Living with cystitis

There are two different types of cystitis, bacterial cystitis and interstitial cystitis, and I've had them both. In fact, I haven't been to a concert for years because it's painful being away from a loo for too long.

It started when I was about 18. I had about three bouts of bacterial cystitis a year, where you get that awful burning sensation when you wee. I always needed antibiotics to sort it out, but my GP just said it was part of being a woman!

Then, when I was about 25, I started getting terrible pains in my pelvis and back. It got so bad that I lost weight and couldn't work. I didn't connect it with cystitis, because it didn't burn when I weed.

I begged doctors to help, but none of them could tell me what it was. I was even asked if I had an overactive imagination medically, because I was a nurse!

Finally, I did my own research on the internet and realised straight away I had interstitial cystitis. I asked to be referred to a urologist and he confirmed it.

Interstitial cystitis is where the bladder wall becomes inflamed. It's more severe and longer lasting than bacterial cystitis, and I've got ulcers on the inside of my bladder wall. Unfortunately, there's no real cure, just ways of keeping it under control.

The Cystitis and Overactive Bladder Foundation have been brilliant in giving me advice. Now I avoid acidic foods and some types of alcohol. I take antibiotics every day to prevent infection, and wear morphine patches to help with the pain.

I had a baby in October 2006, so I'm proof that life does go on. I'm even the young persons' coordinator for the COB Foundation. It helps if young people can ask me questions, such as whether they'd cope at the Glastonbury Festival. But people drive me mad asking if I've tried cranberry juice! That does help with bacterial cystitis, but it makes interstitial cystitis worse.
Kat Thomson, 31, Leeds

For more information and advice, visit www.cobfoundation.org

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