If you have urinary pain, burning &/or frequency, and you've been tested for a UTI with negative results, you may have Interstitial Cystitis.
IC is frequently misdiagnosed as a urinary tract infection. Patients often go years without a correct diagnosis. On average, there is about a 4-year delay between the time the first symptoms occur and the diagnosis is made. (MedLinePlus)
The cause of IC is unknown, and there's no cure, although it can be managed with medications and complementary/alternative methods. Diagnosis is by exclusion (sound familiar?). IC may (or may not) be an autoimmune condition.
Here are a few good resources for information on IC:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/000477.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/int...stitis/DS00497
http://www.ichelp.org/Page.aspx?pid=329
Note: while cranberry juice (or capsules) is helpful with a UTI, it will make Interstitial Cystitis worse!
I just thought I'd share all this because I'm in the middle of yet another bout of IC myself.
IC is frequently misdiagnosed as a urinary tract infection. Patients often go years without a correct diagnosis. On average, there is about a 4-year delay between the time the first symptoms occur and the diagnosis is made. (MedLinePlus)
The cause of IC is unknown, and there's no cure, although it can be managed with medications and complementary/alternative methods. Diagnosis is by exclusion (sound familiar?). IC may (or may not) be an autoimmune condition.
Here are a few good resources for information on IC:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/000477.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/int...stitis/DS00497
http://www.ichelp.org/Page.aspx?pid=329
Note: while cranberry juice (or capsules) is helpful with a UTI, it will make Interstitial Cystitis worse!
I just thought I'd share all this because I'm in the middle of yet another bout of IC myself.
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