how to manage your pain with over the counter?

[Kiyoka]

My urologist told me to take ibupofren(?) since my body had never had pain meds in my life before I started to have problems. I would throw everything pain med up that she gave me. I didn't know that ibupofren doesn't agree with people with ic. Why didn't my urologist know that? Well my primary care didn't want to give me anything for the pain..she just said to take tylenol 2 every six years. They dont' really work for me. How can I manage my pain, so then it could be under control?

[Katrina]

Ibuprofen is acidic...that is bad advise from your uro. I will give you some pain management ideas that are OTC but tell your doctor about anything you take!


AZO for Urinary Pain Relief or URISTAT
Prilosec OTC or something...not so much for pain but because it is newly non prescription acid reducer

Herbs (please be as careful with herbs as you would a med.) start with a very small amount….we never know how we may react to something….never give up searching for a way to feel better.
burning for me was 500mg Quercetin, 500mg Bromelain every 12 hours.
o Marshmallow root (althaea officinalis) helps sooth irritation and inflammation, can help spasms
Aloe Vera (Best kind Desert Harvest Aloe) both soothing and rebuilding http://icnshop.com/cgi-bin/ustorekeeper.pl?command=goto&file=Alternatives.html
Flax seed Oil (soothing to any inflammation and a rebuilder) Best if taken with food…can be good for constipation
Mullein soothing, healing, and protecting
o Licorice (glycyrrhiza glabra and g. uralensis) good for inflammation and anti allergic but should only be used short term
o Uva Ursi (arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is an antiseptic of the urinary track also used as a diuretic, also for inflammation…also only for short term use
o Black Cohosh (cimicifuga racemosa) not good for me since has similar effects to the hormone estrogen. Is used as a sedative and to relieve menstrual cramps. May have anti inflammatory effects. Avoid large doses. http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/herbs.html#black I have been warned, "Black Cohash and can cause strong uterine contractions " Pregnant women should not take this and should always ask doc before taking any herb.
o Catnip (nepeta cataria) eases menstrual pain, soothes the nerves, and as a sleep aid.
http://www.algonot.com/ Algonot-Plus®: Algonot, LLC, is the maker of a line of nutraceuticals specifically designed to help with the symptoms of IC, chronic prostatitis, and arthritis. Their latest products, CystoProtek and ProstaProtek, combine the original Algonot-Plus formula with sodium hyaluronate:
CystoProtek contains: chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, quercetin, sodium hyaluronate and olive kernel extract.
ProstaProtek contains: the anti-inflammatory properties of chondroitin and quercetin, and the added benefit of glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and sodium hyaluronate to help replenish the damaged mucosa bladder lining.

o Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) mild sedative, reduces inflammation, relieve menstrual cramps, can help bladder spasms http://www.ic-network.com/cgi-bin/ustorekeeper.pl?command=goto&file=Foods-Tea.html
cornsilk tablets are unreal!!!!! Good for burning but may up your frequency. Are mild dieuretics
Slippery Elm is soothing and therapuitic (used by Native Americans as a poultice for boils, ulcers and for wounds in general) puts on a protective coating, can also help Crohns disease, aside from risk of allergic reaction no warnings very safe!
Lavender Oil (the sent is a great for relaxing but to rub on bladder can also have a calming effect. Good for spasms)
Vitamin E (not really a herb but is soothing)

Is your pain more endo or IC???

[alana rose]

Yes, ibuprofen is awful for me too. I've also tried muscle relaxers, for the cramping. Just awful too. After I had a laparoscopy and cystoscopy the gyno gave me suppositories that had both in it. Yup, I didn't figure that out for about a week and I couldn't figure out why I was so sick. I could have avoided a trip to the ER if I would of thought. UGH! IC is so different for everyone. I now keep a journal of foods/meds that I have tried and how I reacted to them. Sometimes I can't remember how I felt 6 mnths ago and now I just look in my book.
Good luck...happy thoughts!

[KeeKee]

When I have mild pain and don't need a narcotic, but need something to help take the edge off, I take 2 Premsyn PMS pills and they really help with my mild IC pain. They do tend to knock me out though, so make sure you don't have to drive or go out for awhile!