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I agree with Leslie stress can cause major flares for me..But I know its hard to stay stress free when you hurt so bad.. You know I never had pain in my pelvic area either until my hydro, but after months things seemed to settle down, hope this is this case for you to..
I'm glad you finally posted. Hopefully you will have at least some of your questions answered here. Flomax is one of those medications that helps relax the smooth muscles --- it might be that an antispasmodic would be a real help to you. The one I have had good luck with is hyoscyamine. And since elmiron can take up to six months or longer to become effective, you should know soon whether it will be the answer for you.
Here's my story in a nutshell: I'm a 34 y/o man, diagnosed with IC in Feb. 2007 following cystoscopy w/hydrodistention. My symptoms are frequency and urgency (mild pain only started AFTER the cysto.) I'd say I first noticed them in late 2004. It flared up in July 2005, and then calmed down on its own. Same thing happened in July 2006 (I had just gone on vacation both times). My urologist put me on Flomax at the time, which helped somewhat. Then, in December 2006, everything came to a head. I am currently in my third month on Elmiron (400 mg/day).
I am convinved that all of this has been brought about by unremitting stress and anxiety, particularly in the last four years (without going into details, I am a member of the clergy, and live where I work -- not always the most pleasant set-up, but it's out of my control). I have been following the IC diet, more or less, but don't seem to have the food sensitivities that others have. However, I do note my urgency increases when I am more anxious.....
My urologist said that I have large bladder capacity, and is confident that things will get back to normal. The thing that bothers me is that I have had some discomfort and pelvic pressure only since the cystoscopy. I hope that this, too, will lessen over time.
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