Severe flares and depression? Anyone got any advice?
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hello, I'm new to this forum and I'm currently sitting in a bath of warm water during an early morning painful flare up of IC. Normally a cocktail of painkillers, water and a hot bath will make me feel better but now the pain is starting to "build a barrier" to these things. I'm at the end of my tether and I don't know what else to do. Does anyone have any tips for mid-flare relief? Also, how has diet helped folks? I've cut back on coffee, tomato and citrus fruit. I'm getting extremely depressed as a result of this.
Thanks in advance!
Jen
As a side note: I'm on monthly bladder instillations and daily solifenacin (5mg).
0 likes, 4 replies
Amanda86048 jennifer66194
Posted
Hi jennifer66194,
I have IC as well and know how painful and frustrating it can be. Diet has helped me quite a bit but it may take time to notice a big difference. One thing I'd recommend is completely cutting out caffeine, citrus and tomatoes along with anything hot/spicy, most fruits and aged cheeses. The diet from the Interstitial Cystitis Association is helpful: https://www.ichelp.org/living-with-ic/interstitial-cystitis-and-diet/elimination-diet/least-and-most-bothersome-foods/ . Have you tried 1 tsp of baking soda dissolved in a glass of water? It makes urine more alkaline and less irritating to the bladder. Azo (OTC) helps me most of the time for urethral burning and Hyophen (prescription) helps with bladder pain. Also, don't drink fluids too quickly or they'll over-stimulate you're bladder and you'll be in the bathroom even more than usual and the pain may be worse. And don't drink too much: 64 oz per day is a good target. I started Elmiron a few weeks ago so it's too early to tell if it's working but you might ask your doctor about it. Good luck and I hope your flair ends soon!
gabrielle48198 jennifer66194
Posted
Hi Jennifer. I had all the bladder instillations and they have not proved successful in the long term. I take 200mg Gabapentin three times a day, plus ibuprofen and paracetamol. There are two things which I am wondering about from your post. Firstly cut out alcohol as well as the things you have listed. Secondly, you don't say your age, but if you are past the menopause, you may need to be inserting Vagifem which you can get prescribed by your doctor. I am in pain most of the day, but it eases off towards evening. Why this should be, and what it's all about, I really don't understand! Yes, it's extremely depressing. My thoughts are with you. x
jennifer66194
Posted
Thank you both for your kind words and advice. I really appreciate it and it's nice to be around people who understand this horrid illness *hugs*
brenda53218 jennifer66194
Posted
I realize that this is a older post but I just wanted to add that tight clothing , lifting heavy objects also can cause pain. I have IC was diagnosed a year ago. I watch what I eat, drink water. Also I put ice bag on my pelvic area, only 10-15 minutes. Ask your doctor first. Hope you start feeling better.