Just Saying Hi

[msfunlady]

Hi! I was just diagnosed with IC last week and started my first bladder instillation today..Using heparin and lidocaine...I have to go in to doctor 3 times a week for at least 4 weeks and then "he will see what to do from there" I am very nervous about this..Have gone mis-diagnosed for the past 4 years, My obg/yn was treating me for endometriosis (which I do have) 4 surgeries in 4 years...I finally went to a specialist. I am also taking Effexor XR. Not for sure how well that is helping. I asked my doc about an anti-inflammatory pill but he wants to wait before starting me on anything new..Well hope to be on here posting lots of progress (i hope) And to everyone else "Good Luck" :)

[traceann]

Hi there! Glad you found this place, and :welcome: to the "family"! :) Sounds like you are on your way in your treatments, to feeling better! I know, my doc and I added one thing at a time to get my combo, and one of them I learned about and researched here at the site!

There is tons of useful info here, all over the place, and the boards are a lifesaver! I have learned so much, from diet to meds, to practical self-help tips.

Here's a couple links for you, one is for the handbook and the other takes you right to the IC Diet foods list that is so helpful, if you are exploring the the Diet and IC connection. I know for me, my diet plays an important role in keeping my symptoms to a minimum! I did the "elimination diet" of sorts, sticking with only the "usually ok" column for about 3-4 weeks, until my bladder calmed down sufficiently enought to be able to tell when a food item was giving me trouble. Then I started adding in one at time, foods from the "may be ok" column. Still working on it as it's slow going, I have been on it since Nov of 2004.

Patient Handbook:
http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/

IC Diet Foods List:
http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/diet.html#list

Hope this helps you out a little bit, for me, as I said earlier, the diet is sooooo important. I feel pretty darn good most days, I know my meds play a significant role as well, but the diet really helps. And it's something I can do myself, and no extra meds needed, lol. I do take the Prelief tabs before I eat anything that may be suspect, as it's an acid reducer for foods, and I do pretty well.

Once again, welcome, and hope to see you around the boards!!!

Hugs,
Tracey :)

[vm]

:welcome: to the site - so glad you found us! :)

[msfunlady]

I have heard alot about taking Prelief ( i think ) not a great speller :-( but will Nexium help also? I already take that, I am not for sure if it is for the same kind of acid reducing...

[neal1044]

:welcome: glad you have joined us!!!!!!!1 :)

[kelly McC]

You can reach our customer service hotline at 1-800-994-4711 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST Monday-Friday, or email us at prbetty@akpharma.com. regarding prelief I take protonix for gerd and still take prelief along with some food I am not sure about nexium?
Welcome and glad you joined us

[Katrina]

:welcome: I have heard of some that say Nexium has helped them. I take Presciption amount of Prilosec (an acid reducer) and I find it helps! Nexium is very different than Prelief though.
Heparin and Lidocaine instills are a good way to go! I hope you do well...looking forward to hearing about a lot of progress...I am so glad you are so possitive! :) :grouphug: When you fight to win you are already two steps ahead of the game. :grouphug:
http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/ this is an essential link for everyone with IC. It is very informative on meds, living with IC, and self help....take a look!!!

http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?p=90935#post90935 Newbie kit from the oldies to the newbies
http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7562 this link is a pain managment post.

[Amyinagony]

Another :welcome:
So glad you are on the road for treatment of your IC. :woohoo: You are like many of us, in that it has taken us years to find the right diagnosis. So this is a big accomplishment.

I too take Protonix (twice a day, it's usually only once a day, but I have really bad GERD)....I also take Prelief, and wouldn't be without it. But I would check with your doctor or pharmacists about it before trying it.

Good luck to you and again...WELCOME :grouphug:
THIS IS A GREAT PLACE!!! :)

[andcohen]

Hi glad you found us. I am sure you will find all the support & info you need here it is a great place. Take your time in learning all you can about IC & ask any questions you need, most of the time there is someone with an answer. We are not DR's, but no-one understands IC like an IC'er.
Take Care
Andrea :welcome: