Elmiron helps me a lot, but I still can't..

[bjt]

Hi all, I just thought I'd share my current experiences.
I've been on Elmiron about 7 months, and it has helped me a lot! I am back to eating a lot of "regular" foods, and am almost always pain free. I have to watch that I don't eat too many "bad" foods all together, or for too long, though, but generally I'm doing well.
The couple of exceptions seem to be citrus fruits, vinegar, possibly soy products, and I think a lot of preservatives. (I was at an event last night and had a handful of tortilla chips that were lime flavored. I'm sure lime is bad, but these chips I think ar emore preservatives/chemicals than they are lime juice... and they give me a flair everytime. I had hoped that I'd be able to tolerate them now). All in all, its not bad at all. As long as I have fairly fresh, unprocessed food and stay away from vinegar, lemons & oranges, I am a pretty happy camper! Oh, I don't drink coffee at all (I'm scared to even try that again) but I can have some wine or a cocktail without problem!
So, even though I'm in a bit of a flair today, I'm pretty happy. I think those of you who are wondering if you should try Elmiron or not, should give it a try. My side effects have been very minimal. I have a little thinning of my hair, but a very small amount in the scheme of things (no one notices but me, and I only notice by looking at the drain in the shower or when I'm brushing my hair). :woohoo:
cheers,

[vm]

Wonderful to hear, Barbara! Thanks for sharing your success. :)

[JaniceB]

Barbara, do you think its helping more with pain, or frequency, or both? I am probably going to try Elmiron next month, am really looking for help with the frequency issue. (elavil has not helped with that).

[bjt]

Hi Janice,
I really think its helped with both, although my main symptom was pain. But, when I'm in pain I have to pee all the time, so I think that I had both symptoms.
I'd say its wroth a try.
Hope that helps,

[JaniceB]

Thanks Barbara, do you take anything else with your Elmiron? I am in the amitriptilyne study right now (which is why I can't take anything else till I finish and I want to stick it out and finish next month) and I am not sure that is a drug I want to stay on forever. I am hoping if Elmiron works for me I can taper down off the ami, maybe quit using it altogether.

I'm really glad to hear Elmiron has helped you.
Janice

[tigger_gal]

:woohoo: :woohoo: I am so glad to hear it.. I hope you contiue to do well.

[Oxana]

Barbara, it's so good to ear!! I'm very happy for you! :woohoo:
When you started notice that Elmiron is helping you?

[bjt]

Thanks for your good wishes,
Janice, I started taking Elmiron and Aloe Vera pills at the same time. After abotu 2 to 3 months, I stopped taking the Aloe and now just take the Elmiron.
Oxana, I started feeling somewhat better right away... I'd say within 3 weeks. Then, it got progressively better over time. It could have been the Aloe pills that helped as well, its hard to say. But now that I am on only Elmiron, I still feel great.

Like I said, I do get an occational flare now, but instead of it being two days or more of intense pain like it used to be, its now just one day of slightly increased frequency. its much easier to deal with! :bow:

cheers,