Burning bladder - docs are stumped. Sound like you?

[Leanna62]

I've had a history, like many of us, of bladder burning pain. Some urgency but mainly consistent bladder/pelvic pain. I had an operation whereby they fill the bladder 2 years ago, no cancer, with some relief. Always some agitation with certain foods, but mainly very quiet until recently. This is the third day on antibiotics and the pain persists. Only AZO helps. Examined in an ER and no pelvic swelling, cysts, vaginal unusual-ness, all was fine YET the pain is very strong. Waiting on a few tests. No pain during intercourse. Recently had a polyup removed so the uterus seems to be fine. Also according to recent exam.

Is there any type of cancer sign or bacteria or yeast - oh, there was no yeast - that I'm missing?  

Any ideas? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Wishing you all healing and speedy answers.
L

[Beadbaby]

I was dx with IC--no pain during intercourse--went to a Naturopath and she said it could be a chronic bladder irritation since I seem to be having more frequent UTIs in years---like 3-4 a year.   My bladder was so stressed out from all the abxs that I gave it a rest and went natural.  I feel SOOO much better--she said I had a lot of food allergies and now were are exploring all those things.  The pain has stopped and I am in the bathroom 6-9 times a day depending on how much water I consume.  It's hard but I think a great alternative for me---the Elmeron is just another abx. that is a quick fix--if you need it--look into it, I'm just saying natural alternatives with turn up more information as to how your body got like that in the first place--it's a long process but Western med. with their quick fixes is what we are used to---have patience and try it!
I wish you solutions!

L

[contessa415]

I had my first instill last week--it seemed to help for several hours and the next day I developed at U.T.I.  Now I am hesitatant to try again.  My urologist also wants to do a urodynamic study and cystoscope which I understand also involve catheters so I am scared this will cause another UTI.  Is a cystoscope painful?

[MSKshelly]

It could be IC though strange you do not have the pain with intercourse. Since you say the AZO helps it must be urinary and could be IC however it is unusual that you do not have pain with intercourse.  Though truthfully after I was diagnosed with IC, I used to tell my friends my cycle etc. were no big deal BUT once we got symptoms better controlled I realized I had gotten used to to s certain level of constant pain!!  I think back now and  realized that with sex I also had thought some after feelings just normal too.  It was not until like you that the pain was that constant burning so bad I could not even sit down... when my doc went to do a pelvic the first time he went any where near the urethra I came off the table.  

Have they tried doing rescue instills?  These are medications that are put directly into the bladder to numb it etc.  FOR ME making sure they are all preservative free has been crucial but I love my bladder instills.  These were done in the office for the first
year but I do them at home now!  Mine use, lidocaine, sensorcaine which both numb the bladder, solu cortef, (A steriod) & sodium bicarb.(to alkalize the bladder).

Ask your doctor if he treats IC patients if he doesn't find one that does.  We also are trying to start a new patient support forum here on medhelp and I would love to invite you to join us there also!
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Interstitial-Cystitis-IC--Pelvic-Pain-Support-Forum/show/412

I am not a doctor but an IC patient and the director of MOARK IC, a support network
for patients in Missouri and Arkansas.

Shelly