Benadryl

[blue]

Does anyone else just take Benadryl? My doctor told me to take an over the counter antihistamine.

[kelly McC]

I take Benedryl for my allergies..

[ICNDonna]

I sometimes take benadryl, but not full time. When I first had an allergic reaction to sulfa, benadryl was still a prescription item and is what my doctor ordered. It's also good to help me sleep. Nearly all of the over the counter sleep medications contain the same medication as benadryl.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[shellby]

HI BLUE
I TAKE IT. :thumbsup:

[blue]

It seemed as though a lot of people were taking prescription antihistamines for their Ic. I'm glad I'm not the only one not.

[lotsofgirls]

Hi Valli,
I had a shot of benadryl once when I had an allergic reaction to the B and O suppositories. Once that settled I felt really good the rest of the night. My pain doctor is thinking we should try benadryl to see if thats what helped that night with the IC. She is holding off only because we are adding alot of treatments/meds right now and she needs to evaluate them one by one.
Good luck!
Cath:angel:

[MakinIT]

I've taken benadryl on and off for many different things...(allergy reactions to just about everything.)

For my IC I take atarax. Maybe that's why I haven't had any problems this spring....:thumbsup: It works better than benadryl and I'm just not tired from it like benadryl was. Of course, I've built a tolerance to it. I've been taking it daily for months.:)

Tracey

[sunshine_77us]

I have been taking Allegra 180 but it's so expensive. I've been thinking about taking the Benadryl instead of the Allegra. How many do you take, 2?
Pam

[kadi]

Hmm, tried both Atarax & Benadryl; they made me hyper & gave me a racing heartbeat. Don't know if it was the Atarax or Benadryl itself or an interaction with Elavil/Ditropan I take at night.

Just had some allergy testing done, broke out in a rash & the allergist gave me Quercetin to reduce the itching. Since Quercetin is an IC alternative option, I may try it longer, but am waiting til after I finish allergy tests (it can interfere with results) . (Was just thrilled not to have had any side effects the 3 doses I took)...

Good luck!!

[MakinIT]

I take quercitin too, although only part of a dose because I also take atarax.That has allowed me to go from 50 mgs of Atarax to 25. My hubby is going to try claritin (now that it is over the counter) for his allergies. They've been terrible and he needs something that won't make him drowsy. (He's a teacher of 2nd and 3rd grade kids. Hmmm..I wonder if the quercitin wouldn't help him as well.

Tracey....

[blue]

I take two Benadryl when I go to bed. I can't take it while I'm working!

[sunshine_77us]

I think I will start taking 2 at night and quit taking the Allegra.
I quit taking the Ditropan yesterday. Something is making my stomach nauseated. It's been like that for over a week and I thought maybe it could be the Ditropan. Has anyone else had any problems with it?

Thanks
Pam:(

[MakinIT]

Been a while since I've taken it, but all I can recall is that I went from peeing all the time to not being able to pee at all...no matter what I did!!! Very frustrating. Don't think it bugged my stomach, but everything seems to get my stomach going.

[blue]

I haven't taken Ditropan.

[sunshine_77us]

:) Well, my stomach is finally better and I don't think the ditropan had anything to do with it. One of my friends called last night and she has had the same problem for 3 weeks. That's about how long mine has lasted. I was off the Ditropan for 2 days and I was miserable this morning with my bladder so I started back on it this morning. I can tell a difference already. I know it makes me retain some but I guess it's better then the other feeling. I was hoping I could get rid of one of the pills I take!!!!

[shellby]

:hi: I also took Ditropam but it never did work. they put me on urased 2, 4 x a day and it works. :)

[blue]

I'm glad your feeling better!

[sunshine_77us]

Thanks, I'm sure glad I feel better also. It has been a terrible 3 weeks. I started on the Ditropan again yesterday. IF I get nauseated maybe I will know for sure that it is the medicine. I think it was a virus. There are so many going around right now.

[MakinIT]

I hope the same for you! I'm glad Ditropan did part of what it was supposed to, hopefully, you won't get sick again.:)

Tracey

[amethyst79]

I take clarinex and nasonex for athsma and allergies, both, I think, work okay without too many side effects. I used to use benedryl tablets all the time, but they didn't seem to do much. I found when I need something extra, which is okay with my PCP, I will take the children's liquid benedryl. I tend react better with liquids and liquidcap medicines.

As for Ditropan, I'm on that now, XL. Was on Detrol LA for 6 months with no relief. Wednesday I voided 43 times and yesterday only 36. Either the Ditropan XL is starting to work or I just had a good day. Not even counting or charting today, I need a break! (sad that I'm excited to void ONLY 36 times in one day *sigh*)

Hugs All,

Chelle

[MakinIT]

Boy Amesyth: I feel sorry for myself when it's over about 22-23 times for me!!!:dogrun: Makes me hurt......I just get to feeling like icky poo with all those trips to the bathroom...Oh wow...I'm watching STar Trek...(old ones) it's the one with the evil Captain Kirk...Too funny, I used towatch these shows with my dad, and this one brings back some memories:lmao:
Seems I could be doing something better with my time.:tsk: It's not like me to just space out at the TV but I haven't even taken a shower yet today, in fact, the only useful thing I've done is get the kids to school. Then I went back to bed and spent the day nursing my cat. He looks like a Radar kitty with his big collar on to protect him from eating his stitches. He is being very pathetic. If he lays with me, I take it off so I can protect him.:cat: Isuppose I could keep him drugged up on pain meds to keep him quiet but he hasn't been in any pain since early morning. Boy...he is glaring at me right now.

anyway, I hope your frequency goes down...I'm getting ready for the interstim treatment at some point soon. Ihope it keeps me from having to pee constantly.

Tracey

[amethyst79]

Tracey, I hope your kitty feels better! My ferret broke his leg over the summer and for weeks had him by my side, feeding him, massaging him. Stinks to have a sick pet, but heck, I hope it keeps you from thinking about your own pain/symptoms.

Hope the Interstim works... I've been considering "the talk" with my uro

Hugs to all,

Chelle

[Mimi-in-Chicagoland]

My hemotologist told me to take benadryl to help me sleep. :D I can't take prescription sleep aids because of my allergy to vallium...the prescription sleep aids are related to vallium. I used to take Elavil, but it reacts with my migraine med. My blood thinners sometimes give me insomnia. I found another use for taking the benadryl...if you happen to have an allergic reaction to a food that you didn't know you had, having benadryl in your system makes the reaction much less severe.

I was taking Allegra for my cat allergy. Its so expensive, even with my co-pay. I tried Alavert, its half as expensive, works just as well, is over the counter, and doesn't make me sleepy. I tried Claritin, but it didn't do a thing.

[Mimi-in-Chicagoland]

Also, I'm on no meds for IC, because my interstim worked for me...but I did have a complication. That's on the interstim board though. Good luck, girls.

[MakinIT]

Ugh...don't want to read about no stinking bad things!!! :D Just kidding, I know it is important to be informed. I will read what problems you had.

Thanks

[fireflicker285]

I have always found that the benedryl gave me racing heart and restless leg sydrome in my legs and arms! Badly!

The atarax is just great for my allergies. never had something work so well for them.

Just hope I continue to tolerate it.


:D

[MakinIT]

Any antihistimine turns me into drooling mess in a few minutes but atarax has worked better cause I don't get that "hangover" in the morning. Course, now I'm on a med for migraines (Zenegran?) so it's back to dopeyville. It would make mad, if I wasn't so damn tired, at the sedating effect of all these meds. My daughter's guinea pig and I have gotten quite close in the afternoons. I lay on the couch dozing with her squeeking in my ears as I sleep.....My only problem is that she thinks my hair is nice nesting material...I have this lovely "shag" cut on the left side of my head now.

Anyway..that paragraph took me 1/2 hour to do....:) I keep getting sucked into SpongeBob Square pants...(is this what my life is coming to) I did make a bunch of snickdoodles today for my daughter's star day tomorrow...and we have to drag in Nibbles the guinea pig. And get up early in the morning for "muffins with mom"...and it's my birthday...I wanna sleep in.

"sigh" life is rough. bye all...have a good mother's day if i don't talk to y'all before then.

Tracey

[gloriabono68]

I have been taking ditrapan for several years........its never botherd me .......other than dry mouth..........and lots of dental trips......because i have literally no saliva........but it usually works well. Now i am taking two a day the strongest they have and its caused major contispation.........
I hope you find something that works for you...........
gloriabono

[jerry westgarde]

Just wandering if anyone has had problems with taking Claritin. I have the allergy sinus problems, and decided to take claritin, thinking it would also be good for the IC. However since taking the 12 hour pill my IC has flared up, even thou taking some prelief, in case of problems. My only food was some carrots and small pieces of avacado, so I'm trying to figure out a trigger point. jerry

[MakinIT]

Remember that any medication can cause a flare due to what the inert ingredients are. Your urinary tract can be sensitive to something in the claritin that isn't even an active ingredient. that's why the docs have special prescriptions of antihistimines for IC...I know....some people have found other otc antihistimines that work. I'd call my uro with those allergy complaints and ask if he/she has a suggestion.

good luck.."sniffle, sniffle"

Tracey

[gloriabono68]

Jerry..........have you tried allegra?????? that works pretty well and it usually doesnt bother anyone with bladder problems......which is why i am on that one.........My family doc put me on that but my urologist said it was ok and a good one. and doesnt cause you to be so drowsy like the vistral or atarax.........and usually any kind of prescription nose spray ........just a thought........you might wanna check into........
take care
gloriabono68

[fireflicker285]

That is "proven" to help the bladder, but I have heard that others have good results with other antihistamines.....

I guess different things bother different people. I have taken lots of claritin in the past and it does not bother me, but it does not help my bladder.

So far, Atarax is the only one that helps my bladder.

Good Luck!

[jerry westgarde]

gloriabono

thanx for the info. I have not tried allegra. I have dun atarax and amatripylene (sp) in the past for bladder but gave up with side effects and have dun nose sprays with limited sucess for sinus caused by allergies. I will try allegra now. Am planning on atarax again in the future with reduced dosage and longer term.

jerry

[fireflicker285]

I take only 10 mg. of Atarax in the evening and even this teeny tiny dose helps "my" bladder and my sinus.

Good Luck finding something!

[MakinIT]

Good luck to you Jerry!!!! even a small dose could help.

See ya!

[gloriabono68]

Let us know how it works...........my uro said atarax was very sedating so she doesn't think i should try that.......she swears the allegra works just as well and i can tell a big huge difference if i stop taking that or the nose sprays.........theres a whole lot of those and i am sure you probaby havent tried them all........eventually you will find one that works.....flonase is a good one too.........
have you been allergy tested?? if you haven't i suggest you do that ..........it helps to know what exactly is causing the allegies sometimes......i am allergic to dust, trees , pollen and grass........no foods of or pets.........also my doc said i might have to have my sinus cleaned out.......not sure what that is........but anyways........i hope you find something that works or at least helps ........take care
gloriabono

[MakinIT]

My uro uses the atarax as first line defense, especially if you have high mast count in your bladder wall. She started me at 25 mgs then up to 50mgs. I'm sedated but I think it's the valium, morphine, Zenegran (for migraine headache) and Lexapro (antidepressant) along with the atarax zapping me. I am not appreciative of being a drooling idiot but I don't dig the pain either. I just hope the nuertostim surgery I'm doing next week helps me wean off these meds I've been on for nearly a year.

[gloriabono68]

what kind of surgery is that ?????????? never heard of that .just curious.........luckily though i don't have a lot of pain with my IC .If i had to deal with alot of pain , plus peeing every minute i would shoot myself probably...........I just don't think i could handle all of that..........but i hope it goes well and let me know how you're doing.......
gloriabono

[MakinIT]

Go to the stories on the nuerostimulation threads...that introduces you to the surgeries...If you have no pain, count yourself, well not lucky, cause the frequency sucks too...Basically the different surgeries implant an electrical device somewhere along your spine and then you test the device for a week to see if it works...during the trial, the wires hang out and are attached to a device for you to control voltage (this supposed to control pain and or frequency/urgency). IF THE temp works, then they schedule a permanant surgury. You are "under" (IE knocked out) and then they implant all of it under the skin. You are given a remote control device to keep the pain up or down. Knowing me and my lack of ability to keep control of my keys, I will have a heckuva time finding the remote.....:D

Tracey

[gloriabono68]

;) oh ok thanks i do know what you are talking about now. except my uro called it interstim therapy but it sounds like the same thing basically.........shes trying to save that as a last resort.....i am fixing to start my third month of bladder cocktails. I can't tell they are doing a whole lot but she said if it didnt kick in after this it probably wasn't going too and my next step would be to see if the interstim would work. Sometimes i feel like they aren't ever going to find anything to really help me and i am going to have to live in misery and hell for the rest of my life and just stay shut up in my house. the good days are so few and far between........
Again thanks for replying and take care.........

gloriabono

[QueenJutea]

I know alot of you are using anithistamines for allergies but they dry out your bladder and every other mucous membrane in your body. My theory is this IC is caused by a toxic substance introduced by the patient. In my case it was bladder control pads. They contain a chemical that dries up urine. I used them and within two weeks of use I had my first bout with IC. It was devastating. It took me 6 weeks figure out what was going on.
I stopped using them and within a few days my symptoms started to decrease and now I am very careful what I use around my genital area. Here are my tips to help with IC symptoms.

Use only organic unscented sanitary napkins for menstration and urinary incontinence.

Do not use feminine deodorant sprays or powders.

Do not use tampons.

Check medications to see if they have a drying effect on the mucous membranes.

Add lots of good oil to your diet to create more secretions to mucous membranes. Use organic coconut oil, fish oil, conjugated linolenic acid and hyaluronic acid.

When at home wear no underwear or any binding clothing. Try to let your private area have air circulation.

Do Kegel exercises to strenghten pubic muscles. This will also create more moisture.

Sexual stimulation also helps to strenghten muscles and create moisture.

Do not under any circumstances use bladder control pads!

I hope this helps
Judy

[gloriabono68]

wow.........i have no idea about that..........I use the poise pantyliner thingys but i have never really had a problem with them bothering my IC......
I have no idea where in the world I could by organic santitary pads either. I have never seen that in a store where i live.
Everything i take dries up everything i have , skin , hair, and on and on.......Do u get that stuff you mentioned in a health food store? i don't have that here where i live.
I am so confused ...........i never know what to take anymore , what to eat or drink and now all of this...............I dont know what works and what doesnt work anymore........sometimes i wanna sceam!!!!!!!
But thanks for the info...........
gloriabono

[ICNDonna]

If bladder control pads caused IC, there would be literally millions and millions of people in the US with IC.

Also, antihistimines are frequently given, and are very effective, in the control of IC symptoms.

It's important that you work with your physician on treatment options and do what is effective for YOU.

Warm healing thoughts,
Donna

[sleepyangel30]

I agree with donna.

[fireflicker285]

I find that Atarax is quite helpful to me for my bladder symptoms, although I know some cannot take it....

I found it dried me out at first, but that side effect seems to have gone away with time.

The only drawback is fatique, but when it is a toss up between feeling tired or having extreme pain and freqency, I will take the feeling tired.

Good Luck to everyone.

[MakinIT]

I do like atarax, I take 50mgs...I also supplement with 500mgs/day quercitin (a natural anti inflammatory and anti histimine.) I started taking that under the recommendation of both my chiro (first) then my doc brought it up because I'm allergic to NSAID's (Ibuprofen, etc..) It has really helped...especially since I got into this stupid car accident a few days ago, I've upped my quercitin alotment to help with the muscle pain. I think it has made it so my atarax works better to.

You do need to be careful about stuff with lots of scent, etc. because USUALLY IC folks are sensitive to alot of different "unnatural " things (food additives, fabrics, etc.) If you can handle it, great...Personally, I only wear cotton because it is all I'm comfy in, I don't eat wheat because I have horrible eczema when I do, and I eat nothing from a box or packet. BUT I know people can do it.

Good luck to you all::thumbsup:

Tracey

[blue]

I can't take NSAIDS either!

[MakinIT]

sucks, don't it? Try the quercitin...But you have to take it everyday, then boost it if you need to for inflammation.

Tracey

[blue]

What is quercitin?

Make sure when you go for your procedure, you tell them. They will put an arm band on you, so that you don't receive any! I always, make sure they know!

[MakinIT]

Oh yeah...i always get the pretty red arm band. Quercitin is a natural antiinflammatory.

Tracey

[blueblondie1121]

hi ladies, i have a stomach ulcer. i have noticed when ever i use nexium for it my ic gets a lot better. i love that part. but it will mess up you bowel movements. but i guess that is better then the pain. hope this infro helps. blueblondie1121:butterfly

[gloriabono68]

HEY>.....why do u get a colored arm band when you go to the doctor?? just curious.........

still miserable and trying to find some relief from my IC........

gloriabono

[blue]

The bracelet shows allergies to medications!

[gloriabono68]

oh ok.........thanks..........i guess i must not be allergic to anything then...........at least that i know of as of yet anyway.......before this is all said and done theres no telling what i might find out about myself........if anyone ever wants to instant message or anything .......i use gloriabono on yahoo and khayes68 on aol ........

gloriabono

[MakinIT]

It's usually a lovely red color to go along with all the goodies they make you put on your arm. (hospital jewelry, I call it!)

Tracey

[jerry westgarde]

gloriabono I tried allegra

Well I had no luck with allegra, increased my IC pain, so I am now trying cromolyn a nasal spray over the counter and it does help with the sinus from allergy problem, pharmist said it is best OTC she has to offer. I did do the flonase which doc said was short term only, and it helped some per the sinus, that headache around the eyes and back of head is difficult. Nasal seems best for me. Had allergy tests dun and dairy, nuts, eggs wheat chocalate, orange apple yeast food additives, and pollen seasonal stuff are some of the things on my list. Dieting can be challenging.

jerry

[gloriabono68]

i am sorry to hear that .........i hope that you can find some relief.......let me know how you are doing......

gloriabono

[MakinIT]

Jerry...I'm tellin ya try the quercitin...use the recommended dose for the first week then add it by one in the third. it's a natural anti inflammatory and helps with allergies...I have horrible allergies and it hasn't gotten rid of it, but settled it down. Takes about a week to see a difference, and you'll find your IC pain has gone down too.:)

Tracey

[jerry westgarde]

Tracey--- Yes quercitin I have been on for two months, second time I've tried it and not much difference, I take a combo, quercitin and bromolain (sp). Actually I find the product 'Recovery' more beneficial than the quercitin, which I'm on for the long term. There're on the internet. I take it twice a day every day.

jerry

[MakinIT]

Ok...different stuff for different people...Just a thought.

[KimMulry]

I like tylenol PM. It is tylenol with benadryl(Diphedryl) in it.
I use to take that but lately I have benn taking Hydroxyzine(25mg) and i don't dare take them together.

[jerry westgarde]

Just wondering if anyone has had antihistamine make the IC pain worse. I'm still trying different sprays and pills (kinda expensive) hoping for the right one. For me they greatly reduce the sinus symptons -(relieve)- however so far they all increase the IC pain.
IC is more problem than the chronic sinus allergy. Got prescript for Nasacort, and in increased pain, same thing with clareritin and allegra.

jerry

[sunshine_77us]

I can't use any sinus sprays. They always put me in a flare. I've been taking Allegra without problems and sometimes I take Benadryl without any problems.:)

[blueblondie1121]

jerry, i to can not take anything for my allergies causes a ic flare. even benadryl does. i have been sending for samples to try because it does get costly to buy and not to be able to use it.that way you are not out any money. i usally have to suffer with the allergies,cause the ic pain is much painful, good luck in you rsearch. blueblondie:butterfly

[jerry westgarde]

blueblondie

Will have to see about getting samples. Would that be from manufacturer, pharmacist or doctor. I did get some flonase from local GP once. I"m looking for a common ingreident as I use different products to try and isolate cause of flaring. Anyways I now know I'm not the only one with this problem, and I still have more antihistamines to try.

jerry

[gloriabono68]

You would have to probably talk with your doctor or urologist for something to help with your allergies. I know that allergies can make your IC worse. BUT i have used all kinds of sinus sprays and rhinecourt aqua is what i use now and it does not bother my IC. I also use allegra because it was suppose to be bladder friendly. I cannot tell that it bothers my IC . BUt ibelive u said earlier that it bothers you. BUT i am sure your doctor would be glad to give you samples of different things to try. I took allegraD before and it did bother my IC , regular allegra didnt. I Don't know which you are taking. I use to take ru-Tuss but they no longer make that one. IT was great. There are bladder friendly allergy medicines out there it just takes a while to find something that works. I Hope that you will find something soon. Cause i know when my allergies get messed up my IC gets worse...so i try and take stuff to help along the way but its taken me forever to find anything.,. I pray for some relief for u........take care
gloriabono:pray:

[jerry westgarde]

gloriabono

Yes have been to doc and tried two different prescripts, will ask for samples next time. Am on OTC cromolyn at moment, seems to be bladder friendly but not much help with cronic sinus. Your eg. of rhinecourt aqua sounds good, my info calls it budesonide, maybe different type. Not sure your situation, but my food allergies are very difficult, seems I'm allergic to most foods flaring the sinus, and I suppose steroids, antihistamines etc. will only partially help food alleries, my food avoidance is tricky, have lost 25 lbs. Never heard of re-Tuss, but I know there's lots of meds to try. A good health and get well wish to you and everyone.

jerry