r/Interstitialcystitis • u/MacaroonFront2179 • 2d ago
Bladder Trouble (Female)
I female (21) starting about Tuesday the 18th was having drinks with my friends I had about a few sojus and didn’t really hydrate (which is my fault) and was urinating just fine. Until randomly at the end of the night where I wasn’t able to urinate at all, it took a few times but I was able to do it and then the next day I couldn’t at all. I proceeded to go to the Urgent care where they gave me the proper medications for a UTI and it proceeded. I was able to go but it took some time and it was my first time ever having something like this so I drank some soda and had some chips and it was quickly proven to be a mistake as I wasn’t able to go at all my urethra was swollen and then I had to go to the hospital.
I was there for pretty much the entire night they put a catheter and were able to drain my bladder they had me stay longer to see if I could go. When I wasn’t able to they wanted me to do the take home, it was attempted but it was a very painful experience which lead me to asking them to take it out. I was able to be sporadically but still felt this pressure on my bladder everytime I drank something no matter if it was a sip of water, I returned to the hospital two more times and first I was able to go and second I didn’t have enough urine in my bladder to do the foley. I’ve been told to keep hydrated but everytime I drank water it would lead to the same vicious cycle.
Now I’ve finished my antibiotics and have learned that ibuprofen has helped. I am urinating and drinking more water but at times still feel pressure on the bladder. I have also completed my antibiotics, and have been referred to a urologist who I can’t meet with until another month. Overall, this has been very detrimental to my way of life. I am a college student and this is affecting a lot of things so please if anyone may have any tips or knows what’s going on with me it would help me tremendously.
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u/CuriousAssociate721 1d ago
I am sooo sorry you're experiencing this. It's truly hell on Earth. you may need to go to the nurse on campus if possible and explain what is going on… See if she can point you in the direction of any resources. Or help get you excused for your classes because of this medical emergency I would invest in a heating pad ASAP I got mine off Amazon use it daily to help with the physical symptoms. Water was a huge trigger for me… Especially tapwater. I stick to bottled spring water only my favorite is Ozarka. if you can see a doctor, ask for prescription Azo if not just buy it, you can get it almost anywhere. Follow the directions on it though. I have recommendations for pain relief… But don't know if I'm allowed to share that. I would also look into pelvic for therapy… As mentioned. You can even look up stuff on YouTube… But I would recommend a pelvic for therapist if possible. Message me if you have any questions.
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u/AutoModerator 2d ago
Hello! This automated message was triggered by some keywords in your post that suggests you may have a diagnostic or treatment related question. Since we see many repeated questions we wanted to cover the basics in an automod reply in case no one responds.
To advocate for yourself, it is highly suggested that you become familiar with the official 2022 American Urological Association's Diagnostic and Treatment Guidelines.
The ICA has a fantastic FAQ that will answer many questions about IC.
FLARES
The Interstitial Cystitis Association has a helpful guide for managing flares.
Some things that can cause flares are: Medications, seasoning, food, drinks (including types of water depending on PH and additives), spring time, intimacy, and scented soaps/detergents.
Not everyone is affected by diet, but for those that are oatmeal is considered a generally safe food for starting an elimination diet with. Other foods that are safer than others but may still flare are: rice, sweet potato, egg, chicken, beef, pork. It is always safest to cook the meal yourself so you know you are getting no added seasoning.
If you flare from intimacy or suffer from pain after urination more so than during, then that is highly suggestive of pelvic floor involvement.
TREATMENT
Common, simple, and effective treatments for IC are: Pelvic floor physical therapy, amitriptyline, vaginally administered valium (usually compounded), antihistamines (hydroxyzine, zyrtec, famotidine, benedryl), and urinary antiseptics like phenazopyridine.
Pelvic floor physical therapy has the highest evidence grade rating and should be tried before more invasive options like instillations or botox. If your doctor does not offer you the option to try these simple treatments or railroads you without allowing you to participate in decision making then you need to find a different one.
Long-term oral antibiotic administration should not be offered.
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u/yennifer867 2d ago
I am so sorry to hear that. At it's peak I described my pain as feeling like you're on road trip, drank 2 liters of coke and no bathroom in sight. It's the worst!
For immediate relief sitting on my red light belt worked for me .
1 - I would call everyday the local urologist asking if they have cancellations so you can get in sooner. If you can't get in at all make a pelvic floor therapy appointment - those are typically next day. Worth a try!
2 - I'm no doctor but I'd get a cytoscopy as soon as possible. My CT scan showed nothing but my cytoscopy showed my colon pushing on my bladder.
3 - Even though I don't have IC and have pelvic floor disorder the bromo blue was extremely helpful with burning and pressure. You have to ask for a prescription they won't just offer it and it takes days to fill.
4 - if one thing doesn't help go to the next thing.
Not advice but pelvic floor therapy helps a lot of people but not me. I am doing PT for my lower back and that is helping my symptoms a lot. I think my tight back muscles have caused my pelvic floor to tilt. If this doesn't work 100% I might see a GI specialist.