Severe IC Bladder Pain from Paint/Fumes

[jacque]

Has anyone ever had a bad flare after painting? My husband and I painted the foyer/hallway and ever since I've been in extreme pain. I thought it would go away after it dried and the fumes had a couple days to dissipate. I was wrong. It's been over a week now and whenever I walk past the painted area I start feeling the pain again. The paint we used is Duron Egg Shell Acrylic with Enamel. We also painted another area with a flat paint and I don't have any problems with that. When I leave the house I start to feel better after a few hours, but as soon as I come home and walk through the hallway it starts again. I don't know what to do...paint over it with something else, wait longer to see if it dissipates or have it sanded off completely. Has anyone had this type of problem? If so what did you do? I'm very frustrated because my urologist said this is the first he ever heard of this but said it was very possible. He suggested posting it on the web to see if anyone else has had the same/similar problem with paint.

[Dixiefireball]

:hi: and :welcome: to the ICN. sorry you are flareing right now i hate to say this but when i was doing my kitchen (painting) my bladder did start to hurt.
but when i was painting outside it didn't bother me at all.
please check out www.ic-network.com/handbook. I don't think you will find anything there about paint but you will find other great information there on IC.
sending you hugs and prayers
Rhonda

[vm]

A few years ago I did some painting and the primer seemed to flare me up. I think once most of the really bad fumes were gone my bladder started to feel beter. Second hand cigarette smoke was another thing that would flare me badly.

[steph4308]

Yes, I've read about ICers being sensitive to chemicals when I was diagnosed in the early 80s. My IC symptoms worsen when I paint,refinish furniture or smell gasoline, etc.

For what it's worth, when I was being treated for chronic yeast the dr. disallowed heavy perfume/hair spray wearers in the waiting room because it bothered the patients.

[SharonA]

:hi: :welcome:

Yes, I have heard that chemical fumes can cause the bladder to act up. As far as that goes, they aren't good for any part of the body. I do believe that the paint fumes will dissipate over time. Until then, maybe your doctor can advise you if there is anything you can take to help. :)

[jacque]

Thanks to everyone for the quick response about my paint issue. I'm relieved to know that other people w/IC have heard of this sensitivity, because my urologist had not. Also, thank you for the kind welcome. I was diagnosed w/IC 14 months ago and this is the first time I've gotten online to talk with other people with the same illness. I didn't realize so many people were afflicted with this as well. I should have gotten online sooner! Thanks again!
Jacqueline

[Katrina]

:welcome: :welcome: Yes...We moved here in November and starting painting right away an yes I flared!!! I handle it just like any other flare....except I also took my allergy meds.......for me handling a flare means water and baking soda, prelief, my pain meds, meds for gas, cat nip, and an anti spasmodic med.....than ice and heat if it is bad. I have other ideas if you want them.

Take Care

[jacque]

Thank you Katrina for your response. I'd be happy to hear your other ideas, thanks. I didn't know about alot of the things you mentioned. When did your pain eventually go away after painting? My problem is, we've been done painting for almost 2 weeks and I still feel alot of pain. I'm starting on Allegra so we'll see if that helps. Thanks again!

[linz]

yup i have the same problem with chemicals of any kind, even most deodrants and body washes, and bubble baths and perfumes are a no-no..although i have to say i dont mind having it as an excuse to not do anything painting/varnishing etc because im terrible at it so i just stick to things i can do like wallpaper stripping and such to be able to pull my weight when stuff like thats being done, then when other people are painting i make sure im away from the room thats being done and keep all the windows in that room open too!

<3 xxx