I only have IC right now, but my mom has fibromyalgia really bad. I tell her all the time I think she also has IC. She doesn't have the frequentcy only the pain. Before my hysterectomy last year, I too only had the pain. I feel they are both related. I hope continue to get better before they get worse!

I screwed up the last line of my reply!LOL I hope things continue to get better before they get worse!

My IC came first.I was diagnosed with IC 15 yrs ago and was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 6 yrs ago. I'm taking Elmiron for IC and currently am having a huge, huge, horribly painful IC flareup. It's lasted 2 mos now! I'm going out of my mind with the severe pain I'm experiencing. I am going to have a hydrodistention of the bladder next week and start Elmiron instillations. In the past, the hydrodistention has helped me. It's been 4 yrs since I've had to have one done. Wish me luck. Malena

what are some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia, I know I have IBS although the doctors really won't address it, I am trying some probiotics, peppermint and garlic, I will see how I do on that.....

Danielle
How did the hysterectomy affect the IC......just had one and my bladder is flaring up.....

I believe the hysterectomy is what triggered the IC for me. I believe the catheter had something to do with it. Immediately following my surgery, I noticed I had to pee constantly, but thought nothing of it. A month later, I was still in pain and having the constant need to urinate. Thank God I had a wonderful doctor who realized I could have IC. She referred me to a specialist 6 weeks after my surgery. Most people go to several doctors and it takes years for a correct diagnosis. She has trully made a difference in my life. I believe she is the reason I am doing so well because my IC was caught early. I guess my pain after my surgery could have been from a flare, but I really don't know. I was in pain for over a year prior to my surgery, and I was in pain for about 3 months after. My old doctor treated me with DMSO which did help at first. Most doctors really don't do DMSO anymore. My new doctor wanted to do Elmiron instills, and so far I have noticed a difference in how I feel. I did have a hard time adjusting to the hormone fluctuations at first, but one I got use to the patches, I did great as far as that is concerned. The hysterectomy is the greatest thing I have ever done for myself. I feel I am better off because of it. If I had to deal with a period on top of IC, it would almost be too much to handle. I hope you start to feel better soon.

I have had fibromyalgia for 8 years now...just now finding out that I have IC..I also have IBS and bowel spasms.

Hi, I dont have Fibromyalgia but I do have another autoimmune disease (Autoimmune Hepatitis) and my doc now says that I could have Autoimmune Interstitial Cystitis. He says that if you have one Autoimmune Disease you can develop others. So it is possible to have Fibro (since it is an Autoimmune Disease) and also develop IC

I was diagnosed with IC months ago, and now have muscle pain and weakness. Sometimes it is so severe I can not carry on with the task at hand without really sucking it up and doing it -with tears streaming (simple tasks like carrying groceries to upstairs flat). I have always had a high pain tolerance, and been an avid hiker, runner, kayaker, etc. Now I am afraid to leave the house and no one trusts me as a climbing partner. Could this be Fibro? My doc says maybe- but I do not have the cash to see her till I catch up on the grand or so I owe I already.

Fibro first, years later IC, but I am meeting alot of people with both IC and fibro.

I have fibromyalgia, as well. That came years after the IC. I also contracted Lyme's disease years ago (well, my doctor said it was in the "grey" area, so they treated me as w/ antiobiotics as if I had it). But I wonder if it wasn't just the fibro. Anyway, I've been feeling awful lately so tomorrow, as a matter of fact, I'm going for blood work to see if Lyme's is a cause. If it's negative, I'll assume the fibro is what's flaring up.
I, too, tried the distention, DSMO, and even Elmiron. Nothing, so far seems to releve the severe IC I suffer with.
Has anyone heard of bladder transplant? I'm not trying to be funny. I'm in such misery, it's something I'm thinking about looking into.

I have had fribro for over 5years..I have leg problems..I just fall for no reason..this ic thing...I leak all the time not just at night...I hate it...the dr. told me that it will get better in a year...but seeing what other people say..It might take longer...bladder transplant would be nice..LOL

Ok, here is my list of autoimmune problem...syndromes... whatever you care to call them...IBS,IC,GERD,CHRONIC FATIGUE,THYROID DISEASE, and ARTHRITIS...I may also have Lupus the jury is still out on that and I have locked the door. ;-)IBS was the first thing at about 28.
JOY

I just joined this support group & it's been helpful already. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 10 years ago. I have had IBS for quite a while, but only last year began to experience the frequency and urgency - and now the SEVERE pain in my bladder. Yoga & regular stretching has helped most with fibromyalgia. My urologist is a jerk who has`treated me (Urised & Sanctura) for the frequency but not the PAIN, which is the worst problem for me. It is debilitating. How can I get help with this?

I have had Fibromyalgia for 11 years, Lupus for 12 years, and diagnosed today with IC. My list continues on: IBS, Endometriosis, TMJD, Osteoarthritis, and I am supsecting some thyroid problems. I too have had a hysterectomy, but I don't associate that with the IC.

Boy, I just got my diagnosis today, and I am relieved to finally know the source of my pelvic pain! I had a kidney stone about 2 months ago. I passed it, not without much pain, but afterwards the lower abdominal pain didn't subside. This is what led to CT scans and x-rays and cystoscopy, (along with a very unpleasant urethal dilation!) I currently have three kidney stones in each kidney, so I'm in for some real pain in the future! ;-) God is my refuge and strength!