Stomach Bloating?

[cybersis]

This is my 8th time in the past 8 months visiting my doctor with a suspected bladder infection. On anti-biotics but there is no infection present. Doctor is going to let this course of anti's run then if no improvement will start testing for something else. My question is about bloating. My stomach below my belly button becomes very extended and hard. It feels like my skin is stretching and will burst! Need to pee is constant and the pain is very low in my belly and feels like very bad period cramps. Are these are symptoms of IC? I have had these symptoms each time I suspect a bladder infection but they have always subsided within about a three week time frame. This time I am going on four weeks with no decrease in pain or bloating. Anyone else get this extended feeling?

[Kathi]

Yes, most of us get it. We call it IC belly. No one realy knows whats causes it, but suspect it may have to do with diet or a flare. A flare is times when the bladder is inflamed due to many different causes, diet, stress, and sometimes "just because" no reason we can pinpoint. IC is usually diagnosed by the use of a hydrodidtension/cystogram. They put you to sleep & go take a look at the bladder to see if there is any inflamation. A urologist usually does this. I would suggest an appointment with a uro that knows & treats IC. Please let us know how you make out.:hi: Kathi

[ICNDonna]

:welcome: to the IC Network.

I suggest you read the information in the Patient Handbook at http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/ There's a lot of helpful information there. It might be a good idea to put yourself on an IC diet to see if that helps --- at least stop drinking coffee, sodas, and fruit juices.

It does sound very much like what you have could be interstitial cystitis. I have often described my IC pain when I'm in a flare as being very much like menstrual cramping, but more severe. You may be having bladder spasms. Many of us with IC do have what we call the "IC belly" --- when in a flare, it almost looks like pregnancy.

My IC was diagnosed in 1975 and I'd just like to assure you that even if you do have IC, there is life with IC. It can take a while to find the most effective treatments for each individual, but most of us do feel good most of the time. If you have questions, feel free to post them. We aren't physicians and can't give direct medical advice, but are happy to share our own personal experiences.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[jala]

Mine was an intestinal thing. My IC flares are caused by a trigger food. My trigger food causes constipation. Usually 1 day after I eat a trigger, I have constipation. Within 2 days thereafter, I have a flare. Bloating gets worse with the constipation and the flare. Once it is gone and I have passed the trigger food, the bloating is relieved.

I have learned that I have IBS caused by a wheat intolerance. The IBS causes, cramping, bloating and irregularity (not to mention a sour mood). Once I got rid of the trigger food and got regular, the constipation and bloating went. Once the constipation went, the flares stopped. It's like the circle of life.

You can try doing a food diary to see what foods cause you problems and if they are causing your bloating. Good luck. Jala.