Helped by Elavil - Update

[Ratchada]

A few weeks ago I asked on this thread if anyone had their urgency and frequency reduced by Elavil. I received several positive responses and decided to try it. I had tried everything else with no luck. I gradually have gotten up to 30 mgs. at night and can honestly say it has helped a great deal. I still do weekly instills and am very careful with what I eat, but the difference has been dramatic. I have also been tested for dysautonomia and am waiting for the results. My new doctor thinks this is a problem for me and there is a study soon to begin trying to connect this problem with IC. Information on the study was posted on the board about a month ago. I take the meds around 6:30 so I can wake up around 5:00 a.m. to get ready for work. I was nauseous at first but now take the pills right after supper. I have not gotten the hungries. It has also helped with my IBS symptoms (hyper-motility), so I feel this has been a win win situation. I thank the people who responded to my first query and gave me the impetus to try the Elavil. Ratchada

[DenySue]

That's wonderful news, and I am happy for you. I can relate....Elavil (amitriptyline) changed my life. I have been taking it for six months and most of the time I feel as though I no longer have IC. My frequency has been reduced dramatically, and I no longer have painful urethral burning and spasms. I wish it worked this well for everyone! I hope you continue to feel this well.:)

[glassd18]

Wonderful news!! How do they test for dysautonomia? I have quite a few of the symptoms of this after reading about it on wikepedia. I tried Elavil, but my heart raced a bit on it, and I think it flared me (probably because of the dye in the pill). I've thought to try it again to see what happens.

[KarenAnne]

Thats' funny. My physical therapist just mentioned dysautonomia to me. How were you tested for it?

I'm glad the elavil helped. I'm on 30 mgs. now too & it also helps my ibs along with the ic.

[Ratchada]

Dysautonomia is diagnosed by something called the ANSAR test which is a computerized test where they put four electrodes on you and have you breathe in certain ways. I am not convinced that it is legit. Also, there are a number of symptoms that lead the doctor to believe I have it. i have not gotten the results of my test yet so it is not confirmed. I will let people know when the results come back. At any rate the Elavil remains a huge help and that is one of meds that is supposed to help this.

http://www.cleveland.com/medical/index.ssf/2009/07/case_gets_grant_to_study_painf.html