Can anyone help please?

[LaurenEngland84]

I've had IC for the past five years. I've had it under control for the last 2 years with the IC diet etc, but since Christmas I've been experiencing lots of flares.

I've been back and forth to the doctors and tried antibiotics, which seemed to help.

However I have now come off the antibiotics and been prescribed Tolterodine, which is for an overactive bladder.

I've only taken 2 tablets but found I'm straining when I pee and I've had sharp (non-flare like) pain in the mornings).

Has anyone tried these? I'm considering coming off them and going back to the doctors.

I'm going away this weekend for a few days and do not want to fill unwell as we're staying in a remote place far from chemists! xxx

[Zygala87]

Sorry Lauren you are dealing with this. I was given something for overactive bladder and it made me very ill and did not help one bit. I stopped after 4 pills. That is just me. Hydrodistention helps my bladder greatly. I don't know anything about cystoscopy. Since we are all so different I am not much help for you but I care. Are you on Elmiron? That also does not help everyone. It does me. Maybe someone on here can help you more. My family comes from Canada so I am wondering how you feel about health care in the UK? I'm thinking they are much alike. Many of my family come to the US to get help because it takes so long to get in to see a specialists. Perhaps a call to your Doctor might help you. They don't know what's going on unless you inform them. Sending warm wishes. Hug, Ziggy

[LaurenEngland84]

Thanks for your message. I'm now going to come off the tablets, as what you said makes sense. I've been in pain for 2 days since taking them so I don't think they are a good idea.

What similarities do you see between Canadian and UK health care?

Hope you're coping with your IC? x

[Linda May]

I would call the doctors office and let the nurse no whats happening and have her call you back after she talks to the doc. I wish you the very best.:pray:

[sailawaygrl]

Sounds like you have retention, some of those meds can do that to us. I know they do that to me. It is good that you aren't taking them as that can make you worse. The antibiotics will act as an anti inflammatory while you are taking them so that is probably why you felt better while on them. Elmiron takes some time to work and as you need immediate help you will most likely need something else to help you in the short term. Many ICers take a low dose of amitryptiline (10mg or so) at night and it helps as a smooth muscle relaxant, so it will helps stop the spasms. Try to get in to see your Dr and tell them about the retention. Hopefully they can change you to something that will help get you through your flares.
So sorry that you are hurting so much right now.
Sandra

[ICNDonna]

It does sound like Tolterodine (Detrol) is a problem for you. I suggest you call your doctor's office today. It's not good to strain --- it can cause swelling and make you even more uncomfortable.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[Landish]

When I tried Detrol I ended up going to the emergency room because I couldn't pee .