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is_there_peace
04-13-2009, 03:41 AM
Hi all, thank you for the wonderful information that everyone puts out here. I have perused the messages over the last few months, but have never posted my info. Thank you Donna for reactivating my account. :smile tee

I was formally diagnosed with IC in February after a cysto with hydrodistention, after surgery the urologist told me my bladder does not look like an IC bladder, but wanted me to continue my elmiron, the IC diet, zanaflex (she said that even under anesthesia the tightness in my pelvic floor muscles was extremely severe) and hydrocodone for flare pain. When the biopsy results came back after surgery it did show signs of the chronic cystitis and high vascularization and my urologist says, yes she is treating me for IC but because she did not "SEE" the usual changes in the bladder (hemorhages/ulcers) with the hydrodistention she is not listing it as a diagnosis in my medical file because she said that she had a patient that she was seeing for IC and when her insurance carrier changed, the new insurance carrier refused her because of the IC diagnosis...so she says that she is doing this in hopes to protect me from the same occurrence.

I will say that this "IC" is miserable...I am sick of not feeling normal anymore. It seems I always hurt or ache...I had a hysterectomy when I was 28 due to endometriosis, so I have had years without a menses and loved it...now it feels like pardon the way I say this..."I'm on a painful period all the time". I have been bad with compliance with the diet, am just now deciding that yes, I am going to do the elmiron the way I am prescribed (2pills twice a day) because I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. I am going to try the elmiron capsules opened up as you guys here (and my urologist) have suggested and see if that helps.

My question upon starting this thread is: I have a cold and have been taking dayquil cold medicine...I am experiencing the worst flare yet (had to go to the ER saturday night because the pain was so bad in my bladder and left flank area I thought that I was passing a kidney stone, yes, I am cursed with a history of kidney stones too ). Do any of you have problems with cold medications causing a flare, is there one out there that people have success with? I mean...it could be just the virus itself causing the flare, but I do need to take something when I am experiencing cold symptoms. Any thoughts or help would greatly be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Preacher-Girl
04-13-2009, 04:01 AM
I used to like Alka seltzer plus cold medicine. It has baking soda in it and an antihistimine, pseudophedrine and tylenol. It no longer has caffeine. Maybe the dye in the Dayquil is bothering your bladder. However, someone else should know if pseudophedrine is a bladder irritant. Maybe you could take some dye free Benadryl (good for many IC patients) and tylenol without dye (white caplets).

Or you could just be in an awful flare because of your diet. Might be a good idea to check out the list of foods here and stick with the "good" foods only for awhile and see how you feel. The diet really works and it really doesn't take long to start working. Also, lots of IC safe water to keep yourself "flushed". Milk may help you too. Baking soda with water works well.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery:angel:

Angela

ICNDonna
04-13-2009, 04:29 AM
About the only thing I can take for a cold is tylenol and if I'm coughing, Robitussen.

Donna

kadi
04-13-2009, 02:08 PM
Here are a few of my favorite (for me, IC friendly) cold remedies...
1. Hot showers with a "Sudacare Shower Soother" on the floor (fizzy tablet that releases Vicks type vapors when the hot water hits it)
2. Rinsing nose out with "Simply Saline"-reduces congestion
3. Vicks "Baby Rub"- milder than regular Vicks & more soothing
4. BreatheRight nasal strips (stick on to outside of your nose to open it up more)
5. Hot pear juice with a little honey
6. For sore throat & to soothe dry cough, Werthers Original hard candy
7. Gargle with salt water
8. Homemade chicken soup
9. Mucinex for chest coughs
10. Ludens Licorice Throat Drops or Ricola original (not citrus!) drops.
11. Vaporizer next to bed, mine has a place to put menthol liquid in it.
12. Theraflu vapor patch: Like a sticker with Vicks vapors in it that you stick to your pj top. No gooey Vicks all over your chest!

Hope you feel better soon,

an0bgobeloba
04-14-2009, 02:00 AM
i'm pretty sure there is alcohol in the liquid dayquil but i'm not sure about the pills. it's really not surprising though that it is causing a flare. but i hope it's over soon and that you are feeling more like yourself! i really like breathright strips when i'm sick!

Mrs. Peel
04-21-2009, 07:15 AM
Kadi, I love your cold remedies!

I can save you a bundle on the "Simply Saline." Call your local health food shops and to see if they have Neti Pots. They include a finely ground sea salt with the pot and you use your own warm water. The pot will pay for itself in no time.