Its Christmas and I'm flared up!!!

[lea1979]

Hi, I am Lea, 26 yrs old. Newly dx'd with IC (as of 09-2005). I have found more info on this site than anywhere else. I am really wanting advice on how to handle these flares. I am taking Elmiron 100mg 3x's daily, but so far I can't tell any difference. My doc gave me Tylenol 3 with Codeine for pain, but it doesn't work. I would just like to hear how others find some type of relief.

[rosesitty]

Sanctura (like detrol or ditropan) helped for urgency, Urelle for burning, Calcium Citrate/tums/baking soda for de-acidizing, heat (either heating pad or Thermacare), antahistamine (either Benadryl or Atarax), watching my diet - both what I eat and want I drink. This has been my regime while I've been in the flare. Fortunately, I haven't had to take any pain med.

[SandyRN]

Unfortunately tylenol # 3 doesnt help many people with IC.. :( I have all my meds listed below...I take a lot, but I have to because I have a pretty severe case of fibromyalgia, and other pain causing problems......and my IC is unbearable without the meds.

I'd talk to your doctor and see if he'll give you something stronger. Many people take vicoden, or percocet.

rosesitty gave you some great advice for non narcotic help. The heat helps me a lot...my heating pad is my best friend!

You might want to go to www.ic-network.com/handbook and read some things there. There are tons of ideas, diet tips, etc.

:welcome: to the board....I'll look forward to getting to know you :)

Sandy

[ICNDonna]

It could be that what would help you most is a smooth muscle antispasmodic. The one I take is hyoscyamine. My suggestion would be to try to get in touch with your doctor today and ask for something to help you through Christmas.

And do read the Patient Handbook.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[VickiB]

How rotten to be in a flare over the holidays! Hang in there with the Elmiron, -for many of us it took a while to have an effect.

My flare/pain relief solutions include:
Increasing my water intake (untreated water)
Avoiding any bladder irritating food or drink
1/2 teaspoon Baking soda in water (not good if your diet is sodium restricted)
OTC remedies like AZO or Uristat
Heat/cold applications

I hope your flare passes quickly!

Vicki

[PenguinK]

Lea,
sorry to hear you're in such pain over the holidays. Try ice packs or heating pads to see what works for you.
Do you do the IC Diet? It helps the most. I am also on Lyrica for the pain. It was originally for shingles and diabetic pain, but now they're using it for IC.
Look into that with your doctor.
KK

[JaniceB]

I've also used a heating pad alot, though I haven't had to lately since being on the amitriptyline and hydroxyzine. Warm baths also seemed to help me.

Hope you feel better soon!