Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Support Group

I am starting with a new urologist next week and not sure what she will recommend, but at this point I am taking nothing specifically for my IC diagnosis.

However, I have drastically changed diet since my diagnosis and removed all things that were causing flares. I had no clue that acidic things were the culprits until the diagnosis. Gave up tomatoes and most fruits right away and then practiced to learn the rest of what affects my diet.

Also, I learned I had fibromyalgia and that was causing greater pain, so we began meds for that first - and I find that some of the same meds help both - doing more research and I am convinced there are reasons for this connection!

Anyway ~ my Lyrica seemed to be helping both and I have not had an IC flare for almost a year. But now am in a major flare. Drinking LOTS of water and resting. What else do you do?

I also learned that the exercises I was increasing this summer might also have irritated the bladder -- bicycle kicks in the pool...who knew? Leg lefts - also in the pool. I was excited since the addition of Savella to my fibro treatment - it gave me strength - and I increased exercise in the pool....and my bladder still "complains" when I move too much, even around the house! Bending to fill the dishwasher....standing too long...sends me back to drinking water and resting -- my friends are envious, but this does get old.

So, I see the new urologist next week - and will take her advice. She comes highly recommended. But I have also learned we have to know our own bodies and participate in the process with our doctors. So I'm curious, what do you do?

Bless you - and thank you for any sharing of insights.
Posted on 09/23/09, 10:09 am