What does IC pain feel like?

[izazen]

I've heard it described by some people as like menstrual cramps.

Is this a typical description of it?

My "thing" is usually the urge/frequency but sometimes I wake up at 3 AM with a menstrual cramp like feeling and I, also, have it today. My bladder has been pretty good lately so I'm kind of surprised, although I have been feeling very anxious these last few days.

Maybe its just gas as I had a similar, non-menstrual cramp pain in the center of my abdomen, when I was hospitalized with a very bad attack of ulcerative colitis many years ago.

Thanks for any information.

[Linda May]

When I was at my worst it was like cancer pain and when it is mild its like having a UTI.

[ICNDonna]

For me it's like extremely severe menstrual cramps. It feels like my body is trying to expel my bladder.

I've never had cancer pain so I can't guess what it might feel like.

Donna

[earthlady]

Mine were also like severe menstrual cramps. Sometimes a burning feeling down the center of my pelvic area and always worse at night after lying down for a few hours. Like Donna, I always felt like my body was trying to push my bladder out.

[icnmgrjill]

Hmm... great question. If it's a bladder wall flare from eating or drinking something bad, it feels like someone is scratching sharp fingernails along the inside of my bladder. I kinda shiver with it... because it's just wrong to know that you are feeling the inside of an organ. It can also feel very sharp as my bladder fills with urine.

If it's pelvic floor muscle flare and/or spasm, it's more achy.. doesn't have the highs and lows of a bladder wall flare. It feels like someone is stretching muscles open... and I tend to have a strong burning sensation, particularly in the vagina.

Weird sensations and difficult to describe. You might find our Special Report on Managing Flares helpful as it describes the types of flares and symptoms much more clearly. You can find it at: http://www.icnsales.com

Jill