Question: Hi - I have question about bladder pain and especially ureter pain. It is long-standing and episodic but now as severe as any time I have had kidney stones. Early Dx of interstitial cystitis but not consistent - My pain is most severe when I try to void and even when I have a good stream and pyridium on board the pain felt at level of ureter and perineal area is shockingly stinging. I have long history of kidney stones, and interstitial cystitis and UTIs have been problems. Last 2 stones were November of 2013 and Labor Day weekend September 2014 -both removed with laser and treated with some sort of solutions put into bladder when pain persisted at a lesser level. Passed the "dark core of a stone during UTI in July 2015. Had severe pain about 3 months ago but no stone was found on Scan so I pushed through. After a rough week with COPD, diabetes and BP/HR I had symptoms of both yeast infection and bladder pain but managed both with OTC and my prescribed meds such as neurotonin, Advil and albuterol inhaler (somehow helps). The pain is odd for interstitial -first I could not void bladder at all for 24+ hours and could not possibly drink more water (20 8 oz glasses+). Lots of perineal and pelvic swelling even affecting colon. I have lots of autoimmune symptoms most consistent with lupus and Sjorgren's but ANA etc has been OK for long time. OK - is there a treatment for the type of pain described that I can ask doc about - I thought they came out with immunosuppressants and new bladder spasm meds. The ED here will be a mess and I will likely head to Acute Care instead and would like to know what I might talk about. This is odd but I think it keeps being overlooked - when I have to have a bladder catheter it starts the intense pain when it is removed - for 30 years - brings me to my knees. Sorry I am such a mess but on disability for Diabetes Type II sacral and lumbar back pain due to long ago injury and anxiety, BP/HE/CAD and COPD... a walking mess. Any med or treatment advise I might just ask about in visit much appreciated...My urologist is on vacation and residents covering urology......and not helpful.