What do you all consider neccessary??

[anxious one]

Hi all,

I spend a fortune (which I really don't have) on supplements for my IC. To name a few: Herbal tonic from natrapath with corn silk, dandelion, juniper berries etc; cranberry tablets (yes I know most of you don't take them but the one time I stopped I ended up in the ER with a kidney infection) multi vitamin, barley water. My natrapath has also suggested aloe vera, hight potency vitamin C and ****ake mushrooms! (Hideously expensive!) Oh, I also take acidophilus and I take low dose antibiotics nightly which are expensive. I'm also on anti depressants for my anxiety!

Bottom line is, I am not working due to IC and I can't afford all this.

What does everybody consider super neccessary for maintaining health with IC??

Any feedback would be great.

Thanks guys- so glad I found this board I would have lost it without you.

Sara

[ICNDonna]

I don't use any dietary supplements, other than a potassium supplement, which is a prescription item.

If you feel these things are working for you, you might talk to your doctor about either cutting down on dosages, or eliminating some of them to see how you do.

Donna

[RedLione]

AnxiousOne, I personally couldn't possibly put a multivitamin or a vitamin C tablet into my poor bladder, and I can't imagine cranberry tablets either. You might be a lot better off if you stop some of those things, both pain-wise and financially. I worry about nutrition too, but if I took even one multi right now, I'd be on the floor with pain. I take gabba for my immune system, and recently started C0-Q 10 as well.

[Dixiefireball]

I really wish i could help here but i can't :( but i do send you hugs and prayers to find your answer you are seeking
Rhonda
:grouphug: :pray:

[janetm]

Anxious One,
Have you thought about cutting out one supplement at a time? This would give you info about what is working and what is not.
I am afraid to try supplements. I had a terrible experience with a fancy schmancy health store multiple vitamin. It felt like it scorched the inside of my bladder. The pain lasted for days. There was so much extra stuff in it that I don't know what caused the problem.
I take an old-fashioned generic type mutli vitamin 2 times a week and calcium citrate.
I hope you can afford to keep taking the things that do help you.

- Janet

[jen_dahling]

If your doc isn't aware of all of the suppliments you take with your Rx meds, I would consult them first. I take no suppliments but there are a few things I can't live without that help. My heating pad, muscle relaxers, elavil at night and I have started to meditate. I noticed that when I started sculpting and working with pottery clay, that it was a type of meditation for me. When I stopped, mostly due to time constraints, my symptoms got worse because of the higher anxiety. I highly recommend either meditation or a way for you do do a repeditave thinking exercise. Some people make jewelry, sculpt, scrap book, journal, etc. Good luck.

[tillysav]

I take a multi-vitamin once a day, and 1 tums tablet for calcium. I try to get nutrition from my diet -- lots of blueberries, brocoli, pears, potatoes, (white or sweet) eggs, salmon and occasional filet. Oh, and lots of water. These foods do not give me problems and are packed with vitamins. :thumbsup: Too many vitamins cause me problems. :shake:

[tigger_gal]

I don't use anything other then what is prescribed by my dr.. trying to avoid stress (yea right) is a major roll in IC... Hot baths to relieve pain, if you can do it. Heating pad or ice.. The IC diet... Ignoring your hubby.. lol.. if at all possible.. some of you gals no exactly what I mean by that one!!! :lmao:
urised has been a life savor..
hugs
Brat

[tillysav]

Hi Brat,

What is "urised" and what does it do?

Thanks, Tilly

[classics]

In my opinion is it better to work with a naturopathic or homeopathic doctor when using alternative methods such as supplements. They can get the whole picture of what your body requires and tell you what specific supplements you need.

I have taken different things over the years. I know that Echinacea is an herb that works well for me and it's proved itself time and time again. I take a variety of supplements, but I hate to take too many because I dislike swallowing pills, especially the large ones (gag). Some supplements I buy as tea or tinctures (like my echinacea).

[kadi]

If your doctor writes a note for your supplements & includes a diagnosis code, you may be able to write supplements off on your taxes. If you think your out of pocket medical expenses may exceed 7% of your income, it's worth looking into.
I wrote off my copays, prescription meds, some overthecounter meds & parking & bridge tolls, & mileage to/from doctor appts last year.

[blondiecat]

If your doctor writes a note for your supplements & includes a diagnosis code, you may be able to write supplements off on your taxes. If you think your out of pocket medical expenses may exceed 7% of your income, it's worth looking into.
I wrote off my copays, prescription meds, some overthecounter meds & parking & bridge tolls, & mileage to/from doctor appts last year.

Yep you can write those things off on your taxes. You can also include your medical insurance premiums. If you have a dr's appointment that requires you to spend the night away from home you can include the cost of the hotel rooms also.