First morning pee / getting depressed

[jen74]

Hey gals.
I swear I feel like I am forever asking questions and feel like a big pain in the you know what.
I was wondering if any of you have this problem. When I wake up in the morning to pee, I find that I have a harder time to go, meaning that my stream will start and them stop, and then I will have to start it up again and then some more pee will come out and that everything feels so swelled in my bladder and pelvic area.
It gets better( the peeing part) by the time I pee again though. Also when I pee any other time, I am able to start the stream fine and go, but I guess towards the end when I am almost done peeing, my bladder will like quit. Then I will try to go more, and some more will come out(maybe an ounce or so more, not alot). Do any of you esperience this?

ALso, I have another issue that is really depressing me. First I apologize if this subject is innapropriate at all, but I just dont know who else to ask.
Well, as sad as it is to say, my hubby and I have not had intercourse in months probably a year due to all the pain I have with this IC. We do cuddle and stuff and are intimate that way.
Here is my issue. For some reason, I cant have an orgasm without having pain afterwards that will last even the whole next day. Is this normal with IC? I hate this disease as it had robbed me of almost everything good in my life, or should I say everything good in my life. In fact I dont have a life because of all this pain. I was just wondering of any of you ladies had any of these things happen to you. Thanks for listening, and sorry if that last question was inappropriate to any of you, but I just dont know who else to ask as I dont know anyone personally that has this issue. Thanks again.
Jen

[waterflow]

I had the stopping and peeing thing all the time before the heparin started helping. Still will get it once in a while. On the other question have you thought about getting a TENS unit? It helps me a lot that way. Of coures I have been wearing my 24/7 so you might have to wear it a few days ahead of time and a few afterwards too. Other then that I'm not filled with much information on that subject.

[ICNDonna]

If you're straining to urinate, it's going to keep getting worse --- the more you strain, the more those tissues are going to feel swollen. Please talk to your doctor --- there are several different medications that will help to relax those muscles so you can urinate. The ones that immediately come to mind are cardura, hytrin, flomax (there are others as well). Even sitting in a tub of warm water or placing a wet very warm wash cloth in your crotch for a few minutes might help in the meantime, but it's very important so I will repeat that you should not be straining to urinate.

You might want to visit the forum "When Sex Hurts" --- the link is to the left --- for some possible solutions to your sex problem. Sometimes something as simple as applying either heat or cold to the area will help ease the discomfort.

Donna

[Berkshire Road]

Please, don't ever apologize for asking the questions you need answers to! The only dumb question is the one you don't ask. Very often, the question you ask will turn out to be something other people are also wondering about, and you help them as well as yourself by posting.

This is what the forum is for. We help each other. You are not a pain. You are a welcome part of this community.

[jen74]

Thank you ladies for your replies.
Donna, I know you mentioned some meds that help with this issue, I do have ativan here that my GI doc gave me for when my nausea and stomach pain get real bad. I have not taken them in a few months as I have not neede to. Would this help to relax the pelvic floor you think?
Waterflow: When you say you use your TENS unit 24/7. How do you do this? I may be wrong, but I thought the TENS unti was a vaginal probe that send like electrical currents to the pelvic floor muscles. How do you wear it all day? ALso I thought someone said I would need a prescription for it. But I am interested. Does it help with the IC pain in the bladder?
Carolyn: Thanks so much for the support. I am so happy to have found this site and all you wonderful ladies. Thanks again.
Jen

[ICNDonna]

I doubt that ativan would help with your urination issues. The meds I mentioned are usually prescribed for men with swollen prostate glands; they help relax the muscles to allow urine to pass.

And a TENS unit usually consists of four little patches that are attached to wires going to a small unit about the size of a bar of soap. The patches can be placed where the pain is happening --- I primarily use mine for my shoulder and I place the four patches around the shoulder joint. The unit, when turned on, transmits tiny shocks that interfere with the nerves transmitting the pain message. Some people with IC place the patches on their lower abdomen or lower back.

Donna

[Trishann]

Jen, if all possibe try to relax even if you have to read a book or run water or something that will relax you. The straining definitely will cause the pressure to continue. I have this alot and have to make myself to relax. I was never the type to just sit on the toilet and read a book or something. But with this IC, the way it is, I have to force myself to do this. But sometimes not all the times, it ready did help and took the pressure off.

That would be great if medication can help you in this area.

Sending hugs, Trishann

[waterflow]

Donna is right about the TENS. I only use one lead wire which has two electrodes and I place them over the bladder area. I leave on all the time except when I take a bath. Can't take it in the water with me. It helps me a lot with the pain. Exspecially my back pain. I can sleep much better keeping it on and after the first month I forgot I even had it on. Yes, you do need a perscription for it.

[jllsja]

Yes, I have those symptoms after intercourse also. I usually get in a hot tub of water afterwards or you can use ice. Whatever works best. Every once in a while I may not have pain but it is rare. I think the muscles in that area tighten up for some reason and make the pain worse. Our sex life has suffered as well and I totally relate. I would share more but I, like you, am not sure if it is appropriate for this discussion board.

[skrix]

Jen,

I have found that warm baths, as well as heat and ice help to realax those muscles. As Donna said, there are also medications out there, but do not strain if at all possible.

I have two Ace gel packs, one that I keep in the freezer and the other that I can heat in the microwave and I also have a set of these at my office for really bad days. I find the heat helps relax the muscles very much.

Good luck to you.