BLADDER ISSUES

[carolynm]

Does anyone know if a standard urinalysis can detect intersticial cystitis? My worst problem is bladder irritability in the evenings. Would love to rule out any underlying cause.

Thanks,
cari

[HerMajesty]

no, a standard urinalysis can rule out a bladder infection.
The test for interstitial cystitis is a cystoscopy with hydrodistension, that is, your bladder is filled with sterile water while your bladder wall is viewed through a cystoscope. Interstitial cystitis is diagnosed if distension of the bladder is observed to cause pinpoint hemmorhage of the bladder wall.
You might also have other neurogenic bladder problems which can be evaluated through urodynamic testing. This also involves cystoscopy and water put into the bladder, but the bladder is not over-distended so it can be done in-office without anesthesia. You then also pee out the water into a special toilet that measures the strength of the urine stream; and the amount voided is measured to see if you voided all that was put in, or if some was retained. A lot of information about bladder behavior can be discovered this way, but unlike cysto / hydro it is not diagnostic of interstitial cystitis.

[carolynm]

My PT today told me that my nightly alcoholic beverage is not helping my bladder spasms, nor my morning latte. Damn, I had those 2 vices left!

[HerMajesty]

Nope those things ain't helping but if you are fond of your vices , two tips: 1. dilute the "bad stuff" in your system. I have my morning coffee but I also have 3 or 4 tall glasses of water in the morning. 2. Look for a product called Prelief (I know it is available online, might be harder to find in stores). You take it with the "bad stuff" to prevent the negative effects. What prelief actually does is it alkalinizes the urine, as does the "IC diet". Acidic urine irritates the bladder and many people see improvement when they avoid acidic foods or follow up acidic foods with prelief.

[carolynm]

Thank you for your advice!