Update

[TeriCH]

Hi All,

Thought I would give you a little update on what is going on with me. After discussing with my internist, he referred me to a urogyn who specializes in IC. I have been improving, but felt I needed to be more aggressive. Fortunately, I was able to see her on Monday, b/c of a last minute cancellation. I was so impressed, she really knows her stuff. Even though I had a hydro/cysto back in 1999, she wanted to do another cysto/biospy to see what was going on. I was actually able to get it done yesterday. I am home today fighting the drug hangover b/c they put me under in the hospital to do the procedure.

Well, diagnosing me has never been easy. Again, my bladder looked normal, waiting to see what the biopsy shows. My dr is also making me do a urodynamics test. She says many times overactive bladder can give the same symptoms of IC. My pain is best described as major irritation and sometimes burning. It is more constant uncomfortable feeling (pressure), instead of actual pain that requires pain meds. I've never had the degree of pain that required me to take pain meds. She also questioned my i go into long periods of remission (5yrs) without the aid of meds.

In any event, she did start me on Elavil 10mg. Call me crazy, but I already am starting to feel much better. Can Elavil work that quickly? My dr said it could take 2-3 weeks to start working. Also, I am so freaked out about the possible weight gain from this drug. I've been reading the posts on Elavil and weight gain and it seems pretty common. I am on Zoloft as well for my anxiety, and I actually have lost weight from the drug, so I don't know how my body is going to react to Elavil. Any thoughts on the Elavil would be helpful, did anyone have success managing their weight on Elavil?

Thanks,
TericH

[lisabar36]

Hi. I am one to say Elavil can work fast. I know after just a few days I had relief. I have been on 25mg, started at 10 for a month and then went to 25. I never had any weight issues with it at all but I know we are all different. I am glad its helping you, it really helped me alot also. :)

[SharonA]

I felt better the very next day after starting taking Elavil. I began at 10mg. I have been taking 25mg since September 2002.

There are problems with weight gain with Elavil, but I think if you realize it could be a problem when you begin taking it, then you can take measures to keep that from happening.

[TeriCH]

Hi Lisa,
Thank you so much for your reply. I have been feeling so much better on the Elavil. I started taking it a week ago, and felt it working immediately. I have my urodynamics test tommorow, i'm a little anxious about doing it, b/c they have to use a cathedar and keep it in for about 40 minutes while they do the test. I know my dr feels this is an important test to do, so I will go through with it......anything to get me on the right treatments. This website has been such a great source of info. and support. Everyone, thank you so much!!!!!

Teri

[mimi1027]

Hello, I did gain weight from Elavil. My dr told me the Elavil keeps your brain from knowing when you are full and even though you don't realize it, you are eating more. Keeping a food diary will help you realize what is actually going in your mouth. Not having any pain may be worth a few extra pounds, but writing down what you eat should help. Good luck.

[kadi]

Elavil 10mg helped me the very first night I took it. I went from voiding every 15 minutes around the clock for weeks to sleeping 4 hours straight the very first night I took it. After a week I was able to sleep 7-8 hours with only 1 wakeup per night to void. I did gain weight on it (when I went up to 20mg), but as Mimi said, keeping a food diary is very good- that has helped me lose half the weight I gained & I'm working on losing the rest. (Obviously, would've been much easier if I'd never let it happen to begin with...) Just seconding the suggestion... And I'm really glad you're already finding some relief.. Hang in there, it does get easier!