painful bladder syndrome answers

I know this is primarily Freya's blog, but I don't think she will mind me talking about this subject. I will admit I find myself in a funk over it at times and at others...I'm ok and I deal. I suppose that's partly why I haven't been online anywhere for a while. But I'm going to be ok, it's not a life threatening condition and thankfully it's one of the few that doesn't lead to cancer.

There is some treatment for painful bladder syndrome but mostly it's an inflammatory syndrome that you have to quell. I take a pill three times a day that is supposed to help rebuild the lining of the bladder. Also, they use two pills and put the powder in a fluid that they use as an infusion for the bladder directly (yeah that means a catheter...which I loathe) to help jump start the process. The pills take about 3 to 6 months before it really starts to work.

Since it's an inflammatory issue--I was told that when I'm at my worst with allergies, I can expect to have flares (otherwise known as uti like symptoms.) Essentially, I'm following a low acid and low/no potassium diet right now. Potassium and acids (as well as caffeine and alcohol and spicy foods) irritates the weakened bladder so it's quicker to avoid than the suffer in pain. Oh the pain...it's an interesting sensation that feels like a low voltage going through my gut. Thankfully, I have some fun blue pills that's supposed to help with the spasms.

All in all it's a lifestyle to maintain until things calm down. I won't regain the lost capacity, but the goal is to not lose more. Eventually, from what I've read of the forums dealing with this issue--I can go back to my love of coffee and beer and wines one day. Oh and the occasional chocolate bar. Until then, I'll drink my milk, eat my white chocolates, and try to abstain from the foods that cause me pain.