Internal cystitis

[RueCitroen]

I am self diagnosing internal cystitis - 75% of the time I have mild to moderate pain and irritation of my bladder which is worse when my bladder is full. No burning when passing urine and no discharge or anything. Coffee, too much fruit, fizzy water, even natural yoghurt trigger it, as does sex. Relying on paracetamol and sachets for relief which do help. Does this sound familiar to anyone ?

I think you might mean interstitial cystitis?

There is a very good online site on bladders which has a forum and loads of info.

bladderhealthuk.org/bladder-health-uk

Sorry to sound blunt. I had this for years and can only keep it under control with diet (avoiding foods and drinks.) The 'diet' that might help should be on the website above.

Have you seen a Gp and been referred to a urologist? I would make that a priority as there are other conditions that can cause similar symptoms and you want to rule those out first.

I have long term recurrent urine infections and take a daily antibiotic, upping to 3 a day if I need to. I’ve been on them since I was 14 and I’m now 38 and apart from the odd flare up I generally manage okay. I do also use oestrogen cream internally which also helps with bladder discomfort.

It needs to be a consultant who is an expert in this - many aren't and haven't even heard of it. There is also great controversy over investigations- bladder investigations/ stretches- which can make it worse. Trying the diet is a good way to start to see if that helps.

Thanks for your responses and I will certainly check out the website & forums. I am desperate to try to control things with diet rather than go to Dr. Have no other symptoms and am in great general health so don't think it's anything more sinister. Been going on for some while now so it's been good to share with others.