am bladder pain, some blood, pain radiates to fingers

I have been diagnosed for interstial Cystiis since 1997, been treating with Elmiron.  Had one or two flareups during that time.  This time te pain during urinating is sharp and radiated thru my body to my arms and fingertips.  After a very rough morning, it all seems to subside and start all over the next morning.  I had a slight showing of blood this am and the urine looks cloudy.  Also feeling very tired.  Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you    Shirley

[David A Burks, MD]

Hi,  It's common for patients who have diagnosed IC to get intermittent flare ups.  It can be caused by the disease itself that normally waxes and wanes. It can also be caused by a urinary tract infection which can present with cloudy urine and possibly blood. What you eat and drink can affect your bladder and most IC patients know what foods to avoid. You first need a urine analysis and culture to rule out an infection. If there is no infection but significant blood in the urine you need an exaluation by a Urologist to rule out structural problems like a kidney stone.  If there is no infection or blood in the urine it is probably a flare up of your IC.  I've had patients complain of pain in their fingers and arms when the bladder pain gets bad.  It's caused by an increase in the sensitivity of the sensory nerves in your body when the bladder pain occurs. Start by eliminating all the foods that can cause worsening symptoms, and try pyridium a drug that your doctor can prescribe to stop the burning. Rest, exercise and stress reduction are also important.  See your doctor to discuss alternative treatments  for your IC that may help block a flare.  One option includes  instilling a local anesthetic lidocaine solution into the bladder to help relieve symptoms.  Good Luck