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Can You Live A Normal Life With Interstitial Cystitis & Coping Methods For It?

Just because we don’t know what causes IC and we don’t have a cure, don’t feel yourself ignored as there is plenty of research that helps you live an improved quality of life.1,2

Interstitial cystitis can be a painful and difficult illness but coping strategies can help control symptoms and relax stress on the pelvic muscles.3

Certain self-care methodologies keep your bladder calm and reduce the possibility of frequent flareups.4,5

Interstitial Cystitis (IC) also known as Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS), is a chronic bladder health condition affecting 4 to 12 million people in the US. It causes recurring bouts of pain and pressure in the bladder and pelvic area in which the bladder wall becomes irritated or inflamed.

The degree of pain can be continual or occasional and your symptoms can vary day to day. It can produce a significant impact on your daily life, work, emotional health, and perhaps with your relationships as well.

Can You Live A Normal Life With Interstitial Cystitis?

When a person has interstitial cystitis, he/she will have the urge to urinate frequently accompanied by irritation and pain. This can be an uncomfortable experience because you tend to run to the restroom often, you try to urinate, although you get temporary relief, you are very soon to the feelings of pain.

Interstitial cystitis can dominate the individual’s lives impacting everything from sleep, carrier choices, and sexual lives with their partners. Just because we don’t know what causes IC and we don’t have a cure, don’t feel yourself ignored as there is plenty of research that helps you live an improved quality of life.1,2

To make that work find ways that work best for you

Consult A Healthcare Professional- To get proper treatment, it is more essential to have a consultation with the right professional so you can have the same level of enthusiasm with the treatment.

Understand Your Problem And Explore Self-Help Techniques- Treatment can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the patient’s health condition. However, since many patients have this problem, understand those diagnoses which can help ease your symptoms

Seek Support- IC patients can seek support and discuss challenges with support centers. These organizations provide a safe and educational environment for you and help you with your struggles.3

Coping Strategies -Ways To Help Control Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis can be a painful and difficult illness, but coping strategies can help control symptoms and relax stress on the pelvic muscles Medical studies demonstrate that interstitial cystitis patients experience depressive symptoms and reduced quality of life.

Certain self-care methodologies keep your bladder calm and reduce the possibility of frequent flareups. Lifestyle modifications can help cope up with your situation.

Food And Drink – Although there is no proven evidence that diet can control or ease symptoms however eliminating certain food from your diet can reduce flares and relax your strained muscles.

Antibiotics And OTC Medications – If you have been prescribed pain medication, take instantly when you experience symptoms. Don’t think you can manage the symptoms and later regret it. Pain medication when taken during the initial flare can prevent the pain from becoming severe.4,5

If you don’t manage your symptoms effectively, you might be at risk of seemly depressed. Speak you to your family, friends, or a specialist and manage your living much better.

References:

  1. “Living a Normal Life for the First Time.” Interstitial Cystitis Association, 9 Feb. 2017, www.ichelp.org/living-normal-life-first-time/.
  2. “Niki Wells – Living with Interstitial Cystitis.” Bladder & Bowel Community, 3 Feb. 2020, www.bladderandbowel.org/news/niki-wells-living-with-interstitial-cystitis/.
  3. KJ;, Rothrock N;Lutgendorf SK;Kreder. “Coping Strategies in Patients With Interstitial Cystitis: Relationships With Quality of Life and Depression.” The Journal of Urology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12478143/.
  4. “Coping.” Women’s Health Matters, www.womenshealthmatters.ca/health-centres/pelvic-health/interstitial-cystitis/coping/.
  5. Katz, Laura, et al. “Understanding Pain and Coping in Women with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome.” BJU International, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 5 May 2017, bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bju.13874.

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:June 21, 2020

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