What really works for IC?

[sharber]

I was diagnosed with IC over 7 years ago , I have tryed every treatment available and have never found consistant relief. I have tryed MSM, Cydtostat, DMSO, Bladder distentions, Elivil, Xanax, Cystoprotect , Glucosomine and chondroitin and Elmiron. I have spent thousands of dollars hoping for a treatment that would work. My flares have started to get worse and I have trouble sleeping through the night. I could really use some good information on treatments that have worked for longer term IC suffers. I feel I am losing the battle and just want to get on top of this condition. Thanks in advance.

Sharon

[Audrey Rose]

Sharon,
Have you tried the elimination diet recently? I ask because I have just recently restarted the whole process again b/c my IC is sorta out of control sometimes. I have already found a few food items I had missed the first time around. Or my bladder changed her mind... One being this one kind of butter!!! Hmph.... I just wonder if there is something you are eating that is keep things out of control? :confused:

Yoga stretches and heat have been my lifesavors. I wear a bodi heat pad during the day and sleep with a heating pad at night. Along with daily pain medication, atarax, and monthly DMSO, this routine keeps the pain bearable. But we are all so different.

:pray: I will say a prayer that you find your special routine that makes IC bearable for you.

Big HUG and A :kiss:

[Katrina]

We are all different....I know lots of stories of something that worked that hurt someone else or had no affect on someone else....mirracle cures...but individual.

We all are on the search for what combination of treatments will help us.

calcium and the diet usually help almost everyone somewhat.

you said you tried Elmiron ....but how long did you give it? I heard of a story of someone that was first helped after 2 years. So if you are desperate to keep trying and you really think you have tried everything...unless the side affects of elmiron were unbearable for you...or you can't afford to keep trying it...it may be something you could try again.

I hope your luck changes and find what works for you.

Best Wishes,

[ICNDonna]

That's a tough question to answer. What works for me is a combination of hydrodistentions periodically and DMSO instillations monthly. I also take hyoscyamine when I flare and have pyridium on hand to use if needed. Pain pills as needed is my other medication for IC.

One thing you might try is to keep a very complete food and drink diary so you can track down any possible problems there --- and it wouldn't hurt to include activities in your diary.

Hopefully you will find a solution and feel better soon.

Sending warm healing thoughts,
Donna