OK this is weird: BEER stops my urethra burning!

[bcmcd11]

Hello,
I have just been diagnosed with IC just a couple of weeks ago, and I am presently taking a typical regimen of medication: Elmiron, Amitriptyline, Hydroxyzine, Uribel, Prelief, and the antibiotic Nitrofurantoin Macro (which I am supposed to take immediately after sex). My bladder at this moment isn't really giving me any problems, but my URETHRA? That's a different story. I wake up in the morning and it just burns constantly, making my work day very uncomfortable. It stings and burns so bad I can hardly concentrate. Neither Uribel nor Azo helps in the least.

A couple of days ago when I got off work, I was so stressed and upset from the amount of work I was expected to do (despite being EXTREMELY uncomfortable from the burning), that I broke down and had a couple of beers. I know, I know, alcohol is a BIG no-no for IC sufferers, but I was so desperate to relax I just didn't care. By the time I had finished my second beer, the burning in my urethra was completely gone. WHAT? Uribel and Azo does nothing, but BEER relieves my discomfort?

Now, I may be a special case... I used to drink WAY too much and have even gone through a treatment program. Maybe my body chemistry is used to beer somehow? Has anybody else out there experienced this? I find it incredibly ironic that one of the most dangerous things someone with IC can drink--BEER--seems to alleviate the burning sensation in my urethra, and so far IS THE ONLY THING THAT HAS WORKED. Yesterday I had a few more beers after work, and the same thing happened... I actually had RELIEF. (I still had to go to the bathroom a lot, but there was no pain whatsoever.)

This situation is so strange I don't know what to make of it. Does anybody have any theories? I wasn't even sure this was appropriate to post in the first place, and I had no idea which section to post it in, so I chose Alternative Therapies as a lot of people seem to visit this forum. Thoughts, anyone?

[VickiB]

You're not alone in this. I learned early in my IC journey that beer seems to have a calming affect on my bladder.

I do feel the need to say that others, maybe even most, find the exact opposite reaction so I would urge extreme caution to anyone who decides to try a beer! -Or an other alcoholic beverage. And a reminder that many meds & alcohol don't mix well!

You might find this old thread on the subject interesting.....
http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51283

Vicki

[cmclien]

I have to say when I'm having alot of irritation, like what you describe but at a lesser level, I always know that wine or beer will make it go away, always. I have decided it is the anesthetic qualities of the alcohol maybe. It has happened time and time again. I don't know why this is because as Vicki has said it really irritates most people with IC.

[earthlady]

It must have something to do with the anesthetic qualities of the alcohol that temporarily numbs the nerve endings in the urethra. I noticed this also at first before I knew I had IC. I have to say though since not having any alcohol at all now my bladder feels a whole lot better overall, so it may not be a good idea in the long run for some people.

[flowerangela]

i had some smirnoff ice vokda the other nite..pineapple flavor one bottle. one of my favs pre-ic.i was stressed/in so much pain i figured i'd try it to see how alcohol affected me. suprisingly it did help the pain even more so than the pain meds i'm on. i have a history of alcoholism in my family so dont want ic to turn me into an alcoholic lol

[judy45]

I too can drink corona light beer. It actually calms my bladder! When I go out or to book club it is the only time I can go for 4 hours without the urge to pee! Of course,having 3-4 beers a night is really not an option, but it is nice to know when I am out that I can enjoy myself and not worry about pain. I can also drink Pinot Grigio it doesnt bother me at all, but I don't get the same benefits.

[judy45]

I have also had urethral burining and they gave me estrace cream, fixed that right up! Have you discussed this with your doctor? I am telling you, the pain was gone in about 4 days! Now PFD and bladder still a problem, but any pain we can get rid of is a blessing

[Shamay]

I have also noticed that beer, either Corona or Rolling Rock helps with my bladder pain, it seems to go away for a few days after I have a couple.

[earthlady]

I was just curious for those who find beer to be helpful.- Do you find that your IC symptoms worsen after the helpful effects of the beer wears off, or stay the same as they were before you had the beer?