Posts by Steven Sanchez10

I am not entirely certain whether you have been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis, an overactive bladder, pelvic floor dysfunction, or perhaps something else altogether.
One cannot truly speak of interstitial cystitis without first undergoing a comprehensive battery of tests. This process requires laboratory work to rule out all possible infections—think urine cultures, swabs for mycoplasma, chlamydia, trichomonas, herpes, or even renal tuberculosis. Furthermore, clinical clarity usually demands an IV urogram, a cystoscopy to inspect the bladder lining, cystometry to evaluate muscle function and maximum capacity, and hydrodistension with biopsy to check for petechial bleeding, ecchymosis, or glomerulations.

Have you kept a bladder diary? It is worth noting how often you find yourself needing to go; with IC, frequency can skykcket to as many as 60 times a day. Patients often face a constant urge, intense pressure, and persistent discomfort. These symptoms tend to fluctuate based on dietary choices, sexual activity, menstrual cycles, and various other factors.

Do you experience longer periods where things seem to improve? I wonder how much your quality of life has been compromised and how you manage to navigate your career and daily responsibilities. Dealing with IC can turn simple pleasures, like grabbing coffee or going to the movies, into significant challenges. It is hardly surprising that the impact on a patient's life is compared to those facing much more systemic struggles, as noted here:
A Harvard Medical School Guide states that The quality of Life of interstitial cystitis patients resembles that of a person on kidney dialysis or suffering fra chronic cancer pain

The following statistics also paint a sobering picture regarding the prognosis:

A survey showed that among people with interstitial cystitis:

40% were unable to work
27% were unable to have sex due to pain
27% had marriage breakdown
55% contemplated suicide
12% had attempted suicide

This is a serious diagnosis, one that should not be confused with "standard" chronic cystitis, which typically allows for longer periods of remission where a patient can function normally.

It is a condition that profoundly disrupts one's existence. While there are rare accounts of complete recovery or significant improvement, for most, it remains a persistent, chronic struggle characterized by debilitating symptoms.

If a person hasn't completed that full diagnostic gauntlet, they shouldn't jump to an IC conclusion. Because the etiology is so murky and the testing so complex, it often takes five years of searching just to reach a definitive answer.

Nicole Ward6 said:Regarding my testing, I've done urine cultures about 4 or 5 times—all sterile. I also did a full urinalysis; everything looks fine except for some red blood cells. My urine cytology showed micro-bleeding from the urothelium, likely in the lower part and maybe even the upper tract (kidneys). I've had three ultrasounds; once everything was clear, the second one showed something that might have been sediment or sand, but they weren't sure, and the third one was clear again. I had a cystoscopy two months ago—there are zero signs of inflammation (!!!)—but they did find some mild leukoplakia, which is supposedly caused by inflammation... even though there's no inflammation present. I saw my OB/GYN for cervical swabs covering HPV, chlamydia, anaerobes, aerobes, mycoplasma, and ureaplasma using the PCR method—all came back sterile. The only thing I haven't done is a urethral swab, mainly because my urologist said there was no point since there's no sign of infection. I've thought about seeing a specialist privately just to get that swab, but honestly, I'm starting to fear they won't find anything either. Oh, and I did a more detailed pelvic ultrasound too. Same result. Also, my period feels different now. And of course, obviously, they referred me to a psychologist. It's true I've been under a lot of stress lately, which shouldn't be ignored, but still! On the urine cytology, you can actually see the bladder cells "peeling"—the first and middle layers. I looked that up online because it didn't seem like my urologist really noticed it.

It might be worth getting an IVP (intravenous pyelogram)—essentially an X-ray of the kidneys—to rule out any stones once and for all.
You should also consider checking for renal tuberculosis just to eliminate that possibility.
What kind of symptoms are you actually dealing with? Is it just frequency, or are you in pain too? How often are you going during the day versus being woken up at night? Does that pressure in your bladder linger even after you've finished? Of course, these things fluctuate constantly depending on various factors—some days feel worse, some better, but rarely is it ever truly 100% okay.
Are there specific triggers that make things flare up, such as intimacy, anger, acidic foods, or even just the cold?

Nicole Ward6 said:Hmm, I've been struggling with these exact same issues for three years now. Where can I go for testing so I can actually get a formal diagnosis? Based on everything I'm feeling—frequent urination without any visible signs of infection—I strongly suspect it's that specific condition. I've tried every antibiotic imaginable, but nothing works. The last time I saw a urologist, he just prescribed Medazol. When I asked him what was actually wrong, he just said it was "chronic." I don't get it; I'm only 32, not an old lady! On top of that, I can't sleep at all because of the constant pressure. It’s really taken a toll on my mental health because I've spent three years unable to figure out what's happening or find the right treatment. Please, HELP!!!

I am so sorry you're going through this; I truly empathize with your situation..
What kind of tests have you completed so far?
Have you had full cultures done, a gynecological exam, a cystoscopy, or perhaps urodynamics?...
What did your results show?
That sensation of pressure and the resulting insomnia are classic hallmarks of interstitial cystitis; I deal with much of the same, having spent years deprived of sleep. However, one must methodically rule out all other potential culprits before those symptoms can be definitively attributed to interstitial cystitis.
So, which diagnostic paths have you taken, and have you ruled out other possibilities: gynecological issues like infections or endometriosis, renal tuberculosis, a prolapsed bladder, or even cysts that might be exerting pressure?
Let me know.

Has anyone here ever visited Emil Kušec, the chiropractor over in Washington, D.C.? I stumbled upon his practice online, but since I don't know much about his reputation, I'd be truly grateful if someone could share their experience or offer a recommendation.

Kyle Taylor said:Hey there! Sorry for the late reply..🙂 Your situation is pretty awkward, but honestly, you’ve handled it well so far. I’ve met women who went as far as getting a hysterectomy because of this, and let me tell you, nothing actually worked better. Anyway, I heard this wild theory about it. Basically, your body isn't metabolizing certain substances the way it's supposed to. These things build up in your system, irritating your nerves, which then registers as bladder pain, nausea, or that urge to vomit. For some ladies, it feels just like PMS. The stuff bothering you is called biogenic amines. The most famous one is histamine. The catch is that you have to avoid spicy or heavy foods: pizza, salami, deli sandwiches with red meat, prosciutto, onions, red wine, pepper, kale, leeks, etc., etc., etc..
Treatment: Forget about NSAIDs.. This isn't PMS. You need to take H1 and H2 antagonists. H1: H1 : rinolan, Synopen, Claritin. H2: good old Peptoran.. But if you don't hold back on those foods I mentioned above, none of it will matter..
And obviously, before you decide on any of this, make sure you consult with your chosen doctor or pharmacist.
P.S. You aren't crazy, I know how nasty this thing is...

I appreciate the advice, but in my experience, those medications didn't do a thing. Antihistamines—basically allergy meds—haven't worked, and sticking to a strict diet hasn't yielded any significant results either. This whole situation is much more complicated than that, and unfortunately, it seems my only option is to seek medical help outside of the US and just figure out how to manage the costs however I can...

Nancy Newman6 said:I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis about four years ago. Honestly, there isn't really an adequate cure out there anywhere in the world right now. A little bit of bladder stretching—hydrodistension—helps slightly. It's also super important to stay disciplined with your diet to manage the symptoms; you've gotta avoid anything acidic, spicy, or processed junk food filled with additives. Basically, just eat real food like people used to. Even though it’s incredibly tough and I’m constantly running to the bathroom in pain, 😕I've somewhat made peace with the fact that this is just my reality for now.
I go to my check-ups regularly, but I haven't found any real solutions or relief yet. Interstitial cystitis is such a rare condition that most urologists don't focus on it much; it’s still largely unresearched and mostly guesswork. Since I'm only 34, I'm staying optimistic. I truly believe a real cure will be found eventually—time is on my side.

Thanks for sharing your story! I sent you a private message, so please reach out when you have a moment.
If anyone else here is dealing with this tedious diagnosis, feel free to connect; perhaps we can figure something out together.😉

slyskipper17 said:That one oversight ended up costing me about $700. $267 About eighteen months ago, I found myself in the hospital. I had conceived during my sixth week of pregnancy. When the news first broke, I sat down with my father and brother to talk it through; they were incredibly steady, urging me to see the journey through to the end. That support meant everything to me, especially since my partner at the time—though he wasn't the biological father—was an absolute rock, promising he would stand by both me and the baby no matter what.
I ultimately made the decision to go through with an abortion because I was focused on building a significant foundation for my future, and I knew that bringing a child into the equation at that specific moment would have fundamentally constrained my path.
The entire procedure lasted about two to three minutes, though the discomfort was quite sharp; I spent the following forty-five minutes simply lying still, feeling as though any movement would be a mistake.
Looking back, I find myself feeling absolutely zero lingering regret over that decision; if anything, there’s a quiet sense of relief that I didn't choose to stay.
There is plenty of time ahead of us; in five or six years, the season will eventually arrive for starting a family.
It might be worth seeking some outside counsel on the matter; ultimately, the decision rests entirely with you, depending on what you truly desire and how far you are willing to go.

While negative outcomes aren't a certainty, the possibility remains a reality. Working in the healthcare field gives me a front-row seat to how these things play out in practice. Potential complications could manifest as irregularities in future menstrual cycles or challenges during subsequent pregnancies—for instance, issues like preterm labor, where the cervix may become more prone to opening too early. There can also be increased difficulty with conception later on, particularly if a first pregnancy is interrupted. We aren't here to lecture anyone or offer unsolicited advice that wasn't asked for, but having a clear understanding of these risks is simply prudent for the future.

Henry Nelson95 said:I’ve been wanting to take up swimming for quite some time, but I feel the need to pack on at least twenty pounds first so I don't show up looking like a toothpick.

I wouldn't dwell on that; people are generally too preoccupied with their own reflection in the water to notice anyone else. Most folks hitting the pool just want their own lane and some peace, so just stick to freestyle until you find your rhythm, then gradually branch out into other strokes.

My apologies, I got the name wrong—that shop is actually called Helicopter. But something else just occurred to me. Rather than relying solely on protein shakes, you might want to consider Ensure Plus. It’s essentially a liquid, high-calorie nutritional supplement packed with vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbs, fats, and trace elements. It is typically used for people dealing with malnutrition, chronic illnesses, athletes, or those recovering from injuries or surgery. In your specific situation, you could use it as a dietary supplement twice a day between meals—say, between breakfast and lunch, and again between lunch and dinner. Since Ensure Plus is included on the supplemental list for Medicare, it can be covered by prescription if a hospital specialist recommends it. You can pick it up over the counter at any pharmacy without a script, though it is quite pricey (one 220ml carton runs about $4.00), so if we round it out, you'd probably need $8.25 a day. This approach would be beneficial for you because it effectively gives you five meals a day, ensuring you get all the necessary nutrients. They usually offer vanilla and chocolate flavors🙂. As for the gym, I would suggest ignoring that for now; the guys are giving you sound advice—save the heavy lifting for when you're a bit older. Best of luck!

Swimming is arguably the most effective way to build that kind of physique. Swimmers tend to develop incredibly powerful cores, which seems to be exactly what you're aiming for. What is the general build of your parents?

Henry Nelson95 said:I’ve been trying to work out at home, but I’m just not seeing much progress, so I’m thinking about adding some protein supplements to the mix.
Could you please point me toward where I can pick some up, what the damage might be to my wallet, and whether I should take them before or after lifting weights?
I’ve heard somewhere that once you deplete your muscles during a workout—that’s when they start to ache—you use protein to help them grow back, but I couldn't say for certain if that's how it works.

Typically, people drink their protein right after a session to "feed" the muscles, and perhaps again before bed. You can find supplements at most local gyms, or even at a Helios in a Vlach neighborhood. If you ask the staff there, they’ll explain everything, though you have to be careful because they might try to upsell you on every little thing just to make a sale. My advice would be to skip the carbohydrate supplements if they offer them; it’s essentially throwing money away when you can get your carbs from something simple like a bowl of chocolate cereal. Honestly, working out at home rarely yields significant results since it's difficult to replicate a full routine with just a few dumbbells, and muscle growth isn't an overnight phenomenon anyway. Since you're still developing, you really shouldn't push yourself with heavy loads, or you risk wrecking your joints and lower back. It might actually be more beneficial to try swimming if you have access to a pool, combined with a solid, balanced diet. It’s a great way to build strength without the constant worry of injury.

Since you’re still in that developmental stage, you'll naturally see an increase in both body weight and muscle mass as you mature. Typically, protein supplements are reserved for those engaged in athletics, given their role in muscle synthesis. If your goal is to avoid gaining excess fat, steer clear of foods high in carbohydrates and fats. Rather than overdoing it, aim for a diverse diet and try to eat at least three times a day. If you are set on using supplements, whey protein is the standard choice; taking it twice daily is sufficient, though it really only makes sense if you're hitting the gym regularly. While lifting weights combined with protein intake can certainly build muscle, someone your age should approach heavy lifting with caution—it is best to consult a professional trainer who can tailor a routine specifically for your age group. Furthermore, one should be mindful that excessive protein can be taxing for certain individuals, particularly those with kidney issues, so seeking medical advice is always the prudent path.

Everyone seems to be offering their two cents, but you really ought to consult with an OB-GYN if you haven't already. At this stage, medication isn't going to cut it, so you're likely looking at a D&C, though perhaps a vacuum aspiration might suffice. It’s worth weighing the potential long-term implications of a miscarriage—specifically how it might impact future pregnancies—especially if this is your first time navigating pregnancy. You might find yourself considering the option that feels most daunting right now: continuing the pregnancy and moving toward childbirth. You are an adult, and in the grand scheme of things, becoming a mother at your age is far from a catastrophe. Ultimately, facing the reality of your situation now is much simpler than dealing with the fallout later.

It isn't stress, unfortunately... if only it were something as simple as that, one could just grab hold of it and fix it. I recently underwent a bladder biopsy, and the results indicate chronic inflammatory changes, which likely points toward interstitial cystitis—a condition for which there seems to be no truly adequate cure. That is why I am reaching out to see if anyone else here shares this diagnosis so we might exchange perspectives.

Has anyone here been officially diagnosed with interstitial cystitis—that chronic, non-bacterial version of cystitis that seems completely immune to standard treatments? I’ve been wrestling with this for ten years now, cycling through specialists and various alternative practitioners, pouring a small fortune into it with absolutely zero results... HELP