IC diet does not help me??

[jen74]

Hi Gals.
I was just wondering if anyone else out there does not get any relief from the IC diet?

I eat very bland and follow the diet, but I am always in constant pain in my bladder. It does not matter what I do. Any suggestions? Is this normal?
Jen

[ICNDonna]

You might try keeping a diary for a few weeks, recording your foods, drinks, activities and pain levels. You might find an irritant that way.

Donna

[mellusk]

Make sure you read the ingredients on E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G...I learned that the hard way last week. After three consecutive mid-day mini-flares, I finally looked at a box of cereal I have that looks and tastes a lot like twigs. It had aspartame in it (artifical sweetener). You pretty much have to become an amateur nutritionist it seems.

Diet has helped me, but the list of things I can't have is getting shorter all the time. However, I have to be conscious of lots of other things...like my underwear. No more lycra lace! If I'm flaring, it's got to be straight cotton bikinis or boyshorts.

What about injuries? Do you have a back problem? I've two friends - one with a bulging disc, another with a cracked vertebrae, neither have IC but both (one is a guy, also) say they have bladder symptoms sometimes. I've been getting treated with pt for my own issues...it hasn't "cured" the IC, but having one less source of pain helps my stress level overall. Which brings us to...

Are you stressed out? Are you having issues with the spouse, kids, finances, or work? I can drink red wine with no problem, but if I have a minor argument with the boyfriend before bedtime then I'll be up peeing at all hours.

How about the rest of your health? I spent a few days, again, trying to figure out what was flaring me when I was being so "good," then finally I =ack= saw evidence of a yeast infection. Ew. Even just having the flu or allergies can be a factor as well.

I hope maybe that was helpful, and I hope you're able to find out what's causing your flare soon.

[meme]

She's right. A lot of different things could be causing your flares making the diet not work. It seems like if I am stressed or just don't feel good in general that even with following the diet I'll flare. Sometimes it can take a while for the diet to start helping too, at least I've found it to be that way. Are you on any meds? You may need something more than just the diet to control your flares. The diet helps me feel better most days, but I still need the Elmiron and Elavil to keep the flares down. Good Luck!

[waterflow]

It didn't help me either. Just I can't drink grapefruit/orange juice or any kind of juice really except grape. I can eat tomatoes with no problem and even salsa. Water can be more of pain maker then anything else.

[jen74]

Thanks for posting Gals. I am not taking any meds for the IC right now. I was only offered lyrica which I have not yet taken as I am a little worried about the side effects. I seem to have pain no matter what. Everything I eat is pretty plain and bland, and I dont eat alot of any one thing.

I am suppose to start the bladder instills on Friday with the heparin,steroids, lydocaine, and biocarb. I feel like I just keep getting worse and worse though no matter what I do. My bladder feels like there is a fire burning in it at all times. I also feel like when I pee I dont empty all the time completely.The urogyne nurse said that it is likely the IC that is making my bladder not empty right and making me feel this way because it is so swollen and inflammed. She says the instills should help that. And lately I notice I get these like shooting pains down there, almost like quick charlie horse type pains.

I really hope these instillations help me and not make me worse. I am losing hope here. I cannot take elavil due to the fact that it slows things down(has antichloragenic actions) and I have already a dysmotility of the gut. I am suppose to try taking this drug lyrica that the urogyne prescribed to me. I have not yet taken it, but I am going to I think because I am in so much pain right now.

I actually do keep a food diary, I actually eat the same things everyday. I am on a gluten free diet. I wonder if that has anything to do with it. I cant eat any gluten though as it upsets my tum real bad and makes digestion harder. I am at my wits end here. I guess I really need to start treatments with the instills, But I have to wait until Friday. God how will I last until then. I have my period now too and that is causing me a ton more pain too. Thanks for listening and for all the suggestions gals.
Jen

[Kathi]

Look at other things like vitamins (they kill me) Things that aren't actually food or drink but you take regularly. Kathi

[Roxie2007]

HI! Taking calcium pills bother my bladder.......and vitamins with iron in them bother it too. IC is soooo trial and error. It can drive ya nuts! Roxie

[jen74]

Thanks for all the info ladies. I just cant figure out what could be hurting my bladder. I dont take any supplements at all and eat the blandest foods. Pretty soon I wont be able to eat anything the way things are going here. I cant really cut anything esle out of my diet or I will get sick and malnourisehed. My diet is very limited as I cannot tolerate gluten at all. I just dont know what to do.
Jen