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Has anyone ever done this, and does anyone know the best way to go about it? I have a normal bladder capacity, but feel the "urge" every time I have just a few oz. of liquid in me. I have tried 10 different waters, including the real expenisve fancy king with no help. I go every 10 min. when I drink any water. I drink about 35-40 oz a day right now and Matia wants me to get up to 64 but its HARD when I am already going going and going some more.
So, any advice if there is anyone out there who has done this would be very helpful.
Bladder Retraining
I did bladder retraining on my own. The urologist I was going to at the time told me to drink and then wait a little longer each time before I went to the bathroom. Are you going full amounts when you go every 10 min.? If you are, then cut back on the amount you are drinking. I usd to measure my urine output in a styrofoam cup that I had marked ounces on. Keep track of how much you drink and how many ounces you actually go. If some of the herbs and foods have you flared, it might make it more difficult to hold onto the urine. I find that to be true even now.
training
Was there a system like waiting a certain amount of time between each visit and upping it every week?I hardly drink any water, about 40oz a day..when I try to work my way up to 64 I am peeing and in pain every 5-10 minutes all day. I cant do it yet.How much is full amounts? I go at least whatever I drink. My urine is clear, so I know I am not dehydrated. Its like the water goes right through me.
Retraining
I was not given any instructions on how to do it, and the doctor never asked again. At the time I did not know I had IC. I managed it on my own. I think a full amount is anywhere from about 5 oz. to 8 oz. or more. I've held as much as 16 oz. overnight. I drink about 3 liters of water a day, which is a little over 3 qt. Some days I don't drink as much, and some days I drink more. I don't know if there is a set amount to drink.
frequency
I never tried the bladder retraining, but I wanted to tell you that I also struggled with frequency and burning during the beginning of treatment. I felt like I had to go again as soon as I finished going. I could have lived on the toilet! I just wanted you to know that I got past all of that. I wish I could remember how long it went on for, I've been meaning to look back at my notes from way back then, I just haven't had a chance. I did force myself to drink water every time I went to the bathroom, mostly because it seemed to hurt more when the volume was low and my pee wasn't as diluted. I also felt like the water was good for flushing out my system, even though it was such a painful experience. Carol
Carole
That is very hopeful for me to read. Thank you so much for sharing, sometimes I feel like this will go on forever, its very good to read you are better now!
Drink a lot
Even a normal person will have to "go" a lot in the beginning as their bodies readjust, so expect some bull to go through in the first couple of days... Remember though, you are diluting the urine, so your bladder will not be as painful...You are more quickly flushing out toxins too... Don't you want that to happen? Let me know how it goes...