I also had IC. Years ago, I had a terrible time holding my urine before I could find a bathroom. It was very painful. I put up with this for many, many years. I finally went to a ureogynocologist (sp?) who dx'ed me with IC. I did an out-patient procedure where they stretched my bladder to enable me to hold more urine ("no such thing as a too small bladder" dr. told me). They filled my bladder with more fluid than I would normally hold and that did it. That was probably 10 years ago. It was a life saver!!! I have been able to hold on when necessary for a long time since that procedure. But I do know that even now, I have to be careful of anything too acidic. Caffeine, especially,irritates my bladder so I'm prepared when I want to go out, knowing I will have to pee several times because of the acid in the coffee. But I still love my morning Joe! I hope you can find a dr. who specializes in bladder problems who is also a gynocologist.