Some progress after confusing diagnosis: IC vs prostate?

[cjm1954]

I am a 56 yr old male, generally quite healthy until last year's urinary troubles. I am a PhD scientist with a pharmacy background as well. I noticed increased urinary frequency over past several years (age-related BPH?), and had been treated for "prostatitis" about 2 years ago when I went to a urologist for unusual pain in my perineum. Antibiotics seemed to help at first, but pain and urinary frequency kept recurring (and worsening). Multiple urine and semen cultures were negative for any bacteria. Second urologist eventually diagnosed IC, and when I researched this condition (this site helpful) I realized that symptoms I had been experiencing were very consistent with IC (perhaps in men often confused with "chronic non-bacterial prostatitis", CPPS?).
My last major flare for the condition was New Years eve (2009), when I had more wine/drinks than usual and a variety of interesting foods....the next several days were very difficult (consistent with typical IC symptoms).
Observations on managing the condition: it is now 6 mos later, and I believe that I have found (for me at least) some treatments and dietary changes that have been helpful. Of course, since many things are tried in a relatively short perios of time, it is clear what is most important.
1. Symptoms clearly appear to be diet linked. I stopped all alcohol intake (I had been a regular, daily red/white wine drinker for several years--more below), reduced caffeine to a single cup of tea in am (2 Prerelief tabs before tea), eliminated most artificial sweeteners, reduced/eliminated acidic juices, etc.
2. Although prescribed Elmiron, I was not impressed by clinical data on the drug or the 3/day dosing, mild GI side-effects. Instead I decidied to try using Prerelief tabs (acid-reducing) in morning and before "acidic" foods/drink. I also began using Cystoprotek capsules (1 twice a day for 1 week, then 2 twice a day).
3. The literature does suggest a link to IC and mast cells/allergy--I have continued to take loratidine (Claritin) 10 mg daily. Alternatively, I think Zyrtec (taken at bedtime) could be useful, possibly Atarax as well. Latter drugs do cause drowsiness in some patients.
Personal impressions/advice: Although my IC symptoms may have never been more than "moderate", this is clearly a chronic and often frustrating condition. Although I am hardly an expert, I do think that there are some key triggers that one should try to avoid to see very substantial progress. IMHO, a very significant trigger is RED WINE and to a lesser but not negligable extent WHITE WINE. Also vinegar (balsamic and other). I have found that I can drink beer (light or lager) with little problem and even an occasional vodka mixed drink.
Regarding other foods- Although I avoid certain other foods per advice, I am not sure how important these are. I do think that drinking regular orange juice (try LOW ACID), cranberry, grape, etc. should be avoided. I eat most fruits and vegetables without problems. I think that coffee and tea intake should be minimized/avoided, but an occasional cup (take 2 Prerelief) seems to be OK (if not in flare). I also avoid garlic, onions, and like and this seems to also help. Tomato sauces, esp. if containing garlic or WINE should be avoided. Vinegars should also be minimized.
Summary--good luck to all. CUT OUT THE WINE (and I am a big wine fan too, this has been difficult BUT IT HELPS ALOT)...I think this goes a long way to helping soon.

[statesboro]

I just want to start by giving you a welcome first of all. I will state that I am a male second of all. I was diagnosed back in 1997, but I was told my prostate was inflamed at first. I did not go to the urologist complaining of pain. Anyway, I was put on antibiotics as well. I did not notice any difference. OK. I got put on more.(then more)(2months+2months+2months)Yep! I had figured it was not the prostate after all. I was diagnosed at age 31. (not usually prostate trouble by then) Regardless, I went through cystoscopy with hydrodistention and got told severe IC. Anyway, I do have some Elmiron.(and never any side effects) Of course, I was not an alcohol drinker to begin with. None of us enjoy having IC, or any chronic illness, but it is still good to be properly diagnosed. Yep! I don't take Clariton daily, but I do have allergies and/or sinus trouble often enough. We are all different in ages, gender, in our case, symptoms, and medications. Oh, well! I just noticed you have had 2 posts now. It was showing 1 post. OK. That will be all now.

[chocl8guy]

CJM, welcome aboard.
while I do no post many comments here, I wanted to reach out and say we need as many men on this board as possible. we seem to be a rare breed but it was good idea to move up the men's site from the very bottom of the list.
Anyway, I read your story and agree with many of the things you have said. Elmiron definitely helped me, and after 3 years have not experienced any side effects. I also follow the ic diet quite strictly and further complicate life by eating gluten free. My wife has been amazing at figuring out what I can eat.

At 47, symptoms can be confused with chronic prostatitis but at what point do we get treated for both IC and BPH?! How do you tell the difference? The urologist's definition of IC for men seems to have broadened to include pain in the perinium as well as prostatitis. Wouldn't one need treatment for each disorder?

I often seem to get prostatitis and get treated with anti-biotics. After thinking I was in a remission 2 months ago, I seem to have reverted back to feeling like I did before I was diagnosed with IC. Frustrating syndrome we have for sure, whteher male or female. We just confuse things a little by having that gland which can be a pian in the butt, literally.

Thanks for introducing yourself.