Interstitial Cystitis Network : Patient Handbook : Prelief Patient Testimonials

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Created: June 2001
Jill Osborne

Revised: Sept 21, 2004

Source: Akpharma

Prelief is, without a doubt, the most popular "over the counter" (OTC) product used by IC patients in the past five years. The testimonials below are just a portion of the many reports received from patients sharing their success with it. I typically hear a Prelief success story atleast once a week from patients who call my office. If you haven't considered it yet, it's certainly worth a try. In my opinion, it is the best acid reducer on the market today. - Jill Osborne, ICN Founder

Your product does so much good for my health (interstitial cystitis and irritable bowel syndrome). I am drinking a cup of coffee right now, thanks to your company!
L.B.
3/2/04
Via email

I use Prelief for interstitial cystitis. I have eliminated 95% of my symptoms with Prelief.
Thanks again, I love it.
L.P.
2/22/04
Aguanga, CA

I had suffered for years with unknown "cystitis", gone through over a year of constant pain and frequency, bleeding at times and surgery with no relief. Just a few hours after I started taking Prelief my symptoms started to subside. I keep it in my purse, in my bathroom, in my kitchen and in my overnight bags so I am never without it. It literally gave me my life back.
J.G.
1/13/04
Via email

Five years ago I was diagnosed with IC. The effects of certain foods on this condition are readily available, though real life stories actually send a stronger message. I have used Prelief for almost 3 years, when used correctly (before you eat), the results are amazing. Though Prelief does not make every food I ingest palatable, it does reduce the discomfort I feel if I stray from the well known diet of an IC sufferer. I went the previous 4 months without taking Prelief, and my symptoms worsened considerably, to the point where I purchased a bottle this afternoon. Whether it was intentional or by accident, your product has helped many of us who suffer daily with eliminating problem foods from our diet. The guess work is gone, and we have Relief with Prelief!
K.P.
1/12/04
Via Email

Thanks to Prelief I am now almost completely free of interstitial cystitis. I keep a small stock in the house just in case. I can't say how grateful I am to your product. My life has completely changed!
B.A.
9/16/03
Surrey, UK

Prelief is helping me manage my IC. It helps me far more than any prescription medications the doctor gave me. I am thankful my doctor gave me your sample kit and suggested I try it! Thank you,
A.T.
8/3/03
Via email

I've suffered from IC all my life, as long as I can remember. I was only officially diagnosed yesterday. I heard about Prelief from my doctor, and started using it at lunchtime. After 24 hours, the results are amazing. I've reduced the number of pit stops in a 24 hour period from roughly 25 times to about five. Your product is truly awesome.
Thanks for your help,
T.S.
7/23/03
Taylor, TX

Thank you so much for this product! I suffer from interstitial cystitis and Prelief makes a big difference in the severity and length of my "flare ups". In fact, as long as I remember to use my Prelief with just about everything I eat or drink, I have no flares at all! I can drink orange juice again! My doctor recommended it when I could not tolerate all the miserable drug therapies I was offered. It's a miracle drug for me!
Thank you,
L.B.
Lakeport, CA

Thank you so much for your wonderful, miraculous product! I'm an IC patient who has been using Prelief for a few years. It has made all the difference in the world to me and my diet.
You're the best,
V.D.
Longmont, CO
5/30/03

Thank you for the ability to eat healthy and spicy foods again! I can't express adequately how much "Prelief " and "Lactaid" have changed my life. I can drink orange juice, grapefruit juice and eat jalepeno peppers because of Prelief! Lactaid gave me back my calcium by allowing me to eat ice cream, drink milk, and even some of my favorite drinks ( smoothies etc.) I no longer have to take my prescription for spastic colon and irritable bowel syndrome because I can exercise without having to run to a bathroom. It's great to spend more time on the track and less time wishing I could leave the bathroom. You're a genius for inventing these wonderful aids for the dietary challenged! The first time I tried Prelief I drank straight orange juice- first thing in the morning! My boyfriend tried it with pizza ( a killer for his ulcers). We both agree that this is better than suffering the wait and side effects of our different prescriptions. While I realize that your company never recommends a person to discontinue use of any prescriptions I thought you'd like to know how effective these products have been for me.

J.J 7/9/98 - Greensboro, NC

I have used this Prelief for over a year. I take chemo (3yrs). It allows me to eat without an upset stomach. I tell my chemo pals about this, family and friends. Thanks a million.

F.H 7/11/00 - Colonial Beach, VA

Thanks for trying to help. I have been having these treatments since July. That is why I am so confused. Basically, I am unbelievably better. I only get a treatment every 4 to 6 weeks. I wasn't aware if it was possible to do it myself. I'm going to look into that. I use Prelief constantly. It is a gift from God. It is important to spread the word.

W.S. 3/29/00 - Via e-mail

I would like to thank you for the relief that I have received from Prelief in treating Interstitial Cystitis. I have had a 25-year battle with I.C. and any help at all is a Godsend!

J. 4/6/01 - Via e-mail

I'm not courageous or foolish enough to venture out to acidic foods but so many foods contain citric acid. Even in small amounts it gives me fits. Sometimes I don't know what food has provided the injurious substance. The good thing is that Prelief helps with almost all of them, it is inexpensive and easily available and has a solid reputation among those of with I.C. Those without the burden of this enigmatic disease have no idea of how very restrictive the life of an I.C. patient is. Thanks to the makers of Prelief for giving us a little bit of "wiggle room!"

J.W. 4/12/01 - Via e-mail

IC patients over here in Tasmania (Australia) have tried taking Prelief and have found that it works. Some patients I know have been ordering it themselves from you. Thank you for sending the free samples it was very much appreciated by the group here in Tasmania. Just out of interest, Tasmania is an island off the bottom south coast of Australia with a population of 500,000. At times we feel very cut off from the rest of Australia and it is harder to get the support needed here when you have a rare bladder disease, so we appreciate your efforts far away in the USA.

EP 5/10/01 - Via e-mail

I received my samples of Prelief about a week ago and I am happy to say I do not suffer from heartburn any longer, unless I forget to use Prelief. I gave it the ultimate test-I made a spicy tomato sauce for stuffed cabbage and used a packet of the granules and it worked !! Thank you so very much for giving me back my favorite foods. I also use it in my coffee (which is usually very strong) and it doesn't change the taste. Again thank you so much for the sample.

I.W. 4/16/98 - Via E-mail

Thank you so much for this wonderful product. My urology nurse introduced me to it and it has helped my interstitial cystitis discomfort to improve by at least 90%.

K.Y. 6/1/01 - Via e-mail

I am a urologist working in the Metropolitan Detroit area. I do frequent work with patients with chronic bladder problems, many of whom are bothered by the acidity in the foods that they eat. I have been using samples of Prelief and have been quite pleased with the medication and its benefits.

M.C. MD 9/5/00 - Detroit, Michigan via fax

I am a urology nurse in private practice who regularly recommends Prelief to patients with urgency and frequency and or interstitial cystitis. Many patients are reluctant to make "habit" changes but are O.K. with Prelief.

S.M. 9/24/00 - Via e-mail

Thank you-thank you! Prelief has helped me wean off Prilosec (and its unnecessary side effects.) Treating naturally is always a first option and your wonderful products have really increased my quality of life.

P.O. 8/1/00 - Via e-mail

I want to thankyou for giving me a part of my life back. I never thought I'd write a letter like this, but then, I've never had a product work so well. As a sufferer of Interstitial Cystitis, I could not consume chocolate, since it was one of my "trigger foods". It would cause me unbearable pain and it was not worth it. It has been 10 years since I had a piece of chocolate, and when I heard of Prelief I tentatively gave it a try. I was so nervous as I ate that chocolate ice cream. But thanks to Prelief, I had no pain. You have truly changed my life. I no longer feel deprived. Thanks so much for your wonderful, wonderful product.

H.F. 6/7/00 - Detroit, Michigan - Via-email

I just purchased my first bottle of Prelief tablets a few days ago and have begun taking them. They have already been helping cut my urinary urgency and bladder discomforts and I'm so thankful for that! Again. Thank you so much for this product and making my life and eating much easier to handle.

C.H. 7/12/00 - Via e-mail

Prelief is wonderful! Three glasses of wine and no headache.

G.C. 6/27/00 - Catonsville, MD

I was diagnosed with IC about 8 months ago and your Prelief has been a lifesaver! There are so many things I can enjoy without pain or discomfort now.

M.G. - Grand Blanc, MI

My 16-year-old daughter has IC. This Prelief has been wonderful. Thank you.

C.K 7/12/00 - Michigan

I just wanted to write and thank you for making Prelief and thank you for the support you give to IC patients. I've been to numerous doctors and two urologists and neither told me about Prelief. One doctor prescribed Polycitra K to help lower the acidity of my urine since I have Interstitial Cystitis. I like Prelief better because I don't need a prescription for it and I didn't like drinking the Polycitra K and it has more side effects than Prelief.

S.F. 3/25/00 - Athens, OH

Thank you so much for the samples and coupons of Prelief. I am writing to thank you for giving me the ability to once again eat the foods I so enjoy. I suffer from interstitial cystitis, a painful condition of the bladder, and have been unable to eat or drink any foods which are acidy. Once I started using Prelief the results are immediate! I can now eat salads, tomatoes, strawberries and even drink orange juice and tea. I now have a better balance and healthy diet and certainly enjoy life more freely. Thanks again, you've been an answer to my prayers.

P.H. - Nazareth, PA

I have IBS and am also lactose intolerant. I was never a big coffee drinker at home, but did enjoy a cup of coffee when I went out for dinner. I started to get sick after a number of these meals, but attributed it to my other stomach ailments. While I watch what I eat, I can get sick eating something that I've eaten a hundred times before, so it's hard for me to always be sure what it is that makes me sick. It was after the fourth or fifth time that this happened, when I had a cup of coffee at a time other than at a meal and still got very sick, that I realized that coffee was the common denominator in all of these situations.

When I discussed this with my doctor, he explained to me that it was the acid in the coffee that was causing these problems, and the only way to deal with it was to stop drinking coffee. That was in 1985. Of course I was considering all of the other things that could have been wrong with me, this was annoying, but luckily nothing more than that. The problem was that not only would I just have a bout with diarrhea, as I did when I ate something that didn't agree with me, but I would literally get cramps that went from my breast bone down to my thighs. And there was nothing I could do to make them go away. I would curl up in a ball on my bed, if that was possible and just wait for them to subside. You can imagine what this felt like when I was driving, sitting on a plane on a business trip or just sitting at my desk at work. And the pains would subside gradually, but usually linger for several days. If giving up coffee meant that I wouldn't have to go through this again, it was indeed a small price to pay.

About two years ago, I first noticed Prelief. I don't know how I happened upon it, but I would guess that it probably caught my eye in the store, since it was on the shelf right next to the Lactaids (thanks for those too!). I bought one bottle, and then let it sit in my cabinet for one year since I was so afraid to try them with coffee, in case they didn't work. That's how much I dreaded having to face those pains again. And after all, it was only a cup, something I had already lived without for 13 years. Finally, exactly one year ago, I was talking with my gastroenterologist when I mentioned that I had bought these pills and asked him if he had ever heard of them. He was not familiar with them, but suggested to me that since I seemed to be in a "good period" with my IBS symptoms, that maybe it would be a good time to try them. I finally got up the nerve to try about one inch of coffee in a cup. I sat at my desk and waited to see what would happen. I waited and waited, and was amazed and quite relieved when nothing happened. I gradually increased the amount of coffee in the cup over the course of a week and realized that I had found the wonder remedy to my problem. I was drinking coffee again for the first time in 14 years! I was so excited that I wrote a letter (the first time I ever wrote a company regarding their product) to your customer service department. I received the nicest, most personalized letter that I had ever gotten, along with coupons and free samples.

Well, now my husband laughs at me when I send him to get me a skim milk, decaf, French Vanilla latte! I can drink a 24-ounce cup of coffee from 7-11 with only one Prelief tablet, and I am perfectly fine. I've even started using them when I eat pizza. For the longest time I blamed pizza problems on the cheese but I think the cheese along with the sauce were both the culprits. So now I have my Lactaid and Prelief appetizers when I eat and most of the time I'm just fine.
Thanks so much for creating this product and for taking the time to read my story. I look forward to a long, happy relationship with Prelief.

P.B. 10/17/00 - Via e-mail

I am a senior citizen diagnosed with IBS these past few years. I finally found a GI doctor who told me my problem was primarily gas and swallowed air. He suggested a simethicone product which did little. I saw your Beano ad and tried it; then over the internet I read about your Prelief. Between the two I have found welcome relief. I was down to eating baby food and oatmeal. I required daily pain medication for the past 13 months. Thanks to your products I have eaten a pizza which I have not been able to do for a year and a half at least.

A 10/7/99 - Via e-mail

I just wanted to write and tell you how glad I am that there is a product such as Prelief. I was diagnosed with reflux and IBS. I knew something was wrong because as far as my teenage years things like coffee would give me terrible cramps and send me running to the nearest restroom within minutes. More and more foods began to bother me. In fact, every meal I ate out in a restaurant made me sick until I found your product. I don't know what I would do if you quit making this product.

K.D. 11/23/99 - Via e-mail

I am writing to you to express my appreciation for Prelief tablets. Prelief has been the only cure that I have found for my stomach problem. I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome about eight years ago and have tried everything imaginable to control it. I was in Pathmark about three weeks ago and saw Prelief on the counter. I decided to try it because it sounded safe and effective and I like the fact that it's a supplement not a prescribed medicine. I have taken the tablets five times since. I have even taken the tablets after eating when my stomach was going to explode and it has been effective. Thank you a million times for creating this fascinating product. I am telling everyone I know who has experienced stomach pain due to acidy food or beverage to take this. If you ever need a spokesperson, I can definitely speak from experience.

W.M. 1/11/99 - Hoboken, NY

Prelief has saved my life- I can now feel confident after I eat a meal out; I won't be uncomfortable or have to worry about going to the toilet. I recommend to everyone I meet worldwide that has IBS!

Prelief Survey

I rate Prelief No. 10. I could not eat sauces, gravy's and many more food products and by taking 2 tablets before eating has helped me. I have recommend it to many people and it has helped them. I have diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome and gerd. Prelief has helped me greatly.

M.P. - Seekonk, MA

I have used Prelief for several years. I found it by accident but it was a dream come true. I had such a gas problem, caused by IBS. I started taking Prelief and it helped so much. I just checked out the site on interstitial cystitis. They said that Prelief helped with that. I agree.

T.S. 3/9/00 - Via E-mail

I am a urologist and recommend Prelief to both patients with interstitial cystitis and irritable bowel syndrome.

G.B. M.D. 1/10/00 - Bryn Mawr, PA

Thank you for sending me Prelief samples. Every patient or client that I have given them to reports that they are effective and really help with their gerd or indigestion problems. Some have even called Prelief miraculous. I just thought I would pass it on with my appreciation. Thank you for your help.

M. T. Ph.D. 10/15/98 - San Antonio, TX

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