DMSO Dilemma

[kristicrownover]

17 months ago I started taking Elmiron and had 9 cocktail instills. I have changed doctors and he wants me to have 6 DMSO treatments. I have read lots of negative things about DMSO treatments and I am having second thoughts about going this direction.

I would appreciate any information you could share on DMSO.

Thank you,
Kristi

[SrMaggie]

DMSO did help me for awhile. The after effects of the treatment the 1st and 2nd time were extremely uncomfortable. That's really an understatement. They told me I could go back to work after the treatment. I went home and got into a warm tub of water and stayed there for an hour or more. I was in tears BUT - the 2nd wasn't as bad and then the 3rd and following were less and less painful, I did go right back to work with no problem.
As soon as the meds went into my bladder I was tasting it - almost instantaneously. That was weird.
I've had two rounds of DMSO. It was about 4 years ago. After awhile, with the treatments for this disease I can take almost anything. I realize that there is pain with some of the diagnostic measures as well as the treatments. After they are over, I usually have some relief - so I try to see past the present pain to the less painful future.
As is said almost everytime on these boards, every one is different. I usually have a high pain tolerance.
Keep on getting as much information as you can and talk to your doctor.

[kristicrownover]

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your experience with the DMSO treatments. I'm worried about the smell after the treatment and I was wondering how long it stays with you.

[ICNDonna]

DMSO helped me for several years. The odor usually only lasted a few hours. You might want to carry some mints or something with you in case you get a bad taste in your mouth.

Donna

[eckertc]

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your experience with the DMSO treatments. I'm worried about the smell after the treatment and I was wondering how long it stays with you.

Kristi..I took many, many DSMO treatments over the years, some for lengthy stretches at a time. I never found them to be helpful at all. In fact, most casued me to have worse pain after taking them. Inicially, a lydocaine injections provides some relieve for 15 minutes but then the discomfort returns with higher discomfort levels. The odor you smell and taste is that of 'garlic'. My husband says it lasts 24 hrs..and the house smells so I usually don't go anywhere that day.

I have a new dr now for over 1 yr now, and I have been on elmiron, lydocanine and barb instalation for almost a year, and when that did not work after 6 mos, he included lyrica (neuopathy pain killer) which gave me instant relief for 2 months. However, not everything lasts forever! I am currently taking a stringent review of my food intake and am logging what food cause my irritability. I think I am making some progress here as I have a few days that I feel really great:smile tee among the many that are still troublesome:loco:

Hope this will help with your decision.