Coffee Addict with IC

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Coffee!!! There is only one problem… I have Interstitial Cystitis.

If you have never heard of Interstitial Cystitis or IC, it is an irritation of the bladder lining that mimics the symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Could you imagine living with a UTI for your entire life? There are some of us live with that pain every day.

There are certain foods that irritate the bladder and trigger flare ups. These trigger foods differ between individuals.

I have spent many years trying different coffees to find one that won’t trigger a flare up. I have tried soo many coffees and have suffered greatly in my search for the right one for me. Yes, I am a true coffee addict.

I will never be able to be a daily coffee drinker because flare ups are inevitable and I never know when they are going to occur. I drink my coffee when I have been feeling good for a few days and cross my fingers that I stay that way.

The best coffee for me right now is Dunkin’ Donuts Original Blend with a good amount of milk. I have been using it for two years now. I use a pot coffee maker and I only put half of the recommended serving of grounds.

For a few years I actually used this low acid coffee called Don Pedro. One day my bladder just rejected it and now every time I try it, it causes flare up.

This little guy will send me straight to the ER in pain.

There are also coffee substitutes available, but it’s no fun without caffeine!

So if you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your coffee all hope is not lost. It may take some trial and error. I keep with low acid coffees and use milk to reduce the acidity even more. I always have a giant glass of water after every cup I drink.

Everyone’s IC triggers are different. Good luck in finding foods and drinks that work for you.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor or health care professional. I do not claim to cure any condition or disease. The opinions expressed on my blog are my own thoughts, knowledge and experiences.