Driving & IC - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

Le Manneken-Pis · 10-18-2005, 05:56 PM

I am interested in knowing how many people with IC have pain after driving long distances. If so, how long does the pain last after the drive (hours, days)? What is it about driving v. only riding in a car that aggravates one's symptoms?

Thanks.

megancolleen · 10-18-2005, 06:02 PM

I do have pain after driving long distances -- if it's more than an hour, it'll likely put me into a flare. Sometimes a mild one that doesn't last long; sometimes I'm in pain for days after. One thing that helps tremendously is sitting on TWO pillows....not one, but two. You may feel a little ridiculous, but it really minimizes the jostling.

Even worse for me than driving is flying. The vibrations of the plane kills my bladder, and the anxiety of travelling and not having easy access to the bathroom (I got stuck in a window seat last time, ugh) doesn't help. My bladder is really sensitive to movement and vibration....travel, sex, and even showers are all painful. Travel is probably the most common cause of flare for me. I'm not sure what it is about the vibrations that affects the IC....all I know is my bladder hates motion.

Luckily, the pillow trick helps a lot! The ICN shop also sells a cushion for this purpose.

**kadi** · 10-19-2005, 02:52 AM

For me, the seat belt is very uncomfortable & sets off flares, so I fold a thick scarf & put that between me & the seat belt. That doesn't interfere with the mechanism of the belt, but prevents the flare.

Sometimes road vibration bothers my IC, so sitting on a folded towel can help.

Hope you find some tips that make you more comfortable!

tigger_gal · 10-19-2005, 04:21 AM

I have pain driving for long distances, sometimes even just a short difference.. we're all different with our IC the pain for one may last an hour or so and for another a week, depending on there bodies.
tigger_gal

***ICNDonna*** · 10-19-2005, 05:42 AM

The thing that helps me most in the car is my IC cushion from the ICN shop. I have one in the car and one at my computer. They take the pressure away from the perineum.

A hint about the seat belt: If we're in the car for a long time, I take a spring clothes pin along --- then pull the seat belt out until it's loose and clip the clothes pin where the seat belt comes out of the car above my shoulder. It keeps the belt loose, but if there's a crash, the clothes pin comes off so the seat belt tightens.

Donna

Babs RN · 10-19-2005, 07:13 AM

Driving kills me. The jostling, sitting in one position and having to hold it until the next rest stop are horrible.

Hugs,
Barb

***Sarojini*** · 10-19-2005, 07:16 AM

Driving and riding in cars can be horrible for many ICers. I know that for a while, I would have to pee just LOOKING at my car

Seriously, though, I find sitting on my IC cushion from the ICN Shop, wearing loose pants, and often using my TENS unit can help. Still, we have many pee stops, but at least it is not nearly as bad as before I began treatment for IC.