Interstitial cystitis help!
Posted , 6 users are following.
I have a diagnosis of IC. I get flare-ups about 6 times a year. Honestly I tend to go to the doc and get antibiotics which work , even though there is never anything bacterial in the urine tests.
I want to ask if anyone else has this. My consultant said yes this happens, we don't know why. Just take the antiobiotics. The reasons I tend to go for the antibiotics is because I feel so unwell systemically (tired, headachey, dizzy agitated and unable to concentrate. ) I associate this with bacterial UTIs but I have never seen any description of IC which included this symptom.
Does anyone here also get this systemic unwellness with IC?
What is the quickest way to feel better?
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0 likes, 2 replies
amanda87611 eve30
Edited
IC should not be treated with antibiotics as there is no bacteria like you mentioned and it can actually cause your body to become immune to these antibiotics and wont treat a possible UTI should you get one in the future. I do get some of the symptoms you mentions such as headache, tired, and hard to concentrate I find because of the pain and discomfort I am in. My first suggestion would be to see another doctor preferably a specialist (urologist) that has experience in this field. A urologist who knows about IC would never prescribe antibiotics without bacteria present. A specialist should also be able to do further tests and make sure IC is actually what you have. For me when I flare almost 95% of the time its due to stress and anxiety. I find other people have this as well which is why sometimes antibiotics make us feel better even though they are not actually treating the problem just taking something can help us relax like a placebo effect.
I treat my flares with a few things. One is D-Mannose powder in water. This does not help everyone but for me is a god send. The other thing is Marshmallow root tea when it is in my bladder it is soothing and eases my pain. Also a heating pad can do wonders. Lastly depending on my condition if I feel up to it I will exercise this helps me keep my mind off the pain and relax a bit which tends to help. I've found with IC it is kind of trial an error and proper specialist can help guide you through this. A lot of people react well to an IC diet for me it does not completely take away my pain but something to look into as everyone is different.
Anna777 eve30
Posted
Hi Eve, I too have IC. I've learned that acidic foods, especially wine, cause flare ups for me. My doctor told me that strenuous exercising can sometimes bring flare ups on, and I have experienced that too. And of course, stress makes everything worse. Marshmallow root supplements help when I feel the burning. I use various brands of tinctures and capsules, depending on sale prices.
As Amanda mentioned, the systemic feeling of being unwell during flare ups is normal when you're dealing with pain. I used to take antibiotics until I found out it wasn't a bladder infection. Besides not helping with IC, they do a number on your digestive tract and kill off the good bacteria, so I'd avoid them.