Renewed and thankful

[Grams]

Having been through a myriad of treatments, such as acupressure and acupuncture treatments, massages, consultations with various masotherapists, chiropractors, nutritionists, d.o.'s, uros, taking many different vitamins and herb therapies, investing in a tens unit, massagers, topical gels, and taking many of the meds recommended for ic, have finally, after 15 years of suffering with a severe case of IC, found a wonderful healing help. Grams has waited for almost three months to share the great news! For in 15 years, she has never been in remission, and the ic has progressively worsened.
A U.P.S. driver by the name of Mark, has made deliveries at Gram's office for several years. One day in March, he mentioned a physical problem that he had and the supplements that were helping him.
Grams told him about her ic, and all the things she had tried. He offered samples of the supplements that he was taking, and though Grams was dubious, decided to try them. After just two weeks of taking the supplements, the 'constant 'open wound' bladder pain began to subside, and to date, the painful urgency, spasms, pelvic pain, and burning are 90% improved. The bladder is quite small, so the frequency is still there, however, even that is better. And the frequent headaches that lasted up to five days are completely gone. All credit goes to the Lord, for there has been much prayer for Grams by family, loved ones and church family for the past years. Having read about these particular supplements, Grams can only surmise that it is a combination of completeness, potency and processing that makes them so effective. They are apparently adddressing the needs that other supplements missed, and the results have been astounding. Grams is able to go to the grandchicklets sports and school activities, am joining Poppa at the YMCA for the senior fitness class, and can walk and exercise with no pain. Am going to get a bicycle and teach Sunday School again! Grams got the supplements for her elderly mother who suffers from severe osteoporosis and asthma, and in less than a month, this precious lady is experiencing less fatigue, has more energy, and we are confident that in time the pain will lessen. Grams has also ordered these supplements for Poppa and our eldest daughter.
Grams takes the 'Essentials,' and would strongly encourage anyone to research these nutrients... and please let her know of the results at tellagrams@netscape.com
Love and prayerhugs, Grams (Sharon Miller)

[Katrina]

thanks (((hugs)))) will do

[Strawberry]

Grams, I take the Essentials too and they started giving me relief in just two weeks! I know of two more people that they have helped also.:thumbsup:

[Sue]

:grouphug: :grouphug: :angel: :grouphug: :grouphug:

[SharonA]

Dearest Sharon (Grams)...

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow...After such an ordeal, I am so grateful that God has allowed you to find help and begin to heal from this dreadful disease. You have been such a blessing here for such a long time. I am so happy for you.

Can you tell us more about these supplements? Like...where do we find information regarding them?:kissing:

[Ginny]

What is in the Essentials that you think is helping you?

Ginny

[Calli]

What is this thing and where can I get it?

[grace 2]

HI:hi: , thanks for posting. Very encouraging. I was looking up Essentials on the internet and was wondering which kind you're using?? Thanks, Grace

[liznazz]

Grams,

I tried to contact you via your email address you had posted, but it keeps coming back as "address unknown" Is this the correct email address? would like more info on "Essentials" but am unable to contact you. Thanks for your help....liz

[Ruby*]

Grams,
Very happy for you, but please would you give more details about
this supplement "Essentials", I too have been using alternative
methods in treating/managing my IC and this is the first time I've
ever heard of such a thing!
Help us sufferers of IC get the info we need in hopes that we can
be on the road to recovery as well.
Ruby*

[Grams]

There was a concern about tolerating these new supplements, as often when taking certain meds or some supplements, there would be some real discomfort.
These particular usana supplements are chelated minerals, calcium, antioxidants and proflavonal, and have never caused any discomfort. Began taking them in March, and am amazed at the results! It is obvious that these particular supplements are addressing needs that the others could not. The pelvic migraines, nerve pain and 5 day headaches are completely gone. Dr. Wentz has an incredible background, and it is very helpful to know what he has been involved in to understand why these supplements are different and work so well. Grams has a website (as of today) tellagrams.usana.com. Please check it out. Will have personal testimony added, but for starters it has some very good info. Bless you, dearest. Grams has been at this cyberspace oasis of healing helps for a number of years, and though am feeling so well, will continue to pray that the Lord will apply His healing balm of mercy, grace and healing to everyone here. Love and prayerhugs, Grams

[tigger_gal]

Hi GRams,
thank you so much for the info, I wonder if it would help other symptoms to such as severe back pain, fibro myofascial pain. pfd and sacralitis? also I looked at the web site, I didn't see where these pills are fda approved.. Can they cause liver damage? or Rapid heart beat? My heart seems to race with some otc and prescribed meds. I know I being skeptical here but, If it helps why don't IC Specialist know this is a treatment?
I guess growing up watching mom with ic for over 30 years and having it my self I wonder if it really helps every one or just the chosen few..... IC acts so different with everyone.
:kiss: :grouphug:
Brat

[Calli]

Your site is not working for me, Grams.

And why is Grams talking in third person all the time?:D

[Ruby*]

I'm having a hard time with the site too!
Calli, I was asking Ruby* the same question as well?!?
:confused:

[Grams]

Bless you all for your interest and comments. Miss Manners wrote in the third person, and was very much admired by Grams, (who will never achieve such a position of prominence and popularity, but nevertheless, enjoys the same style.) Thus, the reason for writing in the third person, (hope this does not offend anyone, for Grams has always been a 'different' breed of cat, and has been frequenting the icn website for years, mostly at the prayer request board)
Ah, about the website. As it was just set up Saturday, am not sure why you can't access it. Have put in a call to Mark's voicemail, and hope to hear from him later today, and willl keep you posted.
Am still reading up on usana products, and have much to learn. And, yes, what works for one may not another, as each one is unique.
Hope this info helps. Please email Grams anytime! You all continue to be very special and are in my prayers.

[Edited to remove advertising. -Donna]

[Grams]

So sorry about the incorrect address for Gram's website. Talked to Mark today, and he did some troubleshooting , and the correct address is: www.unitoday.net/tellagrams
Will continue to be in your balcony section cheering you on!
Love and prayerhugs, Grams

[sleepyangel30]

I know someone with ic that is taking the mega-antioxidants. She said it's helping her alot.

[Marlana]

Did anyone try these and notice any difference?

[sleepyangel30]

Marlana I know 2 other people that does and it helped with they're flares and frequency. I was going to try them out, but they are expensive. I didn't want to waste alot of money on something that may not work for me. I don't need them noway. I'm doing so much better since I cut out all the stress.

[Calli]

Look at the price list, thats for 1 month:

-Health pack 100 € 118,41
-Essentials € 44,21 Essentials = Chelated Minerals & Mega Antioxidants
-Proflavanol 90 € 40,89
-Calcium Plus € 19,80

I will find some other company which si less expensive.

[Marlana]

IS that in Euros? I wonder what it is in dollars?

[Calli]

Almost the same, I think Euro is a worth a little bit more?

[Calli]

Currency Exchange Rates

( based on a cash transfer | today: June 17, 2004 )



118 Euro = 147.399 US Dollar


Hmm, I guess Euro is worth much more than US Dollar.

[Marlana]

wow, that is alot.

[Calli]

I know and that makes me suspicius.

USANA is not the only one who makes chekated minerals, antioxidans, calcium... I will try to find other. 150 Dollars a month... and you have to take them forever... its too much for me right now.

[Grams]

The new supplements may seem pricey, but, after having spent an incredible amount on meds and supplements over the past years. Grams is finding the cost of the new supplements that have given such remarkable results manageable. Started with the HealthPak 100, (samples that Mark provided at no charge,) but due to getting PhytoEstrin for oldest daughter, Shari, and the HealthPak 100 for Gram's elderly mother, Grams cut out the ao Booster and found that the Essentials @ $39.95, Calcium @ $17.95, and Proflavanol 90 @ at $36.95 are working. Will try gradually eminating one at a time and will keep you all posted to see if the results continue to be the same,
Am still not sure what is in the combination of ingredients that makes it so effective. Grams only knows how she feels and what she has tried in the past that failed to bring about these amazing results. Yesterday, went to grandson, B.J.'s double header ballgame, and was able to sit through both games. Had to walk a good distance to go to the bathroom, but was able to do so with no pain. Also, Grams 12 year old granddaughter, Cathi had spent the night, and we had done breakfast and shopping, had worked in the flower beds most of the day, and still had energy to get to B.J.'s games. This kind of activity has been unheard for years. Am back in the fast lane, and am walking daily and working out on Fridays at the Y with Poppa. Grams had been so out of shape, that she couldn't keep up with the elderly seniors at the Y class. (Only lasted 15 minutes the first session, and 20 the second.) However, this past Friday was able to stay for the entire one hour workout. Hurrah!!
For the past years, Grams has been privileged to feel at home at this wonderful site that Jill has provided. Jill is an amazing lady who is dedicated to helping others, and continues to sacrifice her time and energy in an all consuming journey to finding healing helps for icers. Jill and Grams spent over an hour of phone time this past week sharing, and Grams is humbled at what this beautiful lady is enduring. It appears that not everyone in the ic movement has the integrity, compassion and dedication of our Jill. So, Let us all be in Jill's balcony section cheering her on with prayer support, love and emails of encouragement to enable her to keep on keeping on. Love and prayerhugs, Grams

[sleepyangel30]

Praise god. Thats awsome! I hope her frequency will get better too. :angel:

[Dianne]

HI Grams, so happy you found something that is working for you. As a non-responder I'm always interested in new things. It sounds like you've been at this a long time. Do you mind sharing what all you had tried up until now? I don't tend to tolerate anything entering by the oral route so I'm reluctant but want to hear more. Thank you!

[Grams]

That's a big order, Dianne. Grams has to dig into the archives of her wee think tank to fetch up what has been tried in the past. Began ic symptoms in the spring of '89, and wasn't diagnosed until late fall of '93. The first dmso treatment was Gram's last. Left the uro's office and went home and sat in a hot tub with bladder spasms for six hours. (Later, another icer suggested that as the ic had progressed over a four year period, the uro should have diluted the first installation.)
Tried Ditropan (and broke out in hives, had terrible chills and hot flashes. and never had another period. Go figure. After the Ditropan disaster, would get panic attacks when taking certain over the counter pain meds. This lasted several months, and a pharmacist said it was due to the effects of the Ditropan which took about three months to get out of Gram's system.
Have taken most of the meds listed at this site, including detrol, various antihistmines, antidepressants, peridium, neurontin, prelief, etc., etc. Also have used a t.e.n.s unit, heating pad and massager. Supplements have included alfalfa, coral calcium, Chinese herbs, and a myriad of others. In otherwords, there has been nary a stone left unturned.
Soaking in a hot tub often brought relief, unless the nerve pain was exceptionally bad. And nothing helped the headaches or pelvic migraines. They simply had to run their course.
So, then, dearest, this is a readers digest condensed version of 15 years of ic.
And this is why Grams has been so excited about the results of the new supplements. Being relieved of the headaches, bladder and nerve pain is indescribably fantasterful!
Also, have heard that some folks who have problems taking the tablets crush them and put them in a drink.
Hope this has helped answer some of your questions. Grams will continue to pray for you, Sweetie, and all the others at this cyberspace oasis of healing helps. Love and prayerhugs, Grams

[Ratchada]

Here is my two cents worth. I started taking Essentials about three weeks ago. I was attracted to the ingredients, especially the flavinoids that supposedly are anti-cancer compounds. (I have had breast cancer.) I will say that I have had no problems at all with these supplements and before trying these had not been able to take anything like vitamin c or calcium without becoming quite symptomatic. I have been very careful with my diet since I had a bad flare about a month ago, and maybe what I will say next is because of the diet (and not Essentials), but for the first time in many months I have had very few blood cells in my urine and my frequency is much improved. (I test my urine frequently with Chem Strips because I was getting infections and also I have Hunner's ulcers so will probably always have traces of blood in my urine.) No matter what Essentials have not made me worse. I also take Elmiron and Vistaril. Hope this information helps. Ratchada

[Grams]

Dearest, so glad to hear that you are responding so well .
Grams has also taken Elmiron and Vistaril, but with no results. You seem to have hit on a good combo.
How did you hear about the essentials? Would love to compare notes. You can email Grams at tellagrams8@netscape.com

[Dianne]

I've been reading and thinking about this option but reading the ingredients, I can't imagine I could tolerate anything with vit. C, or grape seed extract and I've tried those separately before. It looks like 3 people on this thread have tried it successfully. Are there more out there? I worry about the minerals too. Well water about kills me which is full of minerals. Anyway just asking for more info. everyone. Thanks!

[heiwalove]

i'm gonna bump this up.

i want more info too!
:)

[blue]

Good Luck, guys!