elmiron questions

[Barbie760]

I have just been diagnosed with IC and my Doctor suggested elmiron. Help! Does it work? I am at a loss right now. I feel like all of my favorite foods have been taken away. I would info from anyone that has taken elmiron and has it helped them at all. Any ifo is appreciated.

[Imustpee]

Barbie...welcome!....I took it from July 04 - Dec 05...it took a couple months ( Can take as long as 6) to notice any difference, but it did help...I was also using it in instills...my IC got worse in August 05 and I had my bladder removed in Dec 05.....some people have long term luck with it and others don't...you will just have to see how it works for you...:)

[Tracey5399]

Hello,

Welcome to the boards, sorry for how you had to get here.
Lesa is correct, the Elmiron works for some and not for others. Unfortunatly it takes time to learn if it will work for you. I know it sux to be patient and you are probably uncomfortable etc...
I have been taking it for a bit over a year now, i take 4 a day started on 6 a day...took about 6months to really see any improvement, but i did and once i added in the antihistamine in March 06 its gotten better...i still get flares but they aren't all as bad and do not last as long anymore. I do not have to go 40 times a day, Yes it can work & i will pray that it will work for you.
You started the diet thats awesome, it's hard at first but becomes easier in time. the diet forum here is great alot of ideas, recipes and help!
You ever hear of a product called preleif? It can help in eating certain foods w/out hurting the bladder, just something to consider once you can get it under control.

Good luck, please keep me posted on how you are feeling,
Tracey :)

[tigger_gal]

hi babrie welcome to the boards.. it can take elmiron 6 to 8 months to start working.. what it dose is it slowly replaces the gag layer of your bladder to put back the elasticity..