Off my meds

[poetgirl]

After 3 years (March is my IC-diagnosis anniversary) I decided my condition was stable enough to try weaning myself off Elmiron, Elavil and Detrol LA. My urologist had recommended it, and mentioned that some of his IC patients who have gone into remission keep an Elmiron script open in case they have a flare. Overall, my bladder feels good. I have some ocassional urgency/frequency and urethral burning, but nothing at all like it used to be. I've been making an effort to drink more water (Evian -- my savior!) because it pretty much eliminates the burning, but obviously contributes to increased frequency. I have OAB, so if the urgency/frequency continues to be a problem, I may go back on Detrol LA, but I'd really prefer to stay off meds as much as possible.

I've been doing yoga and receiving chiropractic regularly, and have made some dietary changes -- eating better, taking probiotics, etc. However, I am still struggling to get IBS under better control and have to do self-care to minimize possible VV flare-ups. (I'm still taking Ovcon-35 continuously, since hormone changes definitely caused VV and IC flare-ups.) I've never had success with any meds for IBS, so my only hope is that diet, exercise, stress management and digestive supplements will keep it on a relatively even keel.

It's a constant journey. Even though I am feeling so much better, what I went through is never far from my mind. There are no guarantees this will last, and I'm not the same person -- health-wise or emotionally -- that I was prior to the onset of all these symptoms, but I'm glad to be where I am today. Thanks for always being there. :kissing:

[hoping4acure]

CONGRATULATIONS!
:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:


I hope this works and you go into remission for a very long time.


It's a constant journey. Even though I am feeling so much better, what I went through is never far from my mind. There are no guarantees this will last, and I'm not the same person -- health-wise or emotionally -- that I was prior to the onset of all these symptoms, but I'm glad to be where I am today. Thanks for always being there.

You couldn't be more correct, I agree with you 100%. Please stop by and say hi every once in awhile ;)

-Louann

[SharonA]

I am so happy for you. :dance: Doing my happy dance. :dance:

[poetgirl]

Thank you both so much! I still keep visiting -- you all were my support line and sanity for so long that even though I'm feeling better, I know I have family here. :)

[Bianchi]

I am so glad you;re feeling good these days. I also do yoga, I love it. I have to get some probiotics though. It is good for a lot of things, I also have IBS.
Bianchi

[rosesitty]

Bianchi - I agree about the probiotics. I've been struggling with a yeast issue and am going to try the probiotics to see if it makes a difference.

[poetgirl]

Let us know how you do with the probiotics. I know Katrina had a post recently about what to look for -- you may want to search the forum to find the post.

I also know that reducing or eliminating sugar from your diet can help with recurrent yeast problems. You may want to try that in conjunction with probiotics (also look on the label of the probiotics you buy to make sure they aren't adding fillers with sugar in them.)

[Tracey5399]

Thanks for the post of the great news, thanks for giving me the hope to keep going. I will pray your remission lasts a lifetime.

Tracey :)

[creatingkarma]

I'm so happy for you! Hope this lasts & lasts! Enjoy!

[massagedoula]

So happy for you and you give me hope that I will also be med-free in 3 years. Best wishes!!!

[Njul]

Many, many congratulations Poetgirl. And I can't agree more with massagedoula, you give me hope too that I will be in remission in just as many years.

Stay healthy.

Nj

[BigFig]

Wow, I am so happy for you and I hope you continue to feel well. Now, I think it is about time for the rest of us to find the right treatments to help us get this disease and other "sister" diseases under control and into remission! Thanks for your post. It really lifts my spirit!

[emilyrose197377]

I am glad you are in remission.

:grouphug:

[MelindaP]

That is wonderful Poetgirl!

I know I used to read your posts alot because my main complaint (& still is) is urethral burning. I really don't have urgency/frequency & very rarely have bladder pain. Although I am MUCH better than I was a year ago, I long to have a normal feeling urethra again! I can actually pinpoint my discomfort to the top of my urethra/bladder neck.

I think you are so right about the hormone connection. I know my urethra is definately affected by the rise in progestrone. I am nursing right now, but plan on getting back on my continuous BCP as soon as I wean her (which will be in May). I just hope I am able to get it back under control. The Progestrone definately creates inflammation in my urethra.

Keep feeling well & check in from time to time!

Melinda :)

[Oxana]

I'm very happy for you too!
Good luck and best wishes! :woohoo:

[cass2376]

I am sooooooooooooo happy for you!! Thanks for posting this cause it gives us the courage to keep on fighting like you did!!:) Take care and stop in and let us know how you are doing once in a while. I am so very truely happy for you!!!!!
God Bless, Cassandra

[Shehorst]

Great news about the remission – God has laid his hand upon you! One question about the probiotic – I have Jarro-Dophilus EPS Probiotic System. Is this the same thing or do you use one specific form? Anyway, I’ll keep praying for your complete recovery.

Sherry :cat:

[poetgirl]

Thank you all for such wonderful and supportive responses! I pray that each of you experiences relief from pain and discomfort from IC and other related chronic conditions. :pray:

In answer to your question about probiotics - I am currently taking Natrol Acidophilus. I don't honestly know if this brand in particular is any better than others on the market. I know Katrina has done more research in this regard.

I also take (for intestinal/digestive support) a product by Renew Life called DigestMORE. I have recently stopped eating meat (with the exception of fish and shellfish ocassionally) and am trying to move towards an organic, plant-based diet. That has somewhat less to do with my IC than it has to do with keeping IBS under control -- and also because of my developing yoga practice. However, I think all of the positive changes I am making in my life are contributing to an overall feeling of wellness. I'm still not 100% there, but am in a much better place than I was even 6 months ago. :)