topic Re: Bladder related problems? in Wellness

Bladder related problems?

hoosieroriginal — Thu, 11 May 2017 20:44:32 GMT

I would highly suggest "The Better Bladder Book" by Wendy Cohen, RN. It is very insightful and has a ton of suggestions for controlling various bladder problems. I am currently scheduled to go to a urologist next week for 3 weeks of UTI symptoms (again, no UTI shown in lab tests). I believe I have interstitial cystitis (would never known what this was if it weren't for one of the people here on the forum). I'm into natural remedies - so this book has given me a ton of suggestions. It also lists medications available for each bladder problem. I got my used copy on Amazon for about $4.99. Worth it! I feel I am more prepared for my visit to the dr next week.

Re: Bladder related problems?

Carol Diane — Thu, 11 May 2017 21:04:32 GMT

I don't even want to begin to tell you how miserable I was years ago going through relentless frequency and pressure. I went through countless tests and even more urologists. I finally found one who determined I had pelvic floor dysfunction - too tight tensed muscles. When I first got married, I had constant UTI's and it became like a defense mechanism anticipating the symptoms and eventually no infection but all the symptoms. For me, hearing this was such a relief. I went for biofeedback and physical therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction and relaxed about it, it went away. It flares up once in awhile but I try not to panic and ride out the symptoms. Of course this diagnosis doesn't apply to everyone but it helped me tremendously.

Re: Bladder related problems?

depglass — Thu, 11 May 2017 21:14:58 GMT

I also have self-diagnosed interstitial cystitis. In my case it is triggered by acidic foods. That means orange juice, strawberries, grapefruit, etc. I have found Minute Maid low acid orange juice to supply my Vitamin C. Certain brands of coffee will also bother me, thankfully, McDonald's coffee does not. We always stop on our grocery shopping excursions to town 30 miles away. I prefer Uristat over Azo for pain relief, for some reason Uristat does not bother my stomach and Azo does. I am ordering the book you referenced to learn more about this pesky condition.

Re: Bladder related problems?

Trinity11 — Thu, 11 May 2017 22:43:57 GMT

@hoosieroriginal wrote:

I would highly suggest "The Better Bladder Book" by Wendy Cohen, RN. It is very insightful and has a ton of suggestions for controlling various bladder problems. I am currently scheduled to go to a urologist next week for 3 weeks of UTI symptoms (again, no UTI shown in lab tests). I believe I have interstitial cystitis (would never known what this was if it weren't for one of the people here on the forum). I'm into natural remedies - so this book has given me a ton of suggestions. It also lists medications available for each bladder problem. I got my used copy on Amazon for about $4.99. Worth it! I feel I am more prepared for my visit to the dr next week.

@hoosieroriginalElmiron doesn't work for everyone but worth a try if in fact you have IC. In order to effectively diagnose you, you will be given a cystoscopy where the doctor will look at the interior of the bladder. If you have Hunner's ulcers, it is a definitive diagnosis. However, many people have IC without the ulcers. Various tests are given. If you have IC you may have instillations to the bladder which help with the inflammation and pain. You can also use Prelief if you drink or eat anything that is acidic like coffee. It definitely helps. Also you will be given suggestions on what not to eat. Many people have certain triggers for pain.

May I suggest if you do in fact have IC to visit the website and also to read The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide: Your Guide to the Latest Treatment Dr. Robert Moldwin wrote the definitive guide to the illness.

Good luck. I have had IC now for more than 30 years. Any questions please feel free to ask.

**Edited to remove link to outside retail site.

Re: Bladder related problems?

hoosieroriginal — Thu, 11 May 2017 22:44:39 GMT

@Trinity11 wrote:

@hoosieroriginal wrote:

I would highly suggest "The Better Bladder Book" by Wendy Cohen, RN. It is very insightful and has a ton of suggestions for controlling various bladder problems. I am currently scheduled to go to a urologist next week for 3 weeks of UTI symptoms (again, no UTI shown in lab tests). I believe I have interstitial cystitis (would never known what this was if it weren't for one of the people here on the forum). I'm into natural remedies - so this book has given me a ton of suggestions. It also lists medications available for each bladder problem. I got my used copy on Amazon for about $4.99. Worth it! I feel I am more prepared for my visit to the dr next week.

@hoosieroriginalElmiron doesn't work for everyone but worth a try if in fact you have IC. In order to effectively diagnose you, you will be given a cystoscopy where the doctor will look at the interior of the bladder. If you have Hunner's ulcers, it is a definitive diagnosis. However, many people have IC without the ulcers. Various tests are given. If you have IC you may have instillations to the bladder which help with the inflammation and pain. You can also use Prelief if you drink or eat anything that is acidic like coffee. It definitely helps. Also you will be given suggestions on what not to eat. Many people have certain triggers for pain.

May I suggest if you do in fact have IC to visit the website and also to read The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide: Your Guide to the Latest Treatment Dr. Robert Moldwin wrote the definitive guide to the illness.

Good luck. I have had IC now for more than 30 years. Any questions please feel free to ask.

**Edited to remove link to outside retail site.

@Trinity11 - What is Prelief? Where can I get it? I've had this for over 20 years but have never been diagnosed - I've had treatments where they put silver solution in bladder to exfoliate inside - had urethra stretched - but nobody mentioned IC. I'm hoping my urologist can give me a treatment. I'm also thinking of ordering Cantharis - reading reviews and it is mentioned in the book. I stopped drinking coffee 2 years ago because every time I drank coffee, I got another episode - I miss my coffee! I'm taking fish oil (which I heard helps), but having a lot of bladder pain still - urinating in the past week has gotten a little better. Drinking lots of water and watching what I eat definitely. This is the longest stretch I have ever had this and I'm a little worried there's something more going on.

Re: Bladder related problems?

Gsmom — Thu, 11 May 2017 23:21:36 GMT

Please please please ladies research dmannose

It is a natural cure for UTIs as well as cystitis and I have had great success using it as well as my girlfriend

Re: Bladder related problems?

Trinity11 — Thu, 11 May 2017 23:44:37 GMT

@hoosieroriginal wrote:
@Trinity11 wrote:
@hoosieroriginal wrote:
I would highly suggest "The Better Bladder Book" by Wendy Cohen, RN. It is very insightful and has a ton of suggestions for controlling various bladder problems. I am currently scheduled to go to a urologist next week for 3 weeks of UTI symptoms (again, no UTI shown in lab tests). I believe I have interstitial cystitis (would never known what this was if it weren't for one of the people here on the forum). I'm into natural remedies - so this book has given me a ton of suggestions. It also lists medications available for each bladder problem. I got my used copy on Amazon for about $4.99. Worth it! I feel I am more prepared for my visit to the dr next week.
@hoosieroriginalElmiron doesn't work for everyone but worth a try if in fact you have IC. In order to effectively diagnose you, you will be given a cystoscopy where the doctor will look at the interior of the bladder. If you have Hunner's ulcers, it is a definitive diagnosis. However, many people have IC without the ulcers. Various tests are given. If you have IC you may have instillations to the bladder which help with the inflammation and pain. You can also use Prelief if you drink or eat anything that is acidic like coffee. It definitely helps. Also you will be given suggestions on what not to eat. Many people have certain triggers for pain.

May I suggest if you do in fact have IC to visit the website and also to read The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide: Your Guide to the Latest Treatment Dr. Robert Moldwin wrote the definitive guide to the illness.

Good luck. I have had IC now for more than 30 years. Any questions please feel free to ask.

**Edited to remove link to outside retail site.
@Trinity11 - What is Prelief? Where can I get it? I've had this for over 20 years but have never been diagnosed - I've had treatments where they put silver solution in bladder to exfoliate inside - had urethra stretched - but nobody mentioned IC. I'm hoping my urologist can give me a treatment. I'm also thinking of ordering Cantharis - reading reviews and it is mentioned in the book. I stopped drinking coffee 2 years ago because every time I drank coffee, I got another episode - I miss my coffee! I'm taking fish oil (which I heard helps), but having a lot of bladder pain still - urinating in the past week has gotten a little better. Drinking lots of water and watching what I eat definitely. This is the longest stretch I have ever had this and I'm a little worried there's something more going on.

Prelief is an acid reducer. Just google..many drug stores now carry it. I take a couple when I have a flare and drink coffee. It really works to reduce the acid.

There are some reduced acid coffees on the market. Tea I can't drink. It causes intense discomfort.

Make sure you check out the Interstitial Association's website. They provide invaluable support and information about new treatments.

Perhaps you you do not have IC. I hope it is something like just inflammation. IC is a disease of exclusion often times but the gold standard of diagnosis is a cystoscopy under anesthesia.

Best wishes and I hope you feel better..

Edited to add you need a urologist familiar with IC. Many urologists specialize in other areas and know little to nothing about it. Make sure it is part of their practice and they have experience treating it.

Re: Bladder related problems?

wonderfulworld — Thu, 11 May 2017 23:46:35 GMT

My sister, a nurse who consulted a urologist was told that if you are post meno the lack of estrogen causes lots of bladder related woes. Topical estrogen is very helpful. Something to ask your dr. about.

Re: Bladder related problems?

Trinity11 — Thu, 11 May 2017 23:52:15 GMT

@Gsmom wrote:
Please please please ladies research dmannose
It is a natural cure for UTIs as well as cystitis and I have had great success using it as well as my girlfriend

Very good at reducing bacterial infections but IC is not caused by bacteria. It is a disease that affects the lining of the bladder. Bacteria are not present in a culture with IC.

IC has nothing to do with the classic symptoms of a UTI cured by an antibiotic or preventative care such as dmannose.

Re: Bladder related problems?

hoosieroriginal — Fri, 12 May 2017 00:04:38 GMT

@Trinity11 wrote:
@Gsmom wrote:
Please please please ladies research dmannose
It is a natural cure for UTIs as well as cystitis and I have had great success using it as well as my girlfriend
Very good at reducing bacterial infections but IC is not caused by bacteria. It is a disease that affects the lining of the bladder. Bacteria are not present in a culture with IC.

IC has nothing to do with the classic symptoms of a UTI cured by an antibiotic or preventative care such as dmannose.

@Trinity11 - may I ask what treatments you have had that have helped, medications, holistic remedies? Thanks in advance.

Re: Bladder related problems?

Trinity11 — Fri, 12 May 2017 00:10:54 GMT

@hoosieroriginal wrote:
@Trinity11 wrote:
@Gsmom wrote:
Please please please ladies research dmannose
It is a natural cure for UTIs as well as cystitis and I have had great success using it as well as my girlfriend
Very good at reducing bacterial infections but IC is not caused by bacteria. It is a disease that affects the lining of the bladder. Bacteria are not present in a culture with IC.

IC has nothing to do with the classic symptoms of a UTI cured by an antibiotic or preventative care such as dmannose.
@Trinity11 - may I ask what treatments you have had that have helped, medications, holistic remedies? Thanks in advance.

@hoosieroriginalI don't want to discourage you but nothing has really helped me long term. I watch how I eat but frequency and pain are always there to some degree. Holistic methods never worked and Elmiron didn't either. Instillations were of little help. It has been with me for years so I learned to adapt to it but a cure needs to be found..

Re: Bladder related problems?

hoosieroriginal — Fri, 12 May 2017 00:17:26 GMT

@Trinity11 wrote:
@hoosieroriginal wrote:
@Trinity11 wrote:
@Gsmom wrote:
Please please please ladies research dmannose
It is a natural cure for UTIs as well as cystitis and I have had great success using it as well as my girlfriend
Very good at reducing bacterial infections but IC is not caused by bacteria. It is a disease that affects the lining of the bladder. Bacteria are not present in a culture with IC.

IC has nothing to do with the classic symptoms of a UTI cured by an antibiotic or preventative care such as dmannose.
@Trinity11 - may I ask what treatments you have had that have helped, medications, holistic remedies? Thanks in advance.
@hoosieroriginalI don't want to discourage you but nothing has really helped me long term. I watch how I eat but frequency and pain are always there to some degree. Holistic methods never worked and Elmiron didn't either. Instillations were of little help. It has been with me for years so I learned to adapt to it but a cure needs to be found..

@Trinity11 - I tend to want to stay with something holistic. Definitely going to try some of the herbal medications the nurse mentioned in her book. Looking onlline, Amazon has good reviews for some of them. I'm definitely watching what I eat - sometimes it is food related, sometimes nerve related, sometimes pelvic floor related. I do have a large varicose vein in my pelvic region that my ob/gyn has noticed - she mentions that as a cause for symptoms in her book also. It's a very painful condition for sure. Thanks.

Re: Bladder related problems?

missy mouse — Fri, 12 May 2017 00:32:30 GMT

I have had IC for over 20 years. It took 7 urologists to get the diagnosis. Then I had to find a doctor that specifically dealt with IC. I take amitriptyline and Ararax. Both help. Diet is extremely important. Read labels. There are a lot of do not eat this stuff on labels. The last ingredient is usually citric acid. It's used as a preservative and it's a big trigger. Stress is also a big problem. Also I try to get any medications in white. Red or blue dyes can be an issue. Go to the ICA website. They can find a doctor for you. I've tried almost everything, but I find diet works best. There is a cookbook available. Lists of good and bad foods and try it foods. Best of luck.

Re: Bladder related problems?

Sansun — Fri, 12 May 2017 02:19:52 GMT

Thanks for the information. I'm currently going through tests for the same thing and this has been helpful.

Re: Bladder related problems?

Coquille — Fri, 12 May 2017 03:58:24 GMT

I started getting symptoms of UTI's almost every month, a little over a year ago. I was tested each time for an infection but never had one. I had a hysterectomy 16 years ago and the year after that, I had breast cancer. Needless to say, no estrogen for me. My oncologist won't let me use, even a touch. That would fix everything. I had been uncomfortable for the past year vaginally and also having urinary problems. I read up and then spoke to my gynecologist. She mentioned Thermiva. I thought about. It cost 3,000.00 for 3 sessions. I said no way. Then, I thought about my quality of life or lack of it because of all my discomfort, constantly. Well, I had my first session and already feel better. My second session will be in about a week or so. My life has totally changed since the procedure. Ladies, read up on it and truly consider having it done. I hope everyone feels better. Take care and Happy Mother's Day.

Re: Bladder related problems?

Poodlepet2 — Sat, 13 May 2017 13:12:11 GMT

Hello @hoosieroriginal. I have had bladder problems for years with symptoms that mimic cystitis. I've had several urethral limitations-there's always blood in my urine....incontinence has gotten very bad: I wear Depends 24/7 ( Always came out with new underwear that offers more protection IMO).

I am seeing a gynecologist and that's a marvelous idea. She has done several aerodynamic studies on me and it's not looking good. I have extensive nerve damage all over, but it hit my bladder as well.

I was getting up almost hourly-and when I realized that I stopped going to places where bathrooms might be far away, that's when I made the appointment.

There are so many medications I can't take because of medical issues.

It has been frustrating-and I felt humiliated 20 years ago.

You are following the right path to finding out what's going on, and I sincerely hope it isn't cystitis-but things like urethral strictures can mimic cystitis.....They were rough too: you feel like a hot poker is there when urinating. There were times I have bitten my fingers to keep from crying out.....

The good news is that after every facilitation, I had improvement for awhile.

I feel your pain!

Hugs,

Poodlepet2

Re: Bladder related problems?

hoosieroriginal — Sat, 13 May 2017 16:50:09 GMT

@Poodlepet2 wrote:
Hello @hoosieroriginal. I have had bladder problems for years with symptoms that mimic cystitis. I've had several urethral limitations-there's always blood in my urine....incontinence has gotten very bad: I wear Depends 24/7 ( Always came out with new underwear that offers more protection IMO).

I am seeing a gynecologist and that's a marvelous idea. She has done several aerodynamic studies on me and it's not looking good. I have extensive nerve damage all over, but it hit my bladder as well.

I was getting up almost hourly-and when I realized that I stopped going to places where bathrooms might be far away, that's when I made the appointment.

There are so many medications I can't take because of medical issues.

It has been frustrating-and I felt humiliated 20 years ago.

You are following the right path to finding out what's going on, and I sincerely hope it isn't cystitis-but things like urethral strictures can mimic cystitis.....They were rough too: you feel like a hot poker is there when urinating. There were times I have bitten my fingers to keep from crying out.....

The good news is that after every facilitation, I had improvement for awhile.
I feel your pain!
Hugs,
Poodlepet2

@Poodlepet2 - read reviews on pumpkin seed oil on Amazon - some people say after taking it they no longer need to get up in the middle of the night several times. I hear it thickens the lining of the bladder wall. Might help that part of your symptoms. If you try it and get some results, please let me know.

Re: Bladder related problems?

Poodlepet2 — Sun, 14 May 2017 11:36:24 GMT

I am on my iPad this morning and need to correct some things.

I am am seeing a urogynecologist-not just a gynecologist-and there is a difference.

I have had urodynamic studies: every aspect has been studied including nerve conduction (an EMG if you will- but it's nothing like the testing done for peripheral nerves.)

I have urethral strictures-scar tissue- and I have had dilitation to stretch it.

I am scheduled for a cystoscopy, but it can't be done in office because of the scar tissue. I need a light anesthetic.

A cystoscopy will enable my doctor to look at the lining of my bladder and she will be able to get a sample for histology which will allow a pathologist to examine cells and determine the presence of inflammation or any disease processes.

Years ago I tried the pumpkin extract: I'm not being negative, but it's not going to help me at all. I have extensive nerve damage-but I also have a lot of demyelination in my cortex. Nobody is willing to make a call as to what is going on-probably MS-but something is there.

The options have been payed out for me, and so far, the most palatable treatment is acupuncture-and urologists are being trained in it specifically for incontinence,but the stimulus is applied to an area above your ankle-thankfully, not into the bladder!

I am not comfortable with the medication being offered because it carries a risk of tardive dyskinesia and it would just be my luck...and spinal cord stimulation is out for a number of personal reasons-the chief one being it isn't MRI compatible.

The merciful thing for me is that I don't have pain on urination and I'm not doubled over and miserable.

I was put on a cystitis diet: it didn't do anything for me because the pain was from the strictures.

At any rate, you are aiming in the right direction, but I have suffered from pain that was thought to be cystitis, and I wouldn't wish that on anybody. My hopes for you is that it turns out to be something innocuous and treatable!

@hoosieroriginal, please let us know how your appointment goes.

Hugs,

Poodlepet2

Re: Bladder related problems?

Mj57 — Sun, 14 May 2017 16:47:52 GMT

I have ic have had for many years I do get uti's at times. I take elmiron and another pill I now have it under control most of the time. It's painful and unrelenting at times.

prelief is helpful But Be Careful I used to use it not a ton but here and there to take acid out of food. It made calcium flow into my blood it showed up on a blood test and I stopped using it and it went away. I don't use it anymore.So I urge people to watch for that and get a blood test.

Uribel is a numbing medication that is helpful also.i take hydroxyzine too.

there is help out there to help it get under control some people do well some really struggle. Muscle relaxers can help also. A med called Vaga - fem inserted can help too. It's a tiny bit of estrogen it really can help with pelvic floor disfuntion PFD

MaryJo Ut.

Re: Bladder related problems?

sfnative — Tue, 16 May 2017 06:16:35 GMT

@wonderfulworld wrote:
My sister, a nurse who consulted a urologist was told that if you are post meno the lack of estrogen causes lots of bladder related woes. Topical estrogen is very helpful. Something to ask your dr. about.

@wonderfulworld

Thank you for bringing this to everyone's attention. Many women in this age group often self diagnose UTI or IC, when indeed the issue is a hormonal one. I had this problem big time and have been using Estrace 2x/wk for several years (better than the inserted tablet). What a difference!