Question:
If you have Interstitial Cystitis, have you had unusual complications?

Hello. I had lap BPD/DS 5 months ago, and also have the autoimmune bladder disease called IC. Some IC patients have more general symptoms, such as bowel ptroblems and joint pain, and other autoimmune diseases. The actual connection is not certain. However, I have had severaL COMPLICATIONS of WLS, all of them unusual for BPD/DS patients, and all relating to what is called mucuous membrane (the lining of the mouth, digestive, respiratory, and urinary tracts). These include ulcers, gastritis, GERD with esophagitis even without much acid present, bacterial overgrowth which is resistant to treatment, persistent diarrhea (even when I eat little fat, sugar) an abcess,and fistula formation. IgA deficiency and inflammatory bowel disease have been pretty much ruled out. I am wondering if there is a connection with my troubles and my IC, which, like Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis of the bowels, is an autoimmune disease of an organ lined with mucous membrane. Any info about your experiences appreciated.---Thanks, Jesse    — Jesse M. (posted on July 10, 2001)

July 10, 2001
Hi,I am also five months post op and have IC. It is a terrible thing to live with! Although I haven't noticed any strange symptoms since surgery I just wanted to let you know I do understand to a point.I have days where I wish I was'nt alive I hurt so bad. Are you sure your symptoms are the IC? maybe go to docs and see if it could be something else
   — Vel K.