Newly Diagnosed

[anj123]

I was just diagnosed a few weeks ago. I am on Elmiron only so far. I am still in pain everyday, I know that it will take some time for the symptoms to get better. But I was wondering what I can do for this extreme fatigue that I get. I get so tired its an effort to breath. Is there a supplement I can take:confused: ? Also, I am not on any pain medication yet, and I am having a very bad day:cussing: . I am actually going home from work early. Is there an over the counter medication I can take that helps with the pain???? Any suggestions would be great. Thank you,



AJ

[Berkshire Road]

Your doctor should be giving you a narcotic at least as a temporary measure. Some doctors are very reluctant to give scrips for them. I strongly suggest you try to find a pain clinic or pain specialist nearby.

[kimaurk]

Before I was officially diagnosed I would either take tylenol#1s, and alternate it with ibupfofen which brought some relief. But I found that an electric heating pad helped me. I finally asked my doc for prescription narcotics and even somedays those won't work. Another thing I have tried for pain relief is ice packs to the lower back and over the abdominal region, but heat for me is the best. I found that it is mostly trial and error. I really hope you find something that works. Don't be afraid to ask your doc for something stronger. I found that when my pain comes under control for longer periods of time I feel more rested. When the pain is out of control I am exhausted all the time. Keep your chin up and keep trying to find the right thing for you.
Kimaurk

[ICNDonna]

Are you following an IC diet? That can be the most important part of treatment.

Donna

[Berkshire Road]

:welcome:

One reason we get fatigued is that a lot of us can't sleep very long at a time without having to get up to pee. I put up a chart in the bathroom one night and made a check each time I went in there -- came up with a total of 22. Who wouldn't be tired after a night like that?

My Dr. prescribed atarax, which both helps you go to sleep and reduces nightime urination. Also, since I take neurontin, we moved more of the dose to bedtime and less during the day (same total dose) so I'd be sleepier at night. Both those things are helping. I get five or six hours at a time some nights, now, and my energy levels and concentration are much better. Unfortunately the pain is still out of control.

We are all different and we have to experiment to see what works for us. I can't imagine how I'd cope if I didn't have a Dr. who was willing to work with me to try different approaches. I KNOW how hard it is, esp. when you feel like crap, to keep doctor hunting, but when you wind up with someone good, it's life-altering.

Anyway, I hope you feel better. If there's any way to take a rest during the day, go for it. Good luck.

[anj123]

Thank you for all your advice:) . I am following the diet and taking all the medications. I found I had a bladder infection on top of everything else going on:cussing: ! I see my doctor tomorrow so I will talk to him about something stronger for my pain. My fiance has been trying to deal with this diagnosis. He has been awesome! He's been helping me find creative ways to feel better. I thank God for everyday! Thanks ladies!