Elmiron and Ditropan XL

[HoneyGirl]

I've been pain free for over a year. Last Friday my urologist dilated me. Thought I would die right there on the table. A couple hours later, I was in a full-fledged flare.

I tried all the tricks I have used before, but the pain got worse. I saw the urologist yesterday and he prescribed Ditropan XL 15mg 1/daily and Elmiron 100mg tid.

I saw that they can both make me sleepy, so I only took the Ditropan today. It worked until about an hour ago. Now the pain is back.

I am afraid to take both meds at once. Has anyone had experience with this combination ?

[Lynn15]

i have. i took 10 mg of ditropan xl and 300 mg of elmiron a day for a long time. i had no problem taking them together. i do remember feeling tired at the beginning of taking ditropan, but that went away as i grew accustomed to the med. i started them at separate times. i now take detrol la. i notice less side effects with that. the dry mouth was a big thing for me. it is for the same symptoms as ditropan, so maybe that is an option for you if the ditropan does not work out.
oh, and this combination for me was prescribed at two different times by two different urologists. both told me the combo was ok.

[traceann]

I too have taken Ditropan and Elmiron together for a good period of time and never had any troubles with the combo. I used regular Ditropan, 5mg's 3x's a day. The most I ever experienced was dry mouth due to the Ditropan. ;)

[sami4a]

I was just wondering why your Urologist dilated your urethra as this treatment is usually not done today as most Uros feel it is more harmful than helpful?
Sammie

[HoneyGirl]

Thanks everyone. I went to bed, so I could lie flat and not move. That usually helps.

As for the dilation, I was pretty sure he would do that last Friday. My stream was interrupted. I would feel like my bladder was empty, stand up to wash my hands, and then feel one more squirt (how's that for medical terminology-LOL)

So, when I told the urologist, he examined me and opted to dilate. Because of your comment, Sami4a, I searched online and discovered that this procedure isn't used much anymore. And when it is done, a local anesthetic is used. No wonder I literally screamed ! Now I don't know what to think.

[traceann]

Hmmmm, I think I would definitely ask my doctor just why he felt this was something I needed, given it isn't used much anymore - do the benefits outweigh the discomforts!! Yikes!!!

[HoneyGirl]

Traceann, you are absolutely right. I have a friend who is an RN and still works in a metro hospital. I am going to ask her to ask the uros about dilation. I know many of them from years ago. Maybe I should switch doctors. I don't know.

I have a follow-up appointment in two weeks. That gives me a few days to think about it.

By the way, one of the main reasons my IC has been under control is the diet from this site. I was amazed at all the triggers I was eating. It is quite a comfort to know where to turn with questions and know the support is here.

[Trishann]

I take Detrol La, which makes me sleep some, but because of other problems with it my doctor told me to take it during the evenings, and it really helps alot.

Hugs, Trishann

[traceann]

That's a great idea honeygirl, I would do the same thing, might as well use any contacts you can to get information - especially when it comes to your health and comfort!

LOL, I felt the same way when I first came here, it was such a relief to find some PRACTICAL ways to deal with it all, from people who are/were living with IC, instead of just from my doctor who's never experienced it. And the diet was a HUGE lifesaver for me, I too was amazed at what I thought I was eating was "safe" - boy were my eyes opened!!! ;)

[sami4a]

So sorry you had to go through such pain with out anesthetic. Your Doc dosent sound very sensitive?
Now you know enough to question him and find out if he had a good reason or not? Knowledge is power,
Hugs,
Sammie

[purpleviolet]

Over 35 years ago I was dilated for infections and then I got IC! PV