Just prescribed Elavil

[Jessica0612]

I was just recently diagnosed with IC- and my doctor put me on Elavil and I am also going to have bladder treatments done where the nurse injects a mixture of meds into my bladder. I would like to know if anyone has had this done, if so can you give me some input on how it helped. It's all a little overwhelming for me right now. Also, is IC a lifelong problem? Thanks for any and all advise!

:help:

[SharonA]

:welcome: Jessica to the ICN. :kissing:

Sadly, for now there is no cure for IC. There are, however, many medications and treatments that make it possible to live a fulfilling life. Having IC does not have to be the end of your way of life.

I have been on Elavil 25mg taken in the evening for 3 years. It is my main med and it has enabled me to go about my life despite having IC. Don't get me wrong...I still have some days when my bladder decides to remind me that it is still there. All in all, though, I have many, many more good days than bad ones.

Take the time to read the information available at: www.ic-network.com/handbook (http://) and also check out the IC Diet. You can find it at: www.ic-network.com/handbook/diethtml#list (http://) Many people have found help with learning what foods and drinks to avoid.

With time and some work on your part, there is every reason to believe that you will be able to live a wonderful life and fulfill all your dreams.

:) :) :)

[kadi]

Elavil was the first medicine to help me. I went from having to pee about 60 times a day, down to a more manageable 15. It also greatly reduced my pain.
I started with 10mg & later increased to 20mg per night.

Be careful, Elavil does increase the appetite in a lot of patients & so can cause weight gain. You may also want to take it an hour before bedtime & give yourself extra "wakeup time" when you get up. When I first started taking it, it was hard to wake up in the morning & I'd need extra time before I felt alert enough to drive. Now that's not a problem, I take it at 8 or 9pm & wake up fine at 5:30 or 6:00.

Hope it helps you! I have also had instillation treatments, two types & both helped me also:)
Good luck & wishing you better days soon-