lets try this again

[cathyada]

do many of you who are in a flare-up get urethrial burning--in fact, I have noticed that even if I sit to long, the urethra starts burning--also--what is the "IC tool kit"--or tag along items that I should have with me at all times? thanks again--Cathyada:hi:

[yvette]

The "toolkit" is just what everybody keeps on hand to help cope with their IC. Everybody's lkit is different based on what works for them. For instance: I keep this on hand (aka my toolkit)
icepaks
heating pad
Pyridium Plus
good books
good movies
comfy stretch pants

Does that help? :) What would you keep on hand to help you cope?

[Sarojini]

Yeah, I get urethral burning if I sit too long sometimes... usually it happens if I go for too long a ride on hubby's motorcycle or something like that where I put a lot of pressure on my urethra.

My IC tool kit includes:
Ice pack

Heating Pad (electric) for home

ThermaCare stick-on heat pads for when I've got to be on the go

Pyridium

Darvocet

Uro's phone numbers (I am one one of the few who has both his office AND home phone #) in case the usual pain stuff doesn't work


Does that help? :)

[Marlana]

How have you been doing. I know this flare was giving you a run for your money. I hope you are feeling better. Where do you get the therma heating pad things for on the go? I never heard of those and what do you do with them. I am sorry, I am new at this...Thanks

[cathyada]

I have a lot of pyridium and pyridium plus on hand--you know, I use it--I have had so many pharmacists tell me--"its not good to be on it more than a few days"--I use it a lot--It isnt normal to be on pyridium or the plus--why in the heck do we have to be on it--I hate peeing orange and I listen to the pharmasists and I wonder if using it on a daily basis pretty much is dangerous? hmmmm
Cathyada:rolleyes:

[Sarojini]

Marlana-- Thanks for asking about my flare. It WAS a nasty one. I am feeling better now that my period is over. The ThermaCare heat pads are found at most drugstores. I get them at Walgreens. They have several types... some you can stick to your panties in front or back, and they also have a larger kind that wraps all the way around you. The wrap kind are marketed for back pain. Generally you can find them in the pain reliever aisle (with the aspirin, etc) but sometimes you can also find them in the aisle with the tampons and pads, because they are being marketed now for menstrual cramps too.

Cathyada -- I have also heard it is bad to take Pyridium long-term, as it can be bad for your liver. If you are worried, you should speak to your doctor about it. He can monitor your liver function to make sure there are no problems.