Interstitial Cystitis is heaviness, swelling and indescribable pain in the abdomen, bladders, and pelvic area; spasms in the urethra and sometimes in rectum. You feel like peeing after you have come out of the toilet, urine is generally dark and cloudy or foul-smelling, pain being felt low down in the tummy, body aches and feels unwell sick and tired. Therefore it is of utmost importance to diagnose pelvic floor dysfunction, vulvodynia as there is constant wiping or pat dry condition for more than 20-60 times per day and being up all night with a feeling of urgency.
Heat packs, ice packs, heat pads, vaginal creams, pain meds for inflammation, bladder anaesthetics are found lying around the house all day. Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis are supposed to change rapidly, thus focusing on other things like a magazine or TV might take your mind off the misery. It is important to consult a well known urologist in Bangalore to help subside the pain you might be suffering.
Interstitial Cystitis makes a person socially dysfunctional, in the sense people with similar problems tend to link to each other cutting off from mainstream socialising. Many active people’s lives have changed with just a 10 minute sitting or walking time, having lost their friend’s circle. IC is usually accompanied with depression and anxiety without human contact nor sex life with partner as pain persists for over 3 days. Jobs are lost due to the disability, pain as well as incontinence which is a part of IC.
The whole process of IC involves countless appointments with your doctor for instillations, physical therapy and pain specialists. Although it hurts to be pricked constantly, the hope of finding some reason to get rid of the pain for a little while would make the person meet a specialist. Get a satisfied consultation at the Urology Hospital, Bangalore for the best treatment for Interstitial Cystitis.
The painful part of IC is the usage of ‘Squatty Potty’ , a prop used to urinate, catheters being used as IC patients go into retention, diapers and sometimes it is the ‘Ladies Wear’ since diarrhea sets in if the food eaten disagrees with IC. There are some who have implanted devices that need replacement every 7 years.
Staying positive in mind is of utmost importance, take life minute by minute by counting your blessings everyday. There are other therapies such as meditation, soft yoga, music, art affirmations, journaling, support groups, doctors, nurses, therapists who constantly tell how to improve your life.
Severe symptoms of IC can be managed well with the help of a knowledgeable urologist who can take an aggressive approach to reducing the inflammation and controlling pain. People with IC can come to a stage where the symptoms are non-existent and can definitely lead a normal life in course of time.
Interstitial Cystitis is usually caused by bacterial infection, or when the bladder is damaged by any other reason like having a urinary catheter after a procedure, or using a diaphragm for contraception.
There are some risks that may increase the chances of getting an IC, for example,
- There is a block in the urinary system due to a bladder stone.
- pregnancy can press the bladder.
- Enlarged prostate gland presses on the urethra in men.
- Women going through menopause could get IC
- Diabetics can get cystitis high levels of sugar can provide a good environment for bacteria to multiply
- Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, chemical irritants etc
Talking of the latest treatment for Interstitial Cystitis, DMSO is the only FDA-approved bladder instillation drug for IC. Research says that more than half of patients of IC improve after six weeks of once-a- week treatment as it helps relax the bladder and alleviate pain and inflammation.
Let us now understand the foods that aggravate interstitial cystitis, coffee, soda, alcohol, hot and spicy food, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, citrus juices, MSG and highly acidic foods can trigger IC symptoms or sometimes make them worse.
Although there has been no research that links food and IC, research definitely suggests a good diet for better symptoms. Eating healthy and staying hydrated are the key to bladder health. Learning the foods that trigger IC need to be avoided by using a diary that keeps you known with foods that flare and healthy food. Expert advice on nutrition and ingredient information of foods can always help you stay fine. Being home following lifestyle treatments helps half the IC cases to find relief and get their lives back to normal.
Interstitial Cystitis is very common in women, and if the case is a mild one, it can get better on its own. Make sure to meet a gynaecologist if symptoms are severe and do not get better within 3 days, or if you are pregnant.
Interstitial Cystitis begins usually with frequency and is intermittent in most cases, and these symptoms flare up when associated with sexual activity. Sometimes IC is misdiagnosed with UTI. Genetics could play an important role in IC, when it is found at an early age in women. Therefore correct diagnosis would result in proper therapy and also reduce health care costs.
Make sure to meet a urologist at the Urology Hospital, Bangalore.
Keywords – Interstitial cystitis, pain, Urology Hospital Bangalore.
