endometrial cancer and Interstitial cystitis

@justmelaura Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect and to our Support Group.

I experienced interstitial cystitis many years ago and so I know how painful this is. Have you talked with your primary care physician or a urologist about this flare-up? I recall that mine would flare up during times of stress and that made it so much worse.

What are you doing now to reduce the symptoms of the flare-up? Are you taking antibiotics?

Hello Helen.
Yes, I've been talking with everyone of my dr's about this flare up. It came when the fibroid bleeding started in early April. I was diagnosed 25 years ago and was able to keep it under control by avoiding certain foods. Now nothing helps.
I am on antibiotics as my pre-op lab work showed bacteria. Monday I do another UA and hope it's all gone because they won't do they hysterectomy on Thursday if I have an infection of any kind. My hope is that during surgery my oncologist will look inside my bladder with a scope. I understand that is not unheard of. I see her tomorrow and I'm going to get on my knees and beg her to do it. My urologist seems kind of lazy. She did suggest a cystoscopy, but I just haven't been up for it because of lack of sleep. She is busy and not a good communicator. Probably not smart on my part to avoid it for 2 months. I'm now concerned about bladder cancer. It's a possibility I would not be surprised to find.
I'm eating low and zero acid foods to help with the flare up. It's been a very bland and tasteless journey. I'm so looking forward to a cup of coffee again one day. My diet hasn't really helped my symptoms which is why I'm afraid of bladder cancer.
Thank you,
Laura

I had very bad case of IC soon after going through menopause (@ 20 yrs ago, (my theory not the Dr's, was that my bladder lining was thinning and the acid of the urine was irritating). I found an excellent urologist who understood IC and after many tests, some quite annoying, he prescribed Flomax (the prostate drug) and lo and behold I got better. I no longer have it and never have flare ups. I have been on the immunotherapy drug Jemperli for a year and a half for endometrial cancer; and all the radiation I had never caused a flare-up. This is my experience, and maybe something for you to consider with your doctors.

@riverland889 This is very ecouraging. I thank you very much. Yes, I agree about the acidity of urine causing trouble. I've eliminated as many acidic foods as possible from my diet. My oncologist told me the best thing for my bladder would be vaginal estrogen. I can't seem to use that as it causes extreme panic attacks for me. Oncologist was surprised, but it is what happens. I'll talk about flomax with my new urogyn when I meet them. I appreciate your response.

You are welcome, best of luck to you.