Help Please!

[BrenGeml]

This is my first time to an IC chat room. I was diagnosed about 6 months ago, although symtoms have been here for about a year. My husband has been encouraging me to do this for a while. We're currently trying to conceive and it seems as if lately my IC flare ups have been horrific. I was prescribed Elmiron by my Uroligist and only took it for about 2 weeks before my OB instructed me that while trying to conceive and during pregnancy I could not take this drug. She did tell me that it was O.K. to take Uristat or Pyridium, but things I've heard make me think otherwise. Another method of relief I formerly utilized was long hot baths with lots of sips of water. Now I'm told hot baths are a definite 'no-no' when pregnant, so there's another method of pain-ease gone. I have been continuing to use the Uristat and Tylenol to help with the flare ups, but I'm concerned, scared and just kind of feeling generally depressed and overwhelmed by all of this. If anyone can offer any advice, help, personal experience, encouragement, support I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks.

[jaime15]

BrenGeml,
Everyone is so different. The reason behind the "no sitting in bath water" is tons of bacteria are floating around the water from your body. And then you're just sitting in it. Not good for the bladder at all! I hope you can get your IC under control so maybe you will be able to enjoy your pregnancy when it happens!!
I went into remission for 4 months after having my son. So it can happen!! Lots of luck to you and feel better..............

[SharonA]

:hi: :welcome:

I do not any advice for you other than you should talk with your doctor about the pain you are in. Hopefully, someone will come along to help relieve your anxiety about these meds and what might help. :)

[Melanie]

:welcome: Bren!

I have had IC for over 6 yrs. We are currently trying to get pregnant. I went off all of my meds, except I take Keflex antibiotic after sex to prevent UTI. Going off sleep meds was the hardest for me. I have been told that a little pyridium is okay.
My Uro suggested bladder instills of Lidocaine for flares during pregnancy. Because it's a local treatment in the bladder it shouldn't hurt pregnancy. I haven't done it lately... but i've done those treatments in the past and definetly plan to utilize that option during preg if needed. Please ask your dr about this type of alternative. If you hate being cathed, as we all do... consider asking to be taught to self-cath. I was scared to learn, but it turns out it's MUCH less painful if I do it myself.
The other advice I have is Physical Therapy if you have pelvic pain. It is really the only treatment that I can truly say has helped my referred pain (pelvic, belly, legs, back, etc).
Sipping water helps me too! I also continue to take baths. It helps, just don't make the water too hot. You don't want your temperature to get up too high because it can hurt the fetus. I'm not exactly sure what temp you want to keep yourself (or the water) below. But I'm sure if you poke around a pregnancy book or website you'll find the answer. I think you don't want the temp to go over 102 degrees, but don't quote me on that. I just go by the guideline... if I put my foot in and it feels too hot, I run in more cold water until it's more comfy.
Another word of advice about sex for TTC... I don't know about you, but lubricant is a MUST for me. Some lubes (especially KY) can actually kill sperm. We've been using egg white, yes real egg white from pasturized eggs. It's most similar to our own cervical fluid that is necessary for the sperm to travel up to the egg.
If you have any more ?'s, don't hesitate to ask. I've been spending ALOT of time researching and reading about all this lately. Best wishes to you & your hubby. I hope you feel better real soon!

[BrenGeml]

Thank you all for your encouragement and support!! Melanie, Thanks for all of your great advice! I'll be sure to ask my uro about the instills of Lidocaine. At this pointe I'm willing to try anything, even if it is a little scary. And the egg whites is definitely worth a try! I'm really glad I finally did this. It's nice to know there's support and caring and just people to talk to out there. Oh, another thing I've heard is that IC may make it difficult to even get pregnant. Do you know Melanie, is this an accurate statement? Well, thanks again and blessings and best wishes to you and your hubby too!! Bren.

[Melanie]

Hi Bren,
I have not heard any evidence that IC makes it harder to get pregnant. IC shouldn't affect fertility. HOWEVER, if you have pain w/ sex... it makes sense that you aren't going to want to have sex as often. So in that sense, I suppose it could make it a bit harder if you aren't timing sex at the most ideal times.
I highly recommend a book called Taking charge of your fertility. A non-IC friend lent me this book and I've learned SO much about my body! It's about the FAM method, which combines taking morning temperatures and monitoring cervical fluid to determine when you are about to ovulate. I've been charting my cycle for the past few months and it's really, really helpful! I have irregular cycles, tend to be long. So I don't ovulate on the average day 14. Also, some meds can delay or even stop ovulation. This happened to me w/ antidepressants. I wouldn't have known that I wasn't ovulating if it weren't for charting. You can check out www.TCOYF.com for more info about this method.
I encourage you to explore other areas of this sight. In particular check out Lesa's Pregnancy journal. There is tons of invaluable info on this site and msg boards. take care, Mel

[BrenGeml]

Mel,
You've been super!! Thanks for the excellent info. and avenues of research. I can't tell you how great it feels to have a plan of action and helpful people like yourself offering such wonderful advice & support! Blessings to you and yours and thanks again. :)