OK this is Weird: BEER stops my urethra burning!

[bcmcd11]

Hello,
I have just been diagnosed with IC just a couple of weeks ago, and I am presently taking a typical regimen of medication: Elmiron, Amitriptyline, Hydroxyzine, Uribel, Prelief, and the antibiotic Nitrofurantoin Macro (which I am supposed to take immediately after sex). My bladder at this moment isn't really giving me any problems, but my URETHRA? That's a different story. I wake up in the morning and it just burns constantly, making my work day very uncomfortable. It stings and burns so bad I can hardly concentrate. Neither Uribel nor Azo helps in the least.

A couple of days ago when I got off work, I was so stressed and upset from the amount of work I was expected to do (despite being EXTREMELY uncomfortable from the burning), that I broke down and had a couple of beers. I know, I know, alcohol is a BIG no-no for IC sufferers, but I was so desperate to relax I just didn't care. By the time I had finished my second beer, the burning in my urethra was completely gone. WHAT? Uribel and Azo does nothing, but BEER relieves my discomfort?

Now, I may be a special case... I used to drink WAY too much and have even gone through a treatment program. Maybe my body chemistry is used to beer somehow? Has anybody else out there experienced this? I find it incredibly ironic that one of the most dangerous things someone with IC can drink--BEER--seems to alleviate the burning sensation in my urethra, and so far IS THE ONLY THING THAT HAS WORKED. Yesterday I had a few more beers after work, and the same thing happened... I actually had RELIEF. (I still had to go to the bathroom a lot, but there was no pain whatsoever.)

This situation is so strange I don't know what to make of it. Does anybody have any theories? I wasn't even sure this was appropriate to post in the first place. Thoughts, anyone?

[earthlady]

I guess it's possible the beer (or alcohol) temporarily numbs the nerve endings in the urethra. It may not be such a good idea long term though for the health of your bladder if you have IC.

[musiclover]

You're not alone. When my symptoms were bad, a beer would calm down the frequency and pain a little bit. I think it does just numb it I suppose. But of course I knew I couldn't use that as a treatment, less I end up babbling like Charlie Sheen ;p But for me, I honestly don't think it hurts my bladder one bit. Because even after the helpful effects wear off, I'm no worse than I was before having the beer. Even if I do two days in a row.