Minnesota,
I have very similar symptoms and have been recently diagnosed with INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS. After 10 years of investigating my vitamin levels, colonoscopies, vaginal exams, CT scans - always thinking it was my "stomach" or my "IBS" or my "Diverticulosis", everything was apparently stemming from my BLADDER. I don't know why this did not cross my mind, or my doctor's minds, but one day I was researching my symptoms and happened upon this website: http://www.ichelp.org/living-with-ic/ and after seeing my GP and a Urologist, they confirmed my suspicion.
After diagnosis, I have been eating a gluten-free, dairy free, vegan and (most important) HIGH ALKALINE diet. I cannot even tell you how much this has helped me. I have always eaten a relatively healthy diet, and was surprised to learn about
the effects of acidic foods on the bladder (even healthy foods). Within 2 weeks of going on a high alkaline diet, I could feel a major difference all over my body. My energy levels, my bowel movements, my skin, my urine, even my gums and menstrual flow are normal now, and my flank pain is gone. My belly is less swollen, and I can button my pants without dull pain in my stomach area. So far, no extreme cramping, no loud gurgling, and no hospital visits - yay!
I have been taking 5,000mg of vitamin D (which was very low) and I have been pouring liquid probiotics into my fruit and vegetable smoothies every morning. I have also been taking Aloe Vera capsules (anti-viral) and Turmeric with Black Pepper capsules (anti-inflammatory). The urologist recommended I take Ibuprofen (600mg 3 times a day) for a week, along with Phenazopyridine (200mg) 3 times a day to get the initial swelling down. An over-the-counter version for Phenazopyridine is Azo (you can find it at Target, and it makes your urine orange, so beware!). DO NOT GET CRANBERRY -- it is too acidic for your bladder if you if you have Interstitial Cystitis.
I just wanted to share with you because I felt like crying in happiness when I finally figured it out. Even though it is considered an autoimmune disease, I was happy to get off all medications and simply modify my food and beverage intake to help heal my body. I was upset that I was given medication and antibiotics for years - which probably made me worse. It is a huge lifestyle change to eat a high alkaline diet, but is totally worth it to feel good. It can take months or years to heal, and unfortunately, some people may have it forever.
Take care, and I wish you the best of luck!
Post Edited (BrittLew) : 4/25/2017 6:18:10 PM (GMT-6)