| Re: What is going on with my bladder?
Interstitial Cystitis is a common problem with FMS. What can happen in fibromyalgics is calcium and phosphate don't join together and crystallize inside cells. Instead, the two substances coexist in solution. This is the effect you seen when you drop salt in water: It immediately enters into solution, though the sodium and the chloride are still there. As long as they're sufficiently diluted, they won't form particles. Phosphates leave the kidney in a dissolved state, but things change in the bladder, which is a reservoir that holds our liquid waste until sufficient volume needs to be voided. While waiting in the bladder, phosphate solidifies in combination with calcium, oxalate, or magnesium. The weight of these microscopic crystals cause them to sink to the base of the bladder and settle around the opening of the uretha. On urination, these particles are swept out and, like liquid sandpaper, abrade the delicate lining, the mucosa. If the scraping effect is sufficiently injurious, the integrity of the membrane is compromised and, once broken, allows bacterial penetration. The five most common dietary triggers for painful attacks are: cranberry juice (very acidic), coffee, carbonated beverages, tomatoes, and tobacco. Vitamin C supplements can be a problem because of their acidic composition - even the buffered form. Car and airplane rides are notorious triggers, so Prelief (an OTC) may be taken as a preventative measure. Stretching and excercise may also prove to be helpful in the long run.
Kirstee
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