improve my bladder is to try to decrease my bladder's acidity with water and a teaspoon of baking soda, antispasmodic meds such as Pyridium or AZO Standard, lots of water and avoiding any foods or drink that would make things worse. I hope you feel better soon!

Best Wishes,
Aleet7

Note from ICN support volunteer Kadi: Only use the baking soda if you do not have high blood pressure or any other issues where you need to restrict salt. Baking soda is high in sodium. Thank you.

[blueberry72]

Hi TheresaMae,

I didn't see you mention that you follow the IC Diet and am wondering if you do. (If so, then ignore the rest!) Many foods can severly irritate your bladder if you are diet-sensitive. I am very sensitive and even have to be careful about some of the foods on the OK list. When I have consumed something irritating (purple lettuce, anything processed, I'm pretty sure fish oil capsules with soy in it) my bladder BURNS and I have lots of burning on urination. I only know it's not a UTI because I have at-home test strips. When I eliminate the offender from my diet the burning slowly resolves. Eating lots of the soothing foods from the OK list could potentially help too- such as oatmeal, carrots, corn, peas, milk if you are diet sensitive.

I hope you feel better!

[CherylSLP]

Just a thought, you might want to look into seeing a PT (physical therapist) to see if you have pelvic floor dysfunction. Since MS can cause difficulties with muscle control it is a possibility.

There are a lot of us with IC who have other disorders. They seem to cluster. I have fibromyalgia.

[Bekah79]

I really feel for you having to deal with two diseases at once. IC alone is driving about to drive me to the funny farm. I hope you get somee relief very soon. I will pray for you.

Keep The Faith:pray:

[TexasHoney]

I hope that you are feeling better by now.

Hang in There:grouphug::pray::angel:

[ICNDonna]

A urinary tract infection can develop within hours --- the fact that you tested negative a week ago doesn't rule out infection today. You might want to purchase some home test kits so you can test your urine at home. If you get a positive, you should see your doctor. The home test kits aren't 100% accurate, but they can help.

Are you drinking enough water? That can make a huge difference.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[c2miracle]

Hello TheresaMae,
I posted a thread a few weeks ago asking if any ICers also have MS. I am going thru the process of being diagnosed. Because of my bladder problems, MS symptoms and my dad having MS, my neurologist recommended I see a nuerologist.
I find drinking water all day helps me and also following the IC diet. I am still finding out what I can and cannot eat and drink, as we are all different. When I have that burning feeling "down there" I take a B&O (belladonna/opium) suppository and that really soothes the burning.
Sending hugs and keep thinking positive. PM me anytime! :smile tee