Reply
Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,520
Registered: ‎03-04-2012

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. 

Valued Contributor
Posts: 795
Registered: ‎04-27-2015

Re: Bladder related problems?

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. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,000
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Bladder related problems?

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.     

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,546
Registered: ‎11-16-2014

Re: Bladder related problems?

[ Edited ]

@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.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,520
Registered: ‎03-04-2012

Re: Bladder related problems?

[ Edited ]

@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.

Super Contributor
Posts: 468
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Re: Bladder related problems?

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 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,546
Registered: ‎11-16-2014

Re: Bladder related problems?

[ Edited ]

@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.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,311
Registered: ‎12-05-2012

Re: Bladder related problems?

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.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,546
Registered: ‎11-16-2014

Re: Bladder related problems?


@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. 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,520
Registered: ‎03-04-2012

Re: Bladder related problems?


@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.

TOP