Question for those that Elmiron has helped

[Evea]

I've been on Elmiron since my dx on 1-7-04. I know that I'm a lot better than I was in January (that was a HORRIBLE time), but I'm wondering if I can ever expect to not be "aware" of my bladder?

I'm happy to say that I can function normally most days, but I am always somewhat aware of my bladder. Sort of feels like a pulling or tugging sometimes, other times it can "thump" or I feel like I might have to go to the bathroom.

What is your experience?:butterfly

[Katrina]

Well I think it depends how bad you are at diagnosis ....and my doc did say that continue improvement can be expected for 2 years. I never got over feeling my bladder. Wish I could give you the news...but people in that condition probably don't post much so remember you necessarily get the best perspective here.

:kiss:

[Alexa]

Hi Evea,

This is a great question. Elmiron is not a cure for IC - nor does it claim to be. But personally Elmiron made my good days far outnumber my bad days. And they also lessened the intensity of my "bad" days. I also followed the IC diet strictly during the time I was on Elmiron - and still do. I still scope out where the bathrooms are as soon I go to a new place, but I'm not anything like I was 6 years ago!

Good luck! :)

[1tuffcookie]

Evea,

I think I know exactly what you mean. You can't totally forget about your bladder because it always feels off somehow. I did lose that feeling and was able to forget about my bladder in between trips to the bathroom. When I'm in remission, I can go an hour or two without having to urinate. But if this doesn't happen for you, don't give up! Elmiron takes months to really fully work. Also, many IC patients, including me, have to take more than one med for our bladders.