It is very possible that either you have a low level chronic cystitis (bladder infection), or you might also have Interstitial Cytitis. We have a website mainly for support for
IC patients in MO and ARK. but the info on there is helpful to any bladder pain/frequency patients. There are also several national groups with free info and direction as well.
You can send me a message if you would like those links, I can not post them here.
The BIG thing to work on diet, the BIG flare triggers are Soda, Caffeine in any form, coffee, soda, chocolate, cranberry, (or acidic fruits, stick with pears, blueberries and small amounts of banana etc.) tomatoes, spicy foods, including most ethnic foods, ( Chinese or Mexican etc), then smoking and alcohol.
There are several over the counter meds that can help, however you really need to be
seen by a doctor who can treat the whole person not just the symptoms. The over the counter meds to get you through till you can get to a doctor are AZO standard, Uristat
and Cystex. Check with your pharmacist to make sure they are safe for you.
I hope that helps you for now, and again send me a message if you would lke those links!
Shelly
Have you had an ultrasound to see if anything might be pressing on your bladder and to make sure everything is at it should be in that area? If not I would insist on one.
I have a similar issue, not a constant urge (although I have to go A LOT) but I always have a slight pressure like I could go, all day every day for the past few years. I finally saw a uro recently who is having me get an ultrasound and cytoscopy next week. Hopefully we will get to the bottom of it. I'll share any info I might get.
I've had an ultrasound and a prostate exam...everything's normal.
Again it is very likely IC, IC can not be diagnosed by standard test. Sometimes
they do a hydrodestention of the bladder under anesthesia, because that is the only way they can see the glumerations, however more recently they have found many patients
that may not show even with a hydrodestention have some of the most severe pain because a thinning of the bladder lining leaving the nerves more sensitive is not something that can always be seen. Some doctors test by putting a potassium solution in the bladder which will burn if you have IC but will not normal people.
My doctor and others prefer to use a numbing or rescue instill the same way, because
if they numb your bladder and your pain goes away it tells you the same info with a much nicer experience for the patient!
By the way IC is now being called IC/painful Bladder syndrome to reflect the changes
in diagnosis.
Shelly
have you looked into VUR?
What is VUR reflux of the urine up the ureter?