Question about flares

[chuchideb]

I have been reading about flare ups on this network for some time. Because I continue to have pain on a daily basis I thought one has to be in a type of "remission" to experience what is considered a flare. I was diagnosed last Aug 2007 with severe IC but have been suffering for almost a year now. I recently went through a 2 week period of such extreme pain, I am begining to wonder if it was a flare since it was much worse than my regular daily pain ( I didnt think it could get worse but wow!). Sometimes I have just 2-4 days of more unmanageable pain. I just realized that for me i guess it was a flare. So from the more experienced I ask, are you able to convince your doctor that you need stronger pain medication at times for these horrible days or weeks. Last month the pain DR said she couldn't "legally" give me anything else but to take extra of what I had. So this month I ran short and am suffering till the 4th of Feb. She was not my regular DR though. I felt that was bulls--t and am seeing her on Monday. After so much pain this month I want to be prepared to approach her with better results. By the way I am currently prescribed vicodin 500 3x a day which doesnt seem exsessive to me. Any suggestions please? :confused:

[SharonA]

I use the word flare when I am talking about an increase of normal symptoms.

There are some here who have meds for "break through pain" which I understand to mean more pain than their usual pain meds can help. I would call that the same thing as a flare.

[Claredale]

I have severe IC too, but I have only had 2 flares in the last 2 1/2 years. I used to live with pain at around 5 to 7 on a daily basis. I called flares 7 to 10. I still have pain just about everyday, but it's not like I had years ago. I am able to get by on 2 lortabs during the night now. I am pretty good about staying away from my triggers and take care of myself (get lots of rest). My flares were also set off by ovulation which I kept up with in a diary. I was so grateful when my doctor allowed me to have the depo shot. My prior doctor wasn't too keen on it since I was on so many meds already, but that has dropped my middle of the month pain level to normal.

I hope you feel better soon and that you are able to get the meds to allow you to function!

Tracey

[sickofmybladder]

For me a flare is definately an increase in symptoms that lasts - I also have daily pain - but my flares are when I feel I might really lose my mind from the pain etc. (the 8-10 range in my case) - I occassionally have food related flares (I'm pretty good about leaving "bad" stuff alone now) - but definately have hormone related flares -
Some people do have breakthrough pain meds - but I am not currently on any pain meds so I really can't say - my doctor is currently working on managing the chronic daily pain with other meds (Elavil, Valium, Installations, etc.) - and then we will revisit how I am doing at my next appt. He did mention that the freeze dried aloe was supposed to be helpful during flares......
I'm sorry that you are now out of pain meds though - while following your doctor's advice - If it were me - I would definately be bringing that up at my next appt. I hope you feel better soon.

[rant]

Sickofmybladder,

Just a quick ponder.... since your doc spoke to you about this.. did he happen to mention why the freeze-dried aloe, specifically? I'm just wondering if other-processed types of whole leaf aloe vera would work, as well?

[sickofmybladder]

Rant -

Unfortunately he did not mention why - but he did say freeze dried specifically - I believe desert harvest has some - it is available in the ICN shop. Sorry I can't be more helpful......

[rant]

No worries! Thanks for your help! :smile tee

[sickofmybladder]

Rant -

I noticed that you are taking Cystoprotek - this is something else he had mentioned to me since I was unable to tolerate the Elmiron - have you noticed a difference with this? Off topic - I also noticed you have fibrocystic breast disease - I also have this (diagnosed at 14 yrs old) - do any of the supplements you are taking help you with this?

[rant]

*rubs hands together happily*

Yes! I am taking Cystoprotek. I ran out of my first bottle and am currently waiting on my second. In the interim, I have been taking one of the ingredients of Cystoprotek on its own while I wait for the new bottle, and I am experiencing a much more dramatic degree of relief since I have.

Currently, I am taking 1000mg of Glucosamine sulfate twice a day. My bladder, while calming down a bit after Cystoprotek, is, I'd have to say, a thousand times better since taking the Glucosamine itself.

I am also taking MSM with it, to help with the inflammation, and this is (I think) what is making my breasts feel better! I have also been drinking water a LOT. Not in large amounts at one time, but a half a cup every half hour throughout the entire day. Since I started this and the MSM, my breasts are definately feeling less tender.

I hope this helps! And thanks for your advice!:bow:

[sickofmybladder]

Thank you so much! :smile tee

[Braedley]

do any of you ladies take pain medication daily? that was something i had to look into as a maintenance thing w/the IC - it's only Tylenol Arthritis but if i am late or miss a dose, I know it immediately...it's so much better maintaining it than trying to correct a flare up or break through pain once it starts...

I have been intrigued by this Harvest Desert Aloe but where I'm pregnant, i'm restricted on things right now...I use Elavil and follow the diet fairly strictly and i'm usually ok except for stress and horomones...
What does Cystoprotek do exactly??