Need answers about "rescue solution"

[Water4me]

My story is like many of yours, so I won't go into detail about that, but I do have a question about the rescue solutions. I am on Elmiron since about 3 weeks ago and I have also been having weekly rescue solutions (lidocaine and heparin). Is the rescue solution just for pain, or will it help the overall condition of the bladder? I do not have insurance and the Elmiron alone was $300, and the weekly visits are $75, plus I still owe ALOT from all the tests they did to rule out anything else. I am having a terrible time trying to pay for all this, plus feed the family. I was thinking I might could quit taking the rescue solutions if they weren't absolutely necessary. I have only had a little bit of relief with the rescue solution, and that seems to only last a few hours. I have also been VERY strict on the IC diet.
Any suggestions would help! THANKS!

[ICNDonna]

One thing you might do is to ask if you can do the rescue instillations at home. Many people do and it's much less expensive.

Donna

[Katrina]

Long term help from Heparin is similar to Elmiron in that it should help coat the bladder giving you a bandaid to heal. The lidocaine is mainly for pain. I find doing a rescue instillation when in a lot of pain very helpful these days. I agree with Donna I actually have saved a lot of money doing the rescue instillation at home. Some tips on doing the instillations more easily:
http://icandme.9.forumer.com/index.php?showtopic=13 rescue instillation
http://icandme.9.forumer.com/index.php?showtopic=219 rescue instillation

I know many people that the bennefit from rescue instillations goes up with time just like with Elmiron. :grouphug: