Weight Gain with Elmiron

[dixiecupdog]

I have only been on Elmiron for a short while and seems like its working a little bit even though I continue to have flare-ups..I am trying other natural methods too..Its all driving me crazy!! I feel like I need Dr.House!! I spend hours upon hours trying to figure it all out...what did I do? what did I eat? is it stress? is it sex? is it because my pants are 2 tight!!!! OMG it SUCKS!! I have a very kind husband who listens and tries to help but I know he is sick of hearing about this awful IC!! Anyway..I am trying to lose weight and have read Elmiron can cause weight gain? does anybody know anything about this?? Another thing I was wondering about...when I have bad flares my stomach seems almost swollen...like I couldn't suck it in for anything!! Sorry for all the complaining..but so thankful there are people out there who understand..sending good thoughts to all my IC SISTERS!!:

[meResque]

1) My husband often comments we need House.
2) TOTALLY sucks!!! Usually stress, for me. And tight pants. See #4.
3) Promise your husband that as you feel better, he'll hear about it less. My husband can attest to this.
4) I hadn't read that Elmiron could cause weight gain. I'm pretty sure my interpretation of the IC diet as, "Eat as much vanilla ice cream and as many peanut butter cookies as you can" is what's currently making me gain weight however.
5) I hear the IC stomach is totally normal... I've been trying to pretend like MY growing stomach is caused my IC. And it is... see #4.

Can you tell I'm frustrated with my diet and need for comfort food lately??

[needsrelief]

I have been on elmiron for a month now and I notice that I have more food cravings. Seriously, I have to stop myself from wanting to eat two dinners in one night. I only heard of like 2 other people having this problem on the ICN. So it is probaly rare. i hope I dont gain weight cause Im trying to loose some

[sailawaygrl]

This is the first I have ever heard of Elmiron causing weight gain or cravings. I would think it is something else causing those side effect. Many people have talked about elmiron on here and I can't think of any talking about these problems. Do a search of posts and see what you find. Elmiron is similar to heparin and is a mild blood thinner, nothing that would cause cravings.

Like meResque said, I took the vanilla ice cream tip too literally as well!

Sandra

[meResque]

Well, I did find out today I have another excuse other than the IC diet for my growing belly. :)

[Thingone]

Is congratualtions in order?

I lost a lot of weight on Elmiron, and sticking to the ic diet. I didn't eat past eight o'clock because of taking the medication on an empty stomach. I'm not taking Elmiron any more, and I have noticed that I actually gained a pound or two. I started nibbling past eight o'clock, and I have been taking estrogen. Wow, estrogen makes you swell. I had to cut out the salt.

We all react differently to medications and food. It's very challenging to figure out what causes us to flare. Was it the food, did I exercise to long, or was it the medication? I have had all those same questions and thoughts you mentioned in your post. I think it's the normal process one goes through when assimilating IC or any diagnosis. I just started a journal where I write down all the foods and medications I take daily, and what my pain level is and symptoms. Maybe after a month I can go back and find a pattern, that I couldn't see on a daily perceptive. I'm wishing you good news and pain free days ahead. Keep smiling!

[nottoc4]

I kept a food journal too and it helped me so much.I have been on Elmiron for almost 2 years and have very few symptoms from foods.Elmiron did not cause me to gain weight but Imipramine did.

[Briza]

Well, I did find out today I have another excuse other than the IC diet for my growing belly. :)

hey congrats:bunny:

[meResque]

Thanks for the congrats. :)

[bob04951]

Bob did as well gain weight while on Elmiron, but it's hard to say whether it was due to his inactivity because he felt like crap due to the IC pain and just could NOT move around, or the drug(s). Being off of it has not affected his efforts at weight loss, it was diet. (low carb plus the IC diet) You have to look at all your meds and their interactions. You have to understand that a lot of ICers become a lot less active, period, cause it just plain hurts. Therefore...it piles on. Good luck, our doc just recommended a gentle walk for now. Jill, wife of Bob

[dixiecupdog]

What you say make alot of sense...There are days when my pain is soo bad..I have become less active with spending lots of time on the couch with my best friend the heating pad! I use to go to a spinning class which I loved but noway anymore...just thinking about that bike seat makes me hurt..its all so depressing and I feel some days just beat down by the whole thing...best of luck to you guys and wish you happy feeling good days!!!