Help! No Rescue!

[LynnInDC]

After 15 rescue treatments - twice a week - my urologist said they aren't working for me and stopped them. Now I take Elmiron 3 X a day and I'm on the IC diet. I also have both a yeast and bacterial infection so I'm taking meds for that. He mentioned a drug to affect my frequency and urgency of urination, and also acupuncture. Has anyone tried meds for that or the acupuncture? I feel wary of so many meds.

I am still flaring and in lots of pain.
Everyone... be WELL!
LynnInDC

[goodiegoodie]

I take Enablex for urgency/frequency and it helps me a lot. I don't have frequency/urgency every day anymore so I only take it when I feel like I need it. It also seems to help with pain but I think that is because I'm not quite as focused on my bladder when I'm not peeing every 20 minutes. Just being able to sleep 4 or 6 hours at a time makes a huge difference also. :toilet:

[L. Thomas]

I was on Detrol for a while and it reduced my urine flow to a trickle.

[SharonA]

I can't take the OAB meds because of retention. I hope you and your doctor are able to find something that will help you. :)

[andcohen6]

I have tried acupuncture 4 or 5 different times over the past 10 years or so for my ic but never had any luck with it. Not sure why I keep trying hey:confused: But you never know everyone is so different it might be worth a try. Good luck.
Andrea

[donnagant]

Sorry to hear the instillations didn't work for you. What was the cocktail, if I may ask?

[lisabar36]

Hi, I also tried OAB meds and can't take them cause of retention. I am wondering also what meds they used for your instills? I was using Lidocaine, heparin and sodium bicarb and as long as they used a tiny cath, they worked really well for me. With the larger cath, they did not work and only caused me more pain. I hope you find something that works for you.

[gopher7895]

I'm sorry to hear the instills haven't been helping you. I've been having them done for the last several months and even though they use a pediatric catheter have some urethral pain afterwards. I find I'm better the next day though.

I also go for acupuncture. It relaxes me and gives me a sense of overall wellness. It's hard to explain but I do feel better after a treatment. I always sleep better after it. I've never taken any of the OAB medications. I take Elmiron and Atarax. I know what you mean about being wary of meds. I feel the same way but wasn't able to get my pain under control without them. I hope you're feeling better soon.