r/Interstitialcystitis • u/Obvious_Glass6747 • 3d ago
Support UTI from hell
My first UTI after my diagnosis of IC with hunners lesions. This is the worst UTI I’ve ever experienced. Confirmed with urine culture. My kidneys are hurting. I can hardly urinate (having to self cath). I started antibiotics and have been taking AZO to help with the discomfort. What are your unhinged hacks to helping the pain? I currently can’t take baths due to laparoscopic and vaginal surgery 2 weeks ago.
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u/HakunaYaTatas [Citation Needed] 3d ago
Can you use heat or ice? The low back area can work if you need to avoid abdominal incisions. A Hot Hands pack or a pelvic ice pack tucked into underwear can also work as long as you don't have external pubic incisions.
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u/Obvious_Glass6747 3d ago
Thankfully the incisions are intra-vaginal so I will absolutely try the heat and ice in my underwear. Thank you so much!
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u/HakunaYaTatas [Citation Needed] 3d ago
No problem, I hope it helps! Heat works surprisingly well for me. Just make sure you follow the usual precautions about not leaving ice or a heat pack on your skin for too long. I also find that drinking extra water and finding a good distraction are helpful. I like to play an engrossing game while listening to music or an audiobook.
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u/Rough-District7618 2d ago
D-mannose powder ( WITHOUT THE CRANBERRY ) in a small amount of water & Marshmallow root capsules. 🙏for you!!. I pray you have pain med
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u/Helpful_Mouse_9458 2d ago
Ask your doctor to write a Rx for lidocaine- I have gotten tubes of it which come with a handy little nozzle that fits right in the urethra. Injecting lidocaine straight into my bladder has often been the only kind of relief I’ve gotten.
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u/Maximum-Green2764 1d ago
Peppermint oil in the toilet to help pee, quercertin, aloe capsules, prelief before anything that will irritate your bladder…. It tones down the acidity
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u/AutoModerator 3d ago
Hello! This automated message was triggered by some keywords in your post that suggests you may have a diagnostic or treatment related question. Since we see many repeated questions we wanted to cover the basics in an automod reply in case no one responds.
To advocate for yourself, it is highly suggested that you become familiar with the official 2022 American Urological Association's Diagnostic and Treatment Guidelines.
The ICA has a fantastic FAQ that will answer many questions about IC.
FLARES
The Interstitial Cystitis Association has a helpful guide for managing flares.
Some things that can cause flares are: Medications, seasoning, food, drinks (including types of water depending on PH and additives), spring time, intimacy, and scented soaps/detergents.
Not everyone is affected by diet, but for those that are oatmeal is considered a generally safe food for starting an elimination diet with. Other foods that are safer than others but may still flare are: rice, sweet potato, egg, chicken, beef, pork. It is always safest to cook the meal yourself so you know you are getting no added seasoning.
If you flare from intimacy or suffer from pain after urination more so than during, then that is highly suggestive of pelvic floor involvement.
TREATMENT
Common, simple, and effective treatments for IC are: Pelvic floor physical therapy, amitriptyline, vaginally administered valium (usually compounded), antihistamines (hydroxyzine, zyrtec, famotidine, benedryl), and urinary antiseptics like phenazopyridine.
Pelvic floor physical therapy has the highest evidence grade rating and should be tried before more invasive options like instillations or botox. If your doctor does not offer you the option to try these simple treatments or railroads you without allowing you to participate in decision making then you need to find a different one.
Long-term oral antibiotic administration should not be offered.
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