@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.
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