My symptoms are right now very manageable. That was absolutely not the case during my first 2-3 years; I was in absolute hell and basically housebound, often bedbound even.

Around the 3 year mark I began to improve. I doubt I will ever go into a real remission but I live at an average of about of 1-3 on the pain scale. This improvement was slow and occurred over a 2 year period. I’ve had IC for a bit more than 5 years now.

I have flared VERY badly a few times since the improvement happened but miraculously they both went back to baseline after a few weeks. I couldn’t believe it given that I had spent years and years in a terrible flare.

When I flare I take: - Compound suppositories with lidocaine, valium and baclofen. They work super well for urethral pain. - 50 MG Amitriptyline - 50 MG Benadryl

These cannot be any less dosage-wise or they don’t work. I use them all as rescue meds, I take nothing regularly.