workout with interstitial cystitis

H

hortyhoos1

Cathlete
Hi,

Wondering if anyone out there has interstitial cystitis and continues to work out? Mine flares off and on and exercising makes it hard on the pelvic region. I hate to give into it, although I have to back off now and then from the discomfort in the bladder.
The pain of this condition can be overwhelming and tiring, but sometimes exercise is the only thing that makes me feel normal and healthy.

Thanks
 
I wish I had an answer for you, but only a big hug!

A dear friend of mine has this and really has a hard time with it.
She and her husband just about *never* have sex. It's a miracle they have 2 kids.

Hope you get some answers/relief!
 
I admire you for keeping up with your exercise! I've done some research on interstitial cystitis, and you've got a tough burden to bear. I'd say, if you can work out and feel okay, then go for it. But I'm sure you know not to push too hard and make yourself miserable. Hang in there.
 
Forgive me, but is interstitial cystitis like a bladder infection that does not go away? And what causes this?
I ask because I am in the throes of a UTI right now,I never, ever get them, but when I do, its miserable.
 
Thank you Kate. It is a misreable condition that can go into remission at times. I've had it practically my whole life and I to, can't have sex with my loving husband of 25 years. We are fortunate enough to have one of the best Pelvic Pain Centers here in the country. I live in Louisville, KY, but women come from as far as California for treatment.

All in all, I am blessed to have the care and treatment available and a wonderful husband that has stood by my side.

Thanks so such for you kind words.

God Bless,
Karen
 
Thanks so much Shannon for your reply. Any words of encouragement are appreciated as I am an avid exerciser and have lost 60 lbs over the years. I want desperately to maintain my workouts, but a times it's near impossible.

It is a tough burden, but God will see a way and I have to remain positive,

Thanks again!
Karen
 
Karen, I am so sorry to hear that you are suffering from this awful condition. At one time, I really thought I had this because I was having all the symptoms - frequency, burning, urgency, sharp pain, and even panic attacks because I would suddenly have to go while driving in the middle of nowhere. Mine ended up being polyps inside my bladder that I had removed and I've been fine since that. I couldn't imagine going my whole life with that kind of pain and discomfort. My heart goes out to you and I am in awe that you continue to exercise and focus on staying healthy. It sounds like you have a very wonderful and supportive husband as well as a good network of doctors. Just want to give you a big hug and let you know you are not alone. There is a board I visited a lot when I was going through my ordeal - the icnetwork. I'm sure you've been there but if not I can find it and give you the link.
 
I thought I had IC, and so did the first uro I went to (never did any invasive diagnostic testing, though). I finally went to a female uro who specializes in pelvic floor disorders, and turns out, I've got pelvic floor dysfunction, which basically means that the muscles of the pelvic floor are in spasm, creating pressure on the bladder. She put me on 10 mg of Elavil, plus I went to see a PT for biofeedback. The bottom line is, I feel normal 95% of the time now. Guess I'm just trying to suggest that you look into PFD also, because I've read that lots of people with IC also have PFD. BTW, my workouts have become tremendously more comfortable, too. Good luck to you.
 
Hi tneah,

IC feels like a UTI and a vaginal infection all in one. Badly I might add. The pelvic problems it causes can be debilitating for some women and causes all sorts of pain the the pelvic region. It is ususally diagnosed by a scope inside the bladder, which in the case of IC, can contain pinpoint hemorrhages that sometimes bleed. Thus, causing the pain and flare when acidic urine builds up in the bladder lining. There is no cure but there are medicines and therapies that be be quite helpful. There is also an IC diet which contains low acid foods.

I hope you feel better soon, and I'm sure in your case of an occasional UTI, you will be just fine. And yes, it is misreable isn't it? Antibiotics should knock it quickly though, but in the meantime Urispas or another over the counter med can help with the pressure til you can see a doctor. Drink lots of water too.

Take care of yourself,
Karen
 
Thanks so much Tess for your response. I am so happy for you that it was not IC but a condition that could be diagnosed and healed! What a great story that is. I love when a plan comes together for someone and they are able to carry on with their everyday life pain free.

My husband has been a saint. He's had to be because on top of IC I have vulvar vestibulitis which is extremely painful in itself.
I have gotten comfort from the IC support network too.

Thank you so much for the hugs and support!

Karen
 
Hi delfin,

I'm happy you found a good doc who was able to diagnose you correctly and take care of the problem. I have had 2 years of physical therapy and this condition can really mess up your pelvic floor. I do know the pressure area you are referring to that refers pressure to the bladder. It's all connected and it's so weird how it all affects one another. Biofeedback didn't help me much, but I'm going to try the bladder instillations again in a few weeks. So hopefully, I'll be back in action again very soon.

Elavil seems to help a lot of women with this and I am happy that you are 95% normal. That is such good news and thank God he made a way for you. Stay strong and healthy and enjoy those workouts! I know I do!

Karen
 
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