Jordan, I was just offically diagnosed with IC a month ago. IC and endo have alot of the same symptoms. IC is terrible, I would rather deal with endo than IC. For months it felt like I was peeing razor blades, as of today I have been 10 days w/out IC pain. My urologist put me on elavil, and I really believe it has been helping, cuz of my lack of IC pain.
As far as the symptoms I had, they were: frequency, pain in bladder (it felt like I had a bowling ball in it), burning. It even hurt to wear pants, cuz of the lil bit of pressure the waistband put on my bladder. IC is basiclly an inflammation of your bladder. Your bladder is extra sensitive, its almost like scar tissue.
In reality I have dealt with this almost my whole life, but the new urologist I am seeing doesn't mess around.
Like endo, IC has a special diet. No spicy, acidic foods. No pop, caffeine, chocolate....etc....
YES, IC did affect my everyday life. Before my medicine kicked in, I would have to wake up extra early to deal with my first morning pee. I would always end up in tears and have to sit, bawled up for atleast 30 minutes before I could move enough to get ready for work. I was afraid to eat, not knowing what would kick my bladder into overdrive. Not to mention, hurting to walk, sit, lay and I was real careful to not let anything touch my pelvic area.

I wish you the best with this. Elavil really works for me, I would say ask about it. It has been also said it helps with endo too. I have yet to see that, but atleast my IC is under control and I am starting to feel somewhat normal.
Please, contact me anytime!!!!

XOXO

I was just reading about this disease today. I got a book from my friend mayo clinic on chronic pan. anywhoo it describes ic as chronic inflammation symptoms include pressure, pain and tenderness around the bladder, a freq. need to urinate and backaches. In some ppl the pain may be so sever they have trouble riding in a car or sitting at a desk. the condition often mimics uti's but antibiotics don't relieve pain. I hope that explanation helps it came from the book.

Oh, Jordan--
Go to the IC support group here. I am also a member of that supprt group and the girls are wonderful......they will also be able to answer your questions.

Hi! I am so sorry to hear that. I have been diagnosed with IC for 2 years now, and it is not a walk in the park. I don't have insurance, so I can't afford Elmiron (the only prescription medication made specifically for IC), but what really helps me are TUMS and 1/2 tsp in a full glass of water. Also putting baking soda in a bathtub and relaxing for an hour or so. Bladder installations are a GODSEND and they do help, but again, I don't have insurance so I can't afford it. The IC-Network is an AMAZING site and their shop has so many good things in it. I have purchased their starter/newbie kit and it is amazing. Their cookbook is very very helpful too.

Good luck and again and I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I have had endo for 11 years now, Crohn's for about 12 years (diagnosed for 6 years though), ankylosing spondylitis for 3 years, and IC for about 2 now. It's a rough road, but make sure to take care of yourself. I also have osteopenia (beginners' osteoporosis) and my body is a wreck. But if I can maintain a positive outlook and keep my head uphigh, you can as well. Don't be afraid to ask for questions and rest when you need it!

Ladies,

Thank you for your replies! I truly had no idea about IC, did some reading last night and then conked out (because I get up to pee almost every hour I don't sleep very well) I will most certainly look into the group here on DS as well. I guess while my family and I were rejoicing that the endo hadn't come back, we sort of overlooked the reality of living with IC, and now reading about some of your experiences, my symptoms makes so much more sense!!

Thank you again for your insights!! Be Well!

i too was dx with IC in October of last year. i've found that i can control it with diet, prescription anti-acids and something called atarax ( which was prescribed) helped too. i was really stubborn about doing the diet at first, but found that i could have some things in moderation ( such as just one cup of coffee in the morning) if i took prelief with it, which is a godsend and thankfully available over the counter at most drugstores. i took a couple of them with just about EVERTHING that i ate/drank for the first couple of months after my diagnosis. now i feel like i'm in remission from it, if that's at all possible. hugs~ jenny

Hello! Dx of IC months almost 2 years after a total hysterectomy (Endo &PCOS), the gyn almost washed hands of me because "what is there that could still cause pain..." my first Urologist was incredible and after several years of a cocktail(still using basically) and a neurostimulator from Medtronic and a several rounds of Lupron Depot...continued Endo symptoms...avoid if at all possible this med!) I had a really long period of gradually improved relief from the worst of the IC/Pelvic Floor dysfunction pain. My Rx mix also includes Atarax, Elmiron, oxybutynin. After a summer of DSO distillations, my NP checked the NeurostimulatorI(pacemaker attached to the sacral nerve and the battery sits in a closed 'pocket' on my rt gluteus maximus. No wonder the pain had flared back again...the battery of the stimulator had died. I got nine years out of it, and seven currently going strong. I have had good results on Elmiron, basically cut out caffeine except for a cup of Yerba Mate green tea latte. I have just had a series of appointments with the new NP to learn how to do intermittent self-catheterization with the Elmiron since I have seen the concern of damage to eyes with continued oral use of the medication. The insurance has approved everything except the Sodium Bicarbonate.