Hot Springs? Good or Bad for IC?

**massagedoula** · 03-07-2005, 07:11 PM

Like the title says...what do you think about going to soak in hot springs with IC. Before all this (most likely IC) started 3 weeks ago, my husband and I were planning to to on spring break to the hot springs in Eastern Oregon. We were both really looking forward to it, but now with all this that has happened and these symptoms coming out of nowhere and pointing right to IC, I dont know if we still should go. The hot water would feel so good.....
But would the sulfur make IC worse? Is there a risk of bacterial infection? Has anyone else gone to hot springs since they developed IC?

**andcohen** · 03-07-2005, 10:59 PM

Sorry I carn't help with your question...... But boy the sounds almost to good to give up

Hopefully someone with some more info will come along with the answers you need. I hope you can still go cause that would be sooo nice.
good luck,
Andrea

***Sarojini*** · 03-08-2005, 02:54 AM

This past October, my husband and I went to the Hot Springs in Hot Springs, Arkansas. We had a traditional bathing experience in a circa-1900 bathouse that has been meticulously restored. I can tell you that the experience helped my IC a lot!! I was amazed that the bathing attendants actually knew what IC was and tailored my bathing experience to help pelvic pain -- I started out with a whirlpool bath in the waters, then had an even hotter sitz bath for my lower back and pelvis only. Then I had a body wrap with hot towels placed strategically. Afterwards, I was given a needle shower with the spring water and then sent for a lovely massage with wonderfully scented lotion. Throughout the whole process I was encouraged to drink the spring water steaming hot -- it turns out the water is very alkaline, like drinking baking soda in water, and also has a limited amount of lithium in it, which also has a calming effect. I was also offered the use of the toilet between each step.

I felt better for a good 2-3 days.... If I could I would do this weekly!! Instead, I make due with the hot tub on our deck, but there was something extra cool about experiencing medicine practiced as it would have been circa 1900.