IC and exercise

[karlene1]

I have had reoccuring bouts of IC for four to five years. Since last June my pain from IC has been nearly constant and now my knees and hips are hurting. I have cut out all beverages except water and milk and tried to eliminate acidic foods.  I am still addicted to sugar.  I have given up my membership at the gym because exercise seems to make it worse. I have started walking and thatseems to make my legs feel better, but that, too, seems to cause increased pain in the bladder.  I believe in the importance of exercise, but it hardly seems worth enduring the pain.  Are there any pain pills out there that help IC pain?

[David A Burks, MD]

Hi, your complaint of pelvic pain during exercise is a common one.  Patients with IC typically complain of worsening pain/pressure when they are on their feet all day. It may have to do with the upright position putting pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles.  Narcotics can help.  Have you tried the lidocaine instillations into the bladder?  I have a patient who instills buffered lidocaine into her bladder at home when leaving the house and gets a few hour of relief, enough to do her exercise and out of the house activities pain free. I give 5 daily treatments in the clinic initially and see what the response is.  If the patient gets relies we teach you to do it at home and give her prescriptions for the supplies.  If nothing elso works, this is an option.  Good Luck

[Becky91]

I take tramadol, which is strong enough to help the pain but is giving me some annoying side effects. I honestly can't advise you, but just tell you something - I had the exact same thing - used to go to the gym, running, etc.


But...I had to give it up altogether. The tramadol got me a bit stoned, so I was too off my face to go exercising - but without it, it was too painful.

Hmm...what are like on machines like exercise bikes? I remember I was fine on those. Also, you might be able to try gentle cycling on an actual bike, or swimming. They're both non-impact, so should help rather than hinder.

Good luck.

[MSKshelly]

I also have IC and am an IC support group leader, and director of MOARK IC.  Some of us with IC to require pain management medications.  If you are in constant pain ask your doctor for a referral to a pain management physician.

However as far as exercise I also want to exercise but have increased pain!  I am excited about two things I recently found and am adding into my life.

One is Pilates for  Pelvic Pain, by New Dawn Pilates DVD.  This has a simple exercise program for bad days and goes up from there, you work at your own level!!

The second one is a book called Heal Pelvic Pain by Amy Stein MPT
this book is like a step by step physical therapy exercise guide to help heal the muscles etc. in the pelvic region!

Hope this helps!
Shelly