What is end stage IC?

End-stage interstitial cystitis is defined as a hard bladder that triggers intense pain and possesses very low bladder capacity. Many cases of end-stage interstitial cystitis involve Hunner’s ulcers. Also known as “end-stage IC”, only about 5% of IC patients develop this severe condition.

Can IC pain be severe?

Interstitial cystitis (IC) can be severely painful and incapacitating and may require aggressive pain management medicines such as opiate therapy when more conservative approaches fail. People with IC can experience both acute and chronic pain: Acute pain: has a sudden beginning and lasts for a shorter time period.

Can interstitial cystitis be serious?

IC is a chronic disease. Patients may find some comfort in the fact that it is not life-threatening and it does not lead to cancer. However, because the symptoms are always present, patients need to develop coping skills to deal with them.

What happens if IC goes untreated?

Signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis often mimic those of a chronic urinary tract infection, but this condition has nothing to do with bacteria. But just like a urinary tract infection, if left untreated, interstitial cystitis can have a long-lasting impact on quality of life.

Can I get disability for interstitial cystitis?

Patients with severe forms of interstitial cystitis may be disabled from even a sedentary (“desk job”) occupation if their symptoms cause severe bladder and pelvic pain, and if they require very frequent and repeated bathroom breaks through a work day.

Does interstitial cystitis make your stomach swell?

Bloating. Bloating or swelling of the belly (“IC belly”) is a common complaint among people with IC. Excess gas and distention of the abdomen may worsen IC symptoms.

Why is IC so painful?

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder condition that causes discomfort and/or pain in the bladder or pelvic region. The bladder walls become inflamed and irritated, which causes the bladder to become very sensitive.

Can IC cause weight gain?

Side effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, and weight gain. The only oral medication approved by the FDA specifically for the treatment of IC, Elmiron is thought to help repair defects in the bladder lining.

What is IC (incontinence syndrome)?

IC may also be referred to as painful bladder syndrome (PBS), bladder pain syndrome (BPS), and chronic pelvic pain. Read more about these different names for IC.

What is interstitial cystitis (IC)?

Interstitial cystitis (in-ter-stish-uhl sĭ-stī’tĭs), or as we call it, IC, is a bladder condition that usually consists of multiple symptoms. Most IC patients have recurring pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region, and urinary frequency (needing to go often) and urgency (feeling a strong need to go).

What percentage of IC patients have persistent symptoms and end stage disease?

About 5% of IC patients have persistent symptoms for more than 2 years and 5% of patients have end stage disease defined as very hard bladders with low capacity and terrible pain. Many of these patients also have Hunner’s ulcers.

How long do hard bladders last in IC?