Asking for instills

[Babyfoxx]

Hi! I was diagnosed with IC back in Sept. 07 by my GYN, and have had no problems up until a few days ago. I was prescribed Elmirion and Elivil, and had instills 1 a week for 3 weeks (had to stop b/c of money issues). I stopped the Elivil b/c it made me feel crazed, and stopped the Elmirion b/c of money/ was not letting me heal from lap. surgery. I have been off both for about a month, and just got a call in for the Elmirion. I really would like to do the instills at home, but I am unsure how to go about asking. I know I'm in a flare and not a UTI, urine is clear/doesn't smell/and pain is Ok until the evening. I know my triggers-this one is alcohol/too much sex/caffine/ stress....all of them balled it up for me. I was wondering what you said to you Dr. to start instills, or did he/she suggest it? My GYN said she really doesn't know much about IC, and suggested I look for better info online. But she is also a pharmacist, and knew to do the rescue treatments (which did help me, but burned like heck when letting it all out). I have a appointment in two weeks and would like suggestions on what to say or ask. Thank all of you for your stories, it has helped me tremendously :bow:.

[traceann]

Well, I haven't ever had instills -either at home or in-office, but I would say just mention it to your doc - something like "I know we can do these in-office, but I have been doing a lot of research and there are many IC patients who do them at home themselves. And I'm wondering if I can give it a try myself as it sounds like something that would work for me"

It's easier on the pocketbook, I would think (no office calls), but I could be wrong, lol and sometimes you're more relaxed because you are in control etc. It's worth a shot asking, and if she wants some more info on home-instills direct her here so she can see for herself how many do etc... But, that's just my ideas, lol!! :)

[Babyfoxx]

Thank you for the reply. I will try and see what she says. I started Elmirion again last night, and did the vanilla shake. I'm not sure, but I think the vanilla shake worked (takes Elmirion a few days to build up), and I am feeling much better. My hubby reminded me that I had a alcoholic beverage at a Christmas Party. Man, it was only 1 wine cooler and here I am in a flare. It took it a week though, so I'm not totally convinced that it was just the Smirnoff ice. I am itch atm, and only burn a bit after voiding. TTMI, but the itch seems to be in my vagina on the upper side (nearest the bladder). That is where I could feel the most pain/urgency, I do believe that is my urethra? It's weird but somethings I can have that are not IC friendly but doesn't bother me at all, and others send my bladder doin' the twist.

[ICNDonna]

Tracey has given you some good advice. If the instillations helped before, that's an indication that they may very well work again. And if you don't have insurance, doing them at home is less expensive.

Donna