1. < Bladder Conditions
Profile picture for eltenwyrd

Interstitial cystitis: having trouble managing flair ups

Posted by eltenwyrd @eltenwyrd, Dec 5, 2025

I was diagnosed with IC a few years back and have had a long history of UTIs and kidney issues. I eat indian food daily and drink caffeine. My flairs are unpredictable. I had cut out all caffeine and spice but for two years it did not make a difference. I had the same amount of inperdictable flairs. Now when i flair drinking is the only thing that can help me sleep. I told my doctor but nothing... i dont know what to do.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bladder Conditions Support Group.

Profile picture for Cheryl, Volunteer Mentor
Mentor
Cheryl, Volunteer Mentor | @cehunt57 | Dec 6, 2025

@eltenwyrd welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. IC can be bad and I’m sorry that it is affecting your sleep. There have been other discussions about IC in here in the bladder conditions group. Check them out. Perhaps you will find something useful. One thing is for sure, you are not alone. I’m a bit concerned that alcohol is the only thing that helps you sleep because there are other potentially troublesome issues associated with alcohol. Hopefully your doctor will respond soon. Maybe ask about a sleep aid. (But those have issues too.)

REPLY
Profile picture for rr2
rr2 | @rr2 | May 1 6:55am

Can any one help me with IC flare ups and how does it feel?
I am going through hell with this

REPLY
Profile picture for lmprap
lmprap | @lmprap | May 4 8:48pm

I’m thinking I have this as well. The burning. Bloating. Just sore all day feeling. I think I must be super sensitive to everything

REPLY
Profile picture for lolly3338
lolly3338 | @lolly3338 | May 14 7:30pm

I have IC. The most horrific experience in my life. The pain was unbearable. Finally my doctor put me on Elimorn and 2 weeks of macrobid when I flare. It is life changing

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for thebebe
thebebe | @thebebe | May 14 10:31pm

I want to follow this thread

REPLY
Profile picture for JVS
JVS | @lacy2 | May 16 8:00pm
In reply to @lolly3338 "I have IC. The most horrific experience in my life. The pain was unbearable. Finally my..." + (show)
Profile picture for lolly3338 @lolly3338

I have IC. The most horrific experience in my life. The pain was unbearable. Finally my doctor put me on Elimorn and 2 weeks of macrobid when I flare. It is life changing

Jump to this post

@lolly3338 Interested in those meds as I am also contending and have been for long time with IC etc etc. so checked on internet and, as usual, says I shoujld not use due to my type ofGlaucoma. So fed up: just about every medication that would help me with various illnesses, have a strong warning re vision so am between a rock and a hard place: happy you got some help !
"Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) is strictly contraindicated in patients with a history of macular pathology, including normal-tension glaucoma. Because both Elmiron and normal-tension glaucoma affect the retina and optic nerve, taking these medications together poses a significant risk to your central vision.Before combining these medications or starting Elmiron for bladder pain, you must discuss your glaucoma with your ophthalmologist."

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.