Hello, I'm new...does anyone use Prelief or PH control?

[Mlamb292]

Hello,
Well a bit about me, I have been going to the doctor for about a year and a half now with frequent UTI's (or so I thought) and a few month ago I woke up with the worse UIT I have ever had. But after that major incident my bladder has never fully been back to normal. I have since had urine tests, which showed no bacteria but did have high protein levels. I have constant dull pain or preasure everyday, frequency, and this constant awareness of my bladder and that something just isn't quite right. I'm being referred to a urologist, but have not been diagnosed with IC yet.

But I do visit this site frequently and have read about symptoms and they seem to match up with the way I am feeling most of the time. And I have noticed if I stay away from the really acidic foods, and drink lots of water, my symptoms seem to subside. But can flare up with the littlest change or slip in diet.

I have never been a big fan of having to take lots of pills, but sometime you have to do what makes the pain go away.

I would like to see if the simple things might help me before I get into any prescription medications.

So my question is... Has anyone had success with any of the over the counter medicines that I see for sale in the IC Shop? And is one kind better than the other? Like what is the difference between Prelief and PH Control? Has anyone been taking the Aloe Vera tablets with any success? And which is better Cystoprotek or CystaQ?

Thank you in advance for any replies,... and I'm so glad there is a site like this where there are so many resources for people with IC to find information and hopefully some relief.

Take Care, Melissa :)

[ICNDonna]

:welcome: to the IC Network. It's good that you will be seeing a urologist.

I use Prelief --- it helps to reduce the acid in foods. If I'm going to eat or drink anything I think might be a problem, I take Prelief immediately before eating.

Warm healing thoughts,
Donna

[SharonA]

Hello Mellisa and :welcome: to the ICN.

Like Donna, I use Prelief and have found that it does help me.

:) :) :)

[Stephanie2004]

The Prelief and the Aloe Vera tablets in the ICN shop help me.

[Katrina]

:welcome: I definatly like Prelief! I also like Desert Harvest Aloe it is both soothing and can help the lining of the bladder heal...which is why I like it...long term and immidiate helps! My understanding is that Ph control is a multiple of differnt things to help your Ph and Prelief is just calcium and magnesium. I am interested in trying ph control but have not yet done so. The idea is similar but not exactly the same.

[rayna2]

Do those who use Prelief take it on a daily basis like you would a vitamin or just at certain times. I have been keeping a food journal religiously and can't identify any food triggers other than caffience and perhaps cranberry juice (frustrating). Have most people here started with something like Prelief on a regular basis and Aloe Vera tabs or do most start with an antihistamine? I'm finally to the point that I feel I have to try a treatment plan (drugs) and don't know where to start? Any suggestions on how other people have started and the results would be helpful. I have frequency and the constant bloated/full bladder and sometimes a feeling of urethral rawness, but no pain. Thank you.

[ICNDonna]

If you go to http://www.ic-network.com/handbook you'll find diet information. If you haven't already, my suggestion is to eliminate all of the possible problem foods and drinks for a few weeks to see if your symptoms improve. Then begin adding back some of your favorite foods, one at a time.

Prelief helps neutralize the acid in food and should be taken immediately before eating.

Donna

[Sarojini]

I use Prelief as well just before eating something that may be a problem for me -- usually before I eat a restaurant meal, because no matter what you ask for sometimes they can add something by accident, or just not tell you about something that's in there. I also occasionally (one or two times a month) drink one of those mini-Cokes (the little 8oz cans they sell now) and if I do that I take about 4 Prelief with it and it seems to prevent the flare that would normally result from such an acidic beverage.

[hoping4acure]

Hi... :welcome:

I use the prelief all the time befor eating anything acidic, and just started on the Algonot, which seems to be helping too. I also take Colostrum. It helps BOOST you immune system. I also drink Marshmallow root, and take cornslilk tincture (helps RIGHT away with the BURNING.) I'm with you...the less conventional medicine the better for me! Good luck. :)

[Mlamb292]

Thanks everyone for their replies and suggestions!

I think I might try some Prelief, and Aloe Vera Tablets.

Currently I have just been taking a bit of bicarbonate soda (baking soda)
before I eat anything, and that seems to help.
I tried mixing it in water and drinking it, but couldn't stand the taste! Ick!
But if you just take a 1/2 a tsp. dry and quickly wash it down with water, well that’s not to bad.

Is there any long-term side effect of to much bicarbonate soda?
I would think it couldn't be any worse then all the additives they put in most foods nowadays.

It crazy how you really notice all the junk they put into our food when your food choices are restricted by certain ingredients.

Thanks again! Hope everyone has a good Easter! :)

[Amyinagony]

I use Prelief too. I use it when I think I'm going to be consuming acidic stuff, right before I eat. During a flare though, I use two tabs 4X's/day no matter what I eat.
I worry about too much sodium intake with drinking/eating Baking Soda. That's just me though. Good luck Melissa.
Happy Easter everyone :bunny:

[ICNDonna]

Please talk to your doctor about the soda.

Donna

[Debgail]

I swear by prelief.....it allows me to have my spaghetti and also my couple times a week diet coke. If I were to eat/drink them without them i would really pay with pain.

Added benefit...my recent bone scan showed thet I ahve the bones of a 25 yr old and I am 42! I am obviously getting enough calcium...I take no additional...just prelief...so I guess it has helped!
Hugs, Debbie

[Michelle in KC]

I use Prelief a lot. I love Mexican food and it truly works. Can't vouch for the others. I've not tried most.

:) Michelle