Yeah... I'm pregnant !!! but so miserable

[aantol73]

Well, I know I haven't been on here for a few weeks, I found out I was pregnant and have stopped all my meds... needless to say I have been so miserable. When the pain doesn't have me in bed, the vomitting and just being so tired does. My first pregnancy was so easy, it even helped to put my IC into remission but this one is kicking my :toosh: . I have no energy to do ANYTHING... just getting up to go pee, which is every 15 min. takes every ounce of energy I have. Not to mention I have a
17 1/2 month old running around the house. And he doesn't get what is wrong with mommy..... it just breaks my heart...
I see my OB on Thursday.... hopefully they can help some... because I am going crazy!!!! but I won't take anything that will harm my baby.... so we'll see....
just wanted to update everyone but now I am going to go lay down.....

[Katrina]

Oh Alexis, that really sounds like it is tuff. I posting my list of pian methods for IC....many are safe and will help frequency too.....I hope you can find relief. So sorry you are suffering.

CONGRATS ON YOUR BABY!
IC Pain Relief Methods (This list put together by Katrina)

This list is for when you are already in pain


• Ice/Cold (I believe alternating between hot and cold is best)
o Ice packs
o Ice
o Cold spray water
o In a water bottle
• Drinking almond milk
• Drinking baking soda and water mix (about 1 teaspoon baking soda per glass)
• Herbs
o Marshmallow root (althaea officinalis) helps sooth irritation and inflammation due
o Licorice (glycyrrhiza glabra and g. uralensis) good for inflammation and anti allergic but should only be used short term
o Uva Ursi (arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is an antiseptic of the urinary track also used as a diuretic, also for inflammation…also only for short term use
o Black Cohosh (cimicifuga racemosa) not good for me since has similar effects to the hormone estrogen. Is used as a sedative and to relieve menstrual cramps. May have anti inflammatory effects. Avoid large doses.
o Catnip (nepeta cataria) eases menstrual pain, soothes the nerves, and as a sleep aid.
o Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) mild sedative, creduces inflammation, relieve menstrual cramps, http://www.ic-network.com/cgi-bin/ustorekeeper.pl?command=goto&file=Foods-Tea.html
• cornsilk tablets are unreal!!!!!
• Drinking a burger king milkshake
• Resting/relaxing (some goes as far as to say laying down….at times I could only lay on my side)
• Acupuncture (Check page 6)
• aroma therapy (either in a warm wash cloth across face, in a bath, inhaled from a bowl of steamy water, vaporized on an oil burner, sometimes candles, applied to the skin, or taken orally)
o almond oil
o lavender
o lemons oranges
o all essential oils
o honey
• reflexology (see page 7, 8, 9)
• physical therapy
• Yoga mine see page 10, ICN: (http://www.ic-network.com/shop/)
• Prilosec OTC or something...not so much for pain but because it is newly non prescription acid reducer
• Water (drinking plenty of water helps with burning pain and helps dilute urine so that it is less harmful to the bladder wall
• TENS unit Ask your doctor for a TENS unit. A TENS unit is believed to work by providing another source of stimulation to "divert" the brain from paying attention to your bladder. It's based on the spinal gate theory. Some patients find TENS very helpful while driving, or in situations when a pain medication isn't appropriate.
• Migraine Ice Patches
• Tylenol with 4 Prelief (many non prescription meds can hurt the bladder….be careful and watch out for what bothers you) http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/nerve.html
• Topical analgesic…Menthol example ICE Blue Gel
• Heat
o Thermal Care Heat wraps
o Heating pad (http://www.ic-network.com/shop/)
o Thermal care adhesive body warmer (http://www.ic-network.com/shop/)
o Spraying heated water
o a microwaveable pad (http://www.ic-network.com/shop/)
• Extra Prelief (http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/prelieffactsheet.html)
• Taking a shower or Tums if your desperate
• Warm Baths (NOT HOT!!!!) No bubble bath or strong soaps, please! Soft soaps, perfumed soaps, bath salts & bubble baths can be very irritating to an IC patient. However, you can put baking soda in the tub for extra comfort. SITZ Baths Definition: A sitz bath (also called a hip bath) is a type of bath in which only the hips and buttocks are soaked in water or saline solution. Its name comes from the German verb "sitzen," meaning "to sit." I recommend: (a tub divided into two …one half is filled with hot water and the other cold. With part of the body on one side and than switching and back again in quick succession)
• Foot baths
• Visualization [relax your mind. Make sure you are warm and comfortable, and practice deep long breathing, concentrate on the rhythm of your breathing, as you breath imagine the air going in and out of the painful area (such as the bladder), As you inhale, imagine a warm glow healing the pain, and as you exhale, imagine the pain being expelled. Next imagine your pain as a red ball, now take that wipe it with your washcloth, as you wipe the ball gets lighter and lighter in color, keep whipping until the ball is white.] That was 2 examples do what suits you best.
• Trying things to distract you
o Listening to music
o Watching a movie or TV (some choose to have tapes ready for late night flares)
o Reading
o work on a craft or project
o spending time online
o writing letters
o Working around the house (Do what feels comfortable to you. Don't push it.)
o Being constructive and helping others
• Venting here or to friends
• Hugs
•
• Praying
• Staying positive….believe the pain will end
• Meditating (http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/meditation.html)
• Ask for help if you need it (family, friends, doctors)
• Instillations (http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/instill.html)
o DMSO
o Heparin
o Marcaine
• AZO for Urinary Pain Relief or URISTAT
• Ask for a foot message from your spouse or partner (actually I think it is the receiving one that helps with the pain :)
• Pain meds patch
• Pain meds oral (Remember, the earlier you catch a flare and pain, the easier it is to stop and the less medication it can take to stop it. So, don't wait until you are crying and desperate... because that allows that pain cycle to get firmly started. Try to catch in early!) (http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/painmed.html)
o Oxycontin (Pain med’s are recommendations from other ICers)
o Pyrradium
o Perocets
o Klonopins
o Neurontin
o Codein
• Cold water in a balloon in vagina
• Taking slow deep breaths/other breathing therapies (http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/breathing.html)
• Practice relaxing the muscles near the bladder
• Put some work into lessoning your stress
o Use art to help visualize and express your stress…you can even use it to visualize and than erase your pain
o Spend time your pet!!
o Play with your children or with children (if you have none of your own)
o Sing (you don’t have to let anyone hear you)
o Listen to a guided relaxation audio tape to relax your body. Commonly available at book stores, we recommend the tapes by Potential's Unlimited (Barry Konicov). If you can't find those, try the Health Journey's series of tapes. [http://www.ic-network.com/shop/]


NOTE: AS WITH ANYTHING BECAREFUL….AND IN RISKY THINGS ASK YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TRYING NEW PAIN METHODS!!!!!

[Dixiefireball]

CONGRATS ON YOUR BABY!!!!! What wonderful news i'm so happy for you!!!
I'm so sorry you are having a hard time right now but hopefully you will go into remission soon I hope I pray
we are here for you hon and please keep us updated on how you and the new baby is doing

How far alone are you???

I don't know if this will help you are not (I didn't have IC while preg) (I don't think i did anyhow)
but
since i had so many infection in my 2nd phase they gave me lortab 5's and they said it would be safe but during the first phase they couldnt give me nothing no more then tylonal.
sending you warm hugs and prayers
Rhonda

[andcohen]

CONGRATS:party:
WOW! I hope you start to feel better soon. Make sure you get plenty of rest. I know I know, easier said than done with a little one one you're hands as well. My son is 23months & so full on I carn't even think sometimes,so my thoughts are with you. I would have loved to have another child but with the IC I know I would'nt cope,but I am grateful for my one little darling & swap him for the world.
Anyway good luck to you & the family & I hope things might ease up for you a bit & let you enjoy you're pregnancy.
Andrea

[kelly McC]

Congrats .......:kiss: best wishes and hope your feeling better soon ! keep us posted on mom and baby :)
Take care,
Huggs,
Kelly

[lulu5]

Just another congratulations!! I am praying for you and the arrival of a healthy baby! Hang in there Al-the first few months are the toughest-
Mindy:kiss:

[ICNDonna]

I hope you feel better very soon. I know the first few months can be horrible. Hang in there. And congratulations!

Warm healing thoughts,
Donna

[aantol73]

Thanx everyone, right now I am 8 weeks so the first trimester is almost over, everyone says it will get better and GOD I hope!!! I loved being pregnant the first time. I had no morning sickness or should I say all-day sickness, I wasn't tired and pain actually went away..... NOT THIS ONE!!!!! maybe it means this one is a girl..... :pray:
I talk with the doc on thurs. and see what they say... because this feling and pain has got to give some. I can not get ANYTHING done. Bless my husband, he said he would hire someone to come the clean house because I just can't, I can't explain how hard this is....
but I know my little one is worth it, it's just hard right now...

[BethW]

I was so happy to see your post and to hear from you. I'm sorry you are having a bad time right now though with the IC. Hopefully things will settle down and you'll have a good experience like last time.

Keep us posted and take care of yourself
Beth W

[sms]

:thumbsup: :woohoo:

I hope you get to feeling better soon. IC is bad enough but to have morning sickness on top of it is the pits.

Just keep remembering what a wonderful blessing God has given you with another child.

:dogrun:

[Babs RN]

Allie,
Congrats again! Take care of yourself and call me if you need anything.


Barb:thumbsup:

[crystilclear]

:dance: Congradulations! I know it is so hard to take care of your little one right now especially when you are haviong a difficult pregnancy. All of my pregnancy's were horrible. Any help that anyone has to offer just take it. You need the extra help and support. I hope that you have lots of help especially in the first trimester. Take care and keep us all informed. Take care of you and your precious little ones. - Chris :kiss:

[SharonA]

Congrats on the baby. I hope you begin to feel better soon so you and enjoy this time. As you already know, it is an amazing experience. :kiss:

[TiaTia]

Alexis...

I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time. I just wanted to let you know that I can relate, and am definitely praying for you. I am fourteen weeks today, and it has been hell. I am so incredibly grateful for this miracle baby, but am saddened by how horrible my pregnancy has been. I was told that I couldn't conceive, so I feel very blessed. At first that made me feel bad for complaining about the pain and sickness, but I am trying to ease up on myself, cause it does help to talk.
I, too, had to go off all the meds that helped a bit (Usept, Detrol LA, Elmiron), but the high risk OB has me on Percocet and Phenergan. I was really upset by this, but he said I had no choice...that it was too risky to let my IC get completely out of control, and then not be able to manage it at all. He also told me (which was a big shock) that narcotic pain meds (like Percocet, etc.) are one of the safest meds to take in pregnancy. I talked to several other OB/GYNs about this, and they verified. I still don't feel good about it, but at least I know that it isn't hurting the baby. I am so ultra-paranoid about that (hurting the baby).
Thank God your husband is being so supportive. Hiring a housekeeper to help you out is awesome! I have tried to talk to my husband about getting someone in to help, but he says he is embarassed to let someone come clean our home :confused: I don't get that at all. They are getting paid, afterall, and it would alleviate a lot of the pressure I feel, but...oh well.
Please try to take it easy and be kind to yourself. Be honest with your OB about how much you are suffering. I know you know this, but if you can't function then you won't be any good to your little one, yourself, or your unborn baby. If you ever want to talk, feel free to PM me. I will be thinking about and praying for you, and hopefully things will get a bit better after the first trimester. God bless...
Cristina

[Melanie]

:kiss: :kiss: :kiss:

Congrats to you & your family on your pregnancy!

Sorry you are feeling so horrible. I hope when your hormones calm down a bit after the first trimester that your IC improves.

We are currently TTC. My Dr. said he uses bladder install meds during preg, like lidocaine. Might be worth asking your Dr about?

Don't know if you need a prenatal vitamin but.... I spent alot of time shopping around for prenatal vitamins that would be IC friendly (specifically one that the vitamin C isn't acidic. and ofcourse, no dyes or additives). I found New Chapter Perfect Prenatal at my local Whole Foods store. So far I'm doing pretty well w/ it. So far it seems IC friendly.

Best wishes!

[jaime15]

Alexis!!!!!!! YAY!! :thumbsup:
I hope you start to feel better soon. I imagine it is hard to keep up with a one year old while trying not to vomit... :yikes:
I was also soooo sick while pregnant. I started taking Flintstones vitamins (with the approval of OB) cause everything else was so terrible for me. Even in the sixth month those vitamins were getting to me. :rolleyes:
Some relief has to be in your future and I'll pray it's soon. Stay around!!

[dancemomof2]

Congrats, I just delivered 3 weeks ago, and was miserable just like you described. Like Tia, I was high risk ans was able to take Phenegran, Percocet, and Visteril, I hope things get better for you, i truly fell for you right now.

[kimmichele]

I was in horrible pain but at five months my accupunture dr. said I could get txs. They took away the pain until 3 months post partum and had had sex again. I only have one child due to the ic - i could not have taken care of more. I am lucky to have him.

Kim

[Diane123]

Hi,

I am 8 weeks pregnant as well. My IC is/was very mild. I never had any pain just frequency. Prior to pregnancy my doc had me doing elmiron installations once a week. this seemed to control everything.

Now that I am pregnant my frequency has increased to every 40 - 60 min including at night. I am feeling overwhelmed. I too as sick. I vomit everday and chase after a 17 month old.

My Uro and pharm said it was safe to take pyridium once in a while. It really does not do much for me. It makes me sleep 2 hours intervals vs 1. I also worry about the safety of the baby with taking meds.

It is hard for me to drink water right now as I really don't want to pee anymore than I am. I really hope I go into remission. When does remission usually happen if it is going to?

I really need support right now.
thanks
Diane

[Melanie]

Hi,

I am 8 weeks pregnant as well. My IC is/was very mild. I never had any pain just frequency.
Now that I am pregnant my frequency has increased to every 40 - 60 min including at night. I am feeling overwhelmed. I too as sick. I vomit everday and chase after a 17 month old.

My Uro and pharm said it was safe to take pyridium once in a while. It really does not do much for me. It makes me sleep 2 hours intervals vs 1. I also worry about the safety of the baby with taking meds.

I really need support right now.
thanks
Diane

Diane, Ask your Dr about sleep meds. Ambien is safe during pregnancy. Or try OTC Benadryl. I take Pyrdium occasionally for burning and it's also considered safe.

My freq has gone from 20x per day (IC not being preg) to up to 40x per day. I'm not one of the lucky ones that has gone into remission. I hope you are. Anyway, ask for meds. Ask about lidocaine installs. There are treatments and meds that both your Uro and OB will agree are safe.

[Diane123]

Thanks Melanie
Do you take ambien at night? Does it help with decreasing frequency? I would love to have a good night sleep. I do have mild bladder pain right now. Tylenol seems to help a bit but would lidocaine help even more?

Thanks again. How far along are you?
Diane

[kimmichele]

diane
remember that normal people pee a lot the fist trimester. The second trimester should be better. Thank god you don't have pain.

Kim

[Melanie]

Thanks Melanie
Do you take ambien at night? Does it help with decreasing frequency? I would love to have a good night sleep. I do have mild bladder pain right now. Tylenol seems to help a bit but would lidocaine help even more?

Thanks again. How far along are you?
Diane

Yes, I take Ambien at night for sleep. You'll have to ask your Dr for a prescription. It does help my nighttime frequency because it helps me sleep. Most people start at 5mg. I'm at 10mg now.
You could also try OTC benadryl or tylenol PM (both make me really groggy in AM though).
Since you were doing elmiron bladder installs.... I'd ask Uro & OB about bladder installs that are safe for pregnancy... Lidocaine is often used safely for flares during pregnancy.
I'm 32w 2d with identical twin girls. expected to arrive early in mid-late february.

[Diane123]

Last night I took benadryl and actually had a fairly good night sleep. I only woke up 4 times!!! Today I feel much better and much more positive. Thank you for your encouraging words.

Twins!!! You are going to have your hands full.

Diane

[kylie]

i've been so nausuaeos lately i can't keep anything down. not even crackers. :toilet:
any ideas??

Kylie

[Diane123]

my nausea has decreased but my frequent urination has increased. I must have gotten up 16 times last night. I love this little baby growing inside me but am so tired it is not even funny. How many times a night are you getting up?

My doc told me it was safe to take unisom. It a sleep aid but help with n/v.
Diane

[ihurttoo]

i've been so nausuaeos lately i can't keep anything down. not even crackers. :toilet:
any ideas??

Kylie
So sorry, I remember feeling very well. My dr gave me phenegrin throughout my pregnancy, and it helped me immensely. Couldnt have made it without it. At the end, when I had nausea and pain, he gave me mepergan-fortis which is phenegrin mixed with demoral. They worked great! Hope this helps. Hope you feel better soon. Hugs, AMY