constant flare?

[KEC]

I hear everyone talk about flares but I have pain every day, usually worse by evening. Does anyone have days where they feel normal. This has been going on for 8 months. Kathy

[donutgirl]

Kathy,

I'm in my 4th month since diagnosis. I had 2 days a couple of wks ago where I felt 1/2 decent and so far today has not been too bad. I think maybe I was so bad off, that it is taking longer to get it under control???? I'm still in the learning phase.

Good luck.......I hope you get some relief soon.

DIANE

[Katrina]

Kathy, I went though about 6 months or so of constant severe pain....about 3 months after that the pain was down ....I didn't call it a flare...I considered it to be my norm of the time "pain pain pain" ....non the less in a sense if you look at a year sense it was a huge flare.....the things was that during those month's I would have flares that brought severe pain up to #$%^&*( times when unconscious was needed....and I actually got close a few times to passing out just from the pain....I could feel my body get hot and I suddenly was breathing differeingly. If I hadn't had some training in what to do to help your body relax I would have passed out....I talked to my doc about this so I am certain of it. That is what I call a flare..........I am very sorry you are in so much pain.....I suspect there are people out there that have days when they feel normal.....I have talked to many....I am not one of them right now.

Together we will get through this.....and have days where we can feel like the norms.

(((((((((huge hug)))))))))))

[ad8123]

I was in constant pain since Jan 2003, diagnosed in september 2003 and miserable and swimming in drugs to help with pain, urgency and frequecy. Then, I had to have allergy tests and I went off my meds, now I am taking virtually nothing (some atarax at night to help with itching and hives and it seems to let me sleep without peeing so much). I am using a lot less antacids ( was on a combo of tagament, prelief and tums or mylanta) somedays none (probebly because I am not taking a million pills). i am not even using one pain pill everyday (tramadol/Ultram) and feeling near normal I have even been able to eat no no foods with only a little problem. This has been ging on for a month, I am getting ready to have my period and havng some pain again and increased frequency but till nothing like before. I have NO IDEA what happened, if going off th meds did it, if it was a coincedence, if it was the hours of prayer by myself and family or what, but I think it is a remission. How do I hold on to it? I do not take elmiron, caused GI probelms but i am thinking of trying it again now that i am better and do not have to take all the other pills. I also weened myself off PAxil, wondering if that was one caused the "remission" if it was then the IC will be back soon as I have been Paxil free for 5 days now.

[jaime15]

Kathy,
What are you taking, if anything, for your IC and pain?
I have pain and frequency everyday....most days are better than others.
I think my pain tolerance is better than before. I'm sure the way I feel today happened five years before, I'd be running to the uro for pain...I hope you find a day that you start feeling better......heck.....I pray we all have our day where we are 100% again.......it'll happen......in the mean-time, we have each other.....and that's comforting. :grouphug:

[alana rose]

I was diagnosed about four years ago. At first I would take pain med (empracet) about four times a week. Now, I have been in pain everyday since March 2003. The pain is unbearable and I have to take demerol four times a day. If I didn't, I wouldn't be able to function, work or have a life. I finally had to become 'alright' with taking pain meds. My doctor told me that I take pain meds to have a life, not to escape from it. I have tried all the meds/treatments that are available, but nothing has worked. I have burning, gnawing, aching pain. It is untolerable without the pain meds. I am on a strict diet, but the pain is still there. I truly don't understand. I am so sorry to hear that you are in that much pain. I wish for us to go into a remission-I truly don't know what I would do with myself!
I send you healing thoughts-
alan

[ad8123]

I understand for the past 8 months I was in constant pain, two months I did not even leave the house. I have gone into a sort of remission now (have to really be careful though what I eat and that I do not do too much physical activity or the pain starts to return). I do not understand IC either for some it is controlable and for others it is out of control no matter what. I still have pain meds and I am back to about 2 a day. It is confusing and my heart goes out to you and everyone with this crazy IC, may remissions come for us all

[RedLione]

I'm so glad you've been feeling better lately! I'll bet it's because you went off the Paxil. I read on another IC site that SSRI antidepressants irritate IC, so I went cold turkey off my Paxil immediately. I FELT BETTER THE NEXT DAY! I've been lots better since. I've tried other antidepressants and they do the same thing to me, so I'm about to start on a tricyclic. Good luck!

[jaime15]

Always check with your uro or physician before abruptly stopping any meds...most meds you are weaned off of...it's better to be safe. :)