I have been reading a bit about Interstitial Cystitis recently. I have not been diagnosed but think my symptoms are very similar to those who have this condition. I have suffered several UTI's throughout my life. I am post menopausal now and am having urge frequency and bladder pain but do not have a UTI. My doctor gave me Ditropan for over active bladder which at first worked great with just one pill taken infrequently. Now it is not working and after 4 straight days of taking it, there is some relief but I am experiencing the unpleasant side effect of dry mouth and throat.
I understand one needs to avoid the usual suspects (caffiene, alcohol, citrus) but what should I eat or drink that would help soothe the bladder? Are there other things to avoid?
Yes!! You can take 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a glass of water for immediate relief when you have an attack or if you realize you have eaten something you shouldn't have. I wouldn't recommend doing this all the time as the sodium might not be great for you, but it really works as an occasional fix. Also, there is something called Prelief (Walgreens in the antacid area) that you take BEFORE eating or drinking acidic things. It is just a form of calcium so it is really safe and doesn't cause any side effects. I sometimes just take 4 Tums before I have a "naughty" food, and that seems to have a similar effect. I was diagnosed with this when i was 19, and I'm 32 now. i refuse to completely restrict my diet, so I try these little tricks and behave myself before bed or if I'm going to be out for a while. Sorry you are having a tough time. I hope it gets better : )
Yes!! You can take 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a glass of water for immediate relief when you have an attack or if you realize you have eaten something you shouldn't have. I wouldn't recommend doing this all the time as the sodium might not be great for you, but it really works as an occasional fix. Also, there is something called Prelief (Walgreens in the antacid area) that you take BEFORE eating or drinking acidic things. It is just a form of calcium so it is really safe and doesn't cause any side effects. I sometimes just take 4 Tums before I have a "naughty" food, and that seems to have a similar effect. I was diagnosed with this when i was 19, and I'm 32 now. i refuse to completely restrict my diet, so I try these little tricks and behave myself before bed or if I'm going to be out for a while. Sorry you are having a tough time. I hope it gets better : )
Forgot to tell you, bad things- chocolate ( I know it sucks!!), dairy, most nuts, and pretty much anything that tastes good (J/K). Also, don't be fooled by things that hide. I ended up in the bathroom all night because I drank a glass of Hawaiian Punch before bed, and it's not the just caffine in soft drinks, it's the carbonation, so watch out for non-caffinated drinks too. Good luck.
