An interstitial cystitis (IC) flare is the intense return of IC symptoms in a patient who has been relatively pain free. Flares can be caused by a variety of things including certain foods, unmanaged stress, physical activity, restrictive clothing, and sexual intercourse. Symptoms of a flare can include urinary frequency, urgency, and pain. Patients in a flare may also experience extreme fatigue, anxiety, and depression as they struggle to cope with the recurrence of symptoms they thought were under control. In fact, I often get calls from patients who are in a flare saying, “Just tell me what to eat. I am too sick to think about it.”
Since flares are unpredictable, I suggest that you keep a list of things you can eat as well as things you can do to help get yourself through a flare. Keep a stock of bladder friendly food on hand. Keep chicken, green beans, and bread in the freezer. Canned green beans and pears can be stored in your pantry. Rice can be instant or long grain.
In addition to keeping these staples on hand, you may also want to have a sample menu handy. This can make mealtime more manageable, especially if someone else prepares your meals. Your sample menu for flares might look something like this:
- Breakfast:
Scrambled eggs and toast with butter
Pears
Milk
- Lunch:
Chicken sandwich with white bread
Carrots
Pears
Milk
- Choose a Snack:
Bagel, toast, hard-boiled egg, carrots, pears, milk
- Dinner:
Chicken
Rice
Green beans
Pears
Milk
In addition to planning the food you might eat during a flare, you might want to create a list of other things including your urologist’s phone number and a list of medicines to take. Other strategies that can help in relieving a flare include getting plenty of rest, practicing stress reduction strategies, taking warm baths with Epsom salts or baking soda, writing in your journal, and talking to other IC or OAB patients. Heating pads can fool the body into thinking that you are not feeling any pelvic pain. You will be more comfortable if you wear loose clothing when you have a flare. Medical scrubs, pajama pants, and sweat pants with adjustable waistbands are good choices. Women may also be more comfortable in jumpers or loose sundresses. Flat shoes or slippers are easier on your back than shoes with heels. Finally, if you do not experience relief after a few days, be sure to consult your doctor.
Adapted from Confident Choices: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet Julie Beyer, MA, RD www.ic-diet.com
Julie Beyer, MA, RD
Website: www.ic-diet.com
To schedule a personal phone consultation with Julie, please call 1-866-537-8766