Are my flank pains due to my bladder problem?

[CaribQueen]

I have been diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis in October 2011. But it would seem that I had the problem as far back as 2005 or before. When my bladder became inflamed, the pain felt like it was a kidney infection or UTI which I first suffered from in 1995. The pains include flank pains on the left and right sides of my back and pains that seem to run a long the path of the ureters on both sides of front lower abdomen, right down to the top of my thighs. Interestingly, my bladder was rarely painful, only if I hold my urine for several hours and the pain would be a numbing sort of cramp like feeling. So I would go to the GP (between 2005 to 2011) and receive antibiotics, take the tablets, but the urine sample came back clean. None of the GPs noticed or if they did - they failed to tell me - until a locum pointed out this pattern and I was referred to a urologist. I had a cystoscopy in Oct 2011, which confirmed that my bladder would bleed once it was filled with liquid.

I have persistent flank pains (which were the pains I associate with a kidney infection). The flank pains are more severe in the mornings, since I need to empty my bladder every hour in order to keep the pain at a minimum. But the pain is constant and it never goes away. I have mentioned this to my urologist and he said the flank pains have nothing to do with the interstitial cystitis. I have had blood tests and scans to test my kidney functions in 2011 and there was no concerns. However, I have access to my GP records between 2005-2010 and twice in 2006, the following was recorded on my file: "Chronic kidney disease stage 3 (XaLHI)- GFR 55 (new episode), Glomerular filtration rate (XSFyN) 55.0mL/min -Original units:mL/min 55.00 Abnormal." I dont know what that means.

So my question is this: Do patients with IC have flank pains? And are my flank pains related to my inflamed bladder? The flank pains never go away. The pain is either acute or dull. It becomes a dull pain once I am able to urinate frequently. If I have to hold my urine for over 5 hours, my entire abdominal area (upper, lower, back and font) becomes severely painful (feeling inflamed) and my bladder essentially feels numb.

I have been given elmiron, but I had to stop because of gastro tests and will resume taking that medication soon

I am a 45 year old female, overweight, actually obese according to the NHS, early onset osteo-arthritis in knees. Pre-diabetic. Always have high plasma viscosity between 1.84 and 1.92. Peroneal nerve palsy in right leg (cause not sure). Inflamed plantar fascia and pockets of inflammation in ball of right foot and between the metatarsals; (possible nerve compression of nerve to right big toe, being investigated) and gastro problems.

[Ann Moore]

You dont mention how they are treating the IC... certainly the pain may be related.. Drink plenty of fluids and pass urine regularily.. If you are not been treated then you need to be re referred to your local Urologist.. You may need your kidney function tests repeated ( via blood test)