Another endo related health issue - Interstitial cystitis. Now I need to change my diet.

[CeriLou]

Hi all, I am one post op of my 4th op. My consultant (who's amazing - im very lucky) has advised that I also have Interstitial cystitis now which makes sense when I think about the symptoms - needing to wee suddenly (not fun mid work meeting) and painful until I go in my pelvic area (like we need anything else to cause pain there right). He advised to cut down on certain foods, the standard - alcohol (apparently red wine is the worse culprit of course it is its my fave), fizzy drinks, citrus fruits, caffeine, tomotos. I have already made the changes (it's hard - no caffeine how do you survive without that kickstart to the day). I have been doing some research and read that some women have taken food tolerance tests as we know endo is linked with intolerances and I was wondering if anyone had taken this step? Found it valuable? Have any recommendations or experience at all?

Thanks so much

💛 X

[MinnieMinnie]

Hi, it has been here a lot, but diets helps. I cut out wheat, sugar, coffee, wine, fresh dairy products. A big difference in bloating and pain level. Try, it works.

I drink green tea for breakfast, and when I am adventurous ha ha - I drink English breakfast tea with more coffeine in it. It is all a habit to drink coffee. Stop for a week and you will realise that you can live without it.

[CeriLou in reply to MinnieMinnie]

Hi, thanks for the reply that's really helpful. Do you eat any of the free from foods? I haven't drank coffee for a week now and feel ok I think the struggle will be when I return to work but am going to give decaf a try as think now I've done a week it will be like a placebo affect!

[MinnieMinnie in reply to CeriLou]

Hi, what do you mean by free from foods? Gluten free? Yes, I eat everything without wheat and gluten. There are a lot of alternatives if you google, you will find.

I would not start with decaf because for your cystitis it still could be irritation. Even a decaf coffee contains a bit of coffeine. Maybe wait until you are better.

Crunberries usually are very good for cystitis. Hope this helps.

[CeriLou in reply to MinnieMinnie]

Thanks that's helpful hadn't thought of that. Think I'm going to try with the teas then and continue on the water - I'm lucky I don't really like fizzy drinks and squash.

[MinnieMinnie in reply to CeriLou]

Good luck!