Anyone out there take more than 4 months to notice results?

[jeanniebug]

hi Hello! I was wondering if anyone else out there, took more than 4 months to notice results on Elmiron..such as 6 months? One year? If so please share how long it took you to have some relief from your pain. I need some encouragement, since I've been on it 3 1/2 months w/no relief yet. Thanks!

[buana1]

My doctor told me 3 - 6 months. At six months I really didn't notice any change, but by 9 months I did. It was so gradual as to be hardly noticeable. I used to get like a shooting pain/urge to pee and just one day realized that I hardly got them any more. And my frequency went from about 12 (I think) to about 8 most days. Hang in there, it's worth it.

[dawn217]

Hang in there. I'm at 2 months and nervous too, but my Dr. said to give it one year!

[Hope]

Yes, give it some time. It took about 6 months for me too. I would say it took about a year to het to full effect. I have been on it since 1998. Good luck,

Hope

[jeanniebug]

Thank you!!! kissing

[kiffy313]

I am still hanging in there, I have had 12 once a week elmiron bladder instills, and will see my Uro. on 1-13 to follow up on my last cysto with hydro. He told my husband that he wants to do 12 more weekly instills and also start me on the elmiron orally. I have not started it orally, yet, I have bad ibs and am worried about that, but I know I am going to have to get brave and just do it...So, I guess I am hopeful it will eventually work, my Dr. also has said it can take 6 months or longer...
Good Luck
Kandy

[vm]

I have heard others say it even took up to a full 12 months to see a difference. my uro told me to look at staying on it at least a year before giving up on it.

[christywisty]

It took about five or six months before I really started seeing result. Thank goodness the nausea and hair loss stopped long before that. Good luck!

[curlycue]

I have been on Elmiron since 5/25/03 I remember it well cuz dr said it is going to take any where from 6/12 for you to feel the diffrence and I finally did in October so hang in there?
Bye,
Ruth angel

[dawnfawn]

At least six months maybe more depends on severity

[dminton]

Two of my health care providers, one a uro and one a nurse practitioner specializing in IC in a gynecology practice, told me to stay on it indefinitely. I have been on for 1 year and a month. It is supposed to be an effect that continues to build over time, in other words, don't even think about stopping it, is what they have both told me!

Lowell Parsons, the doctor who helped invent Elmiron, is a big advocate of staying on it indefinitely also.

[jeanniebug]

All these replies make me feel much better. :) I actually had a whole week last week, where I didn't hurt!!! :D It was awesome...I felt great! But guess what today I am hurting again...boo hiss. I was on antibiotics last week for a nasty chest cold. I've seen other ic'ers say antibiotics help some of their pain? It's interesting..whenever I go on antibiotics my pain lets up. I have verified I have no infection etc. so this is very curious to me. Also, I ate a peppermint patty in a moment of sheer weakness last night..(chocolate...bad me!). So, I'm thinking the chocolate was probably the culprit. This is the first time I've tried to eat chocolate since I was diagnosed. Big mistake. Thanks again for all the replies..... kissing

[tigger_gal]

I took Elmiron for 2 years, I recently have stopped it due to some headaches I need to discuss with my uro on the 27th.. it took about 9 months or better to get results.. nowadays I just not sure anymore.. but I do have the interstim that has helped with the urgency and freguency.
Brat

[tillysav]

I have been on Elmiron 300 mg for 6 weeks. My URO said it was going to take a long time everyone responds differently. I'm already feeling better and the side affects :( hair loss and gastro problems are subsiding. Meds and the IC diet have forced me to eat healthier and to have patience. Looking forward to more good days...
soooo thankful. :)

[jeanc]

it took me a few months for relief , i am not sure yet if pain will not come back . i started using a heating pad and it really helped