This morning I went to see a physician specializing in allergy and clinical immunology. My family doctor had referred me, thinking I would be able to get testing done to see if I have any allergies to foods that might be exacerbating my IC symptoms. Unfortunately, though the specialist was very nice and took her time in the clinic room to speak with me, she said allergy testing would not be useful because I’ve never had hives, rash, anaphylactic signs or any other such symptoms that would indicate a food allergy. I told her my current symptoms, including my past problems with IBS and GERD, and suggested an underlying food allergy may be contributing to my IC, but she maintained the opinion that an allergy is not part of my problem.
On the one hand, I’m glad a qualified doctor has told me she doesn’t even need to do a (pinprick) blood test – I have no allergies – but now I’m back at square one again. I do, obviously, have food intolerances or sensitivities, because I know that certain foods cause my bladder symptoms to flare. The specialist recommended I keep a diet journal to keep track of what foods and drinks might be making my symptoms worse. I think it’s a good idea, and one I’ll follow, but I still need help sorting out the complexity of my diet and how it relates to IC. The question now is, whether to see a dietician or a naturopathic doctor, or someone else entirely. I need to find someone who can do extensive blood, stool, and hormone testing. I know there’s more to this puzzle that hasn’t been uncovered yet, and I’m determined to get to the bottom of it.
For now, I’ll try to contact local dieticians to get help at least with a baseline healthy diet that avoids the worst IC triggers. From there I might look into seeing a naturopath or someone else who can do other functional testing.
The Happy Bladder 
I do not have true food allergies as such, as they would be so obvious as the doctor said, BUT i have had tests and i am intolerant to wheat, gluten and yeast. As well as following the ic diet at the beginning of feb i cut out wheat, yeast and gluten. My horrible ibs is now 95% better. My ic has improved a lot. I saw gastrologists 4 times, one supposedly the best in kent. Cost a fortune, only to be told no, its not food. Just accept it and take laxatives or imodium when needed!!! I wish i had been tested years and years ago and not suffered so much. Ibs and ic are diseases that confound doctors because we are all different and do not follow a precise pattern. Because of the strictness of the diet i lost a lot of weight and now below bmi. I am seeing a naturopath, nutritional therapist who has helped me make a plan to eat good and maintain weight. In the uk we are severely lacking in cafes, restaurants etc that serve wheat and gluten free meals, so i do struggle to eat out as everything i have is made from scratch, due to the limits of the ic diet too. I wish you well, and would not deter you from testing, or trying it out yourself on the elimination diet. It will just take you longer.
I’ve had all the thorough testing that you are thinking about with a naturopath doctor. It cost a fortune, all out of pocket, but was worth it to know what vitamin and mineral deficiencies I had and good to know what it was not. With the food allergy/sensitivity tests, I showed over 30. Although they weren’t severe allergies, it is not normal to have so many. It has something to do with the mast cell degeneration of ic. Keep up the search!
I’m so glad you’ve found some solutions through your diet, Chrissy. I think it’s interesting that there seems to be a strong connection between IC and IBS. In light of this, it just makes sense that an elimination diet is necessary to figure out how to calm all the symptoms. As much as I’m dreading it, I know a strict elim diet is the next step for me.
Thanks for the encouragement, Pamela! I will indeed keep up the search and keep posting on my progress. Every day seems like a new discovery awaits, so as much as the pain persists, I feel there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I hope you’re doing well with your diet and finding relief from your IC after seeing an ND. Although it’s expensive, I think it can be a good investment in our health, especially when we have a condition that requires getting on the right track with what we’re eating or eliminating from our diet.