Interstitial Cystitis

[acapa]

Male 50 yrs old

Been in pain for a year, finally got the cystoscopy/biopsy and urologist found IC Since then, have read all the internet sites and was wondering if there are any success stories other than the bologny MLM diet suppliment stories. Doc seems uncommittal as to cause and treartment. Any wisdom how to move forwards would be appreciated.

Is it diet?

Elmiron Work? I have been taking it too inconsistantly to have it work, doc thought it would help the prostrate. I took it for 3 months and no help.

Experience in long term pain management? dont want to become a junkie but quality of life without vicodin right now would be un-manageable.

Tens work?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Last thought - I have to say I was relieved it was not cancer, however, constant pain for the rest of my earthly days does not sound great either.

[robindotson]

I am female 44 years old. I had 2 bladder infections back to back 2 years ago. I have not officially been diagnosed with IC but have had the symptoms. Doctor called it bladder spasms. I take Enablex . I started it every night but have since cut back to once every 3 to 4 days. I have no insurance and it is expensive. Also, I watch my intake of caffiene and citrus and chocolate. One thing I am doing that I beleive helps the symptoms is I drink Alkaline water daily. I get it from health food store. It helps to balance out the acid in your system. I beleive it helps me. I walk regularly and try not to get to stressed. I pray and thank God most of all for helping with this. He is good and he loves us all. I hope this helps you. I have read about an herbal product on line. Bladder Q. I thought of trying it but havent yet. It may worth looking into also. God Bless you.

[acapa]

Thank you for you post. I have been blessed in many ways, however, many talks with God this last year have begun with "why". Stangely enough, I started drinking water with small amounts of baking soda in it 7 days ago and it appears to have reduced pain significantly. Now I am searching for what Christ wanted me to learn this past year from all this pain? its not all gone, but it's now manageble. I am thankful as I have had many people praying for me.

Thanks again and God Bless you too.

[superchick]

Just wanted to interject that I have been on Elmiron for about 6 months now. (3xdaily) It seemed to take a couple of weeks to start working, but has reduced my symptoms greatly. The downfall to Elmiron (for me) is that if I miss even one dose, my symptoms are back with a vengence almost immediately and take several weeks to disapate. I don't know if gender makes a difference in how the drug works, but I would highly recommend giving it a good try for several months-it's worth a try!