Considering the stork

[ICNJess]

Hi all--
I have no experience with pregnancy or childbirth, so I had some questions now that I have IC. Would you say that IC pain and childbirth are similar? I've heard that from nurses before. Also, did you have to go off Elmiron? I know it's in the class of unknown effects on fetus'. Also, I've heard of IC sometimes going into remission...how many of you experienced remission? And how long did it take for IC to come back? I would so love a baby...I love children and am great with them, and my hubby wants a little boy. We've been trying unsuccessfully for a few months, but we're patient in waiting for our miracle to happen. And I figured that since it hasn't happend yet, that I'd get some input from all you angelic mothers!! Thanks a bunch gals!!!

Hugs,
Jess

[Iris]

Hi Jess, I personally think childbirth pains, for me at least are less painful. In fact before I was diagnosed I was telling the doctors I saw I would prefer having another child than the pain I was experiencing. At least with labor pains you have something wonderful to hold at the end of it all. I have had two children and lost one in between my son and daughter, that was a miscarriage and it was pretty painful but not as bad as IC pain. This is my own personal experience anyway good luck with trying to have a little one. It is a wonderful experience to go through. All the best Iris. hi hat

[jaime15]

Hey Jess~
We are all different that's for sure. My personal experience with pregnancy and IC is I have had two kidney stones in the past and that was the worst for me in the pain area.
My IC went into remission while I was pregnant. But I did have two uti's.
And my IC symptoms didn't return for about six months. Also some ladies on here have experienced longer remissions while breatfeeding.
Hope this helps some. Wishing you happy thoughts on getting pregnant~~~
Hugs,
Jaime

[Jen_Cole]

I'd agree with Iris-the pain of childbirth is not much compared to what you already go through. And you forget the pain of childbirth-as soon as that little one comes out, he or she is all you can think about.

[ICNJess]

Thanks for the replies...but I gots one more question...does IC affect fertility? I see a few of you were able to have kids, but I was just wondering. Thanks!

[Iris]

Hi, I do not honestly know if it affects fertility or not. I had my kids way before I was diagnosed with IC, so cannot help you with that question. Good luck Iris. hi kissing grouphug

[melanie626]

My uro told me to expect to feel better when I get pregnant. My friend has IC too and she hasn't had any problems since she went off meds 1 year before she got pregnent and she is expecting #2 now and they are 2 years apart!

[gwyn]

argghhhhhhhhhh
you mean i am like giving birth everyday??????????

thanks alot... from the way i am flaring, i thing i would have hundredssssss of babies !!!!!!!!!LOLOLOL

[ICNJess]

Gwyn--
Well hey, when it comes time for you to have babies, at least you'll know what the pain is like! AND you'll have something to show for it! That's going to be so great, I can't wait!!!

Hugs,
Jess

[gwyn]

YES!! you are right jess...

now i can go and tell everyone how great i am...
i am like giving birth almost every other day!!!!!!!!((((((don't know whether to laugh or cry))))))))))))))) lmao

[ICNJess]

LOL Gwyn!!! How true!!!! I don't know whether to laugh or cry either!!! grouphug

[ajohns]

I guess my IC can't be as bad here as everyone else's-and I find it unbearable at times-but, I think childbirth is THE single most painful experience EVER.(I have only had IC symptoms for 4 months now..on my way to being dx'sd) Where I am living, they do not have epidurals and I was only able to have a morphine drip with both of my kids. I had a 23 hr labor 1st child, and a 15 hr labor 2nd child. IT WAS EXCRUCIATING PAIN both times. MUCH, much different type of pain than my IC. With IC it is a constant discomfort, bloated headachy pain. Labor is a SHARP, stabbing, shooting, engulfing pain. But is it worth it? YES!! GOOD LUCK! wink

[ICNJess]

Thanks for the input Amanda. My IC is often sharp, stabbing pains that takes my breath away. Somedays I need help walking to the bathroom...and all I have to show for it is more pain and urine. Blah. I am so looking forward to a baby!!!!

[autumn2]

Hi Jess,
My IC was in remission the first 6 months of my pregnancies! The only reason I think that it flared the last trimester was because I had 2 10 pound babies and their size put pressure on my bladder. My first pregnancy I had a bad UTI and it made me have really bad contractions but once I was treated with IV fluids and antibotics the contractions stopped. I took no medications during my pregnancy, I just did not want to risk anything. I have had IC since 1997 and 3 months after I was diagnosed I was pregnant and when my little boy was 15 months old, I was pregnant again. The only problems I have heard of with IC and pregnancy are going to the bathroom more once the baby gets bigger and women not able to come off their medications to get pregnant. I have a friend who has it so bad that she is on the adoption registry because she tried one month without her meds and she ended up in the worst flare she had had ever. Good luck and if you have any other questions you can privately email me.
Hugs,
Autumn

[ICNJess]

Thanks, Autumn. We are putting off trying because I'm having Interstim put in September 11th. I want to get IC under control a little bit before I get pregnant. Although, I'm maternal instinct is kicking at me. My hubby's cousin had a baby, and we went over there to see her. I was holding her (the baby lol) and she was scrunching her face up and I told the mommy that the baby was pooping, and the mother completely ignored me. So a few minutes later the baby began to cry, and sure enough, she had pooped. She had given me this whole thing about, "You don't have any kids, I'm a mother, I know what my baby is doing, you have no idea" etc. etc. etc.!!!! So, anyway, I'm glad the baby said something, because that kid would've been laying there with a poopy diaper for God knows how long! Anyways, thanks for the advice, I'm glad to hear that IC can go into remission...well up until the last trimester anyway.

Hugs,
Jess