I deal with the curse. My urologist said it's due to my transplanted kidney migrating too close to my bladder which causes the inside walls of the bladder to touch causing the irritation. Before I was diagnosed several years ago I assumed I was suffering from chronic UTIs and took a regular prophylactic low dose anti biotic. I get much better results following the IC diet and taking D- mannose. I've not taken anything for pain in the past. I usually just cancel my day and stay home but not everyone can do that. As an interesting side note...the same foods that exacerbate IC symptoms flare up my rosecea!!