Wellness

[ThinkOutsidetheBox]

Forestview.....get d-mannose as well. I have not had to take an antibiotic for a bladder infection in fifteen years. Long story cut down....the bacteria that cause 90 percent of all bladder infections LOVE D-Mannose. When you ingest D-Mannose and it floats by the bacteria in the kidney, bladder and/or urethra, the little bacteria can NOT resist. They release their hold in the walls of whatever they are infecting, grab on to the D-Mannose, and are carried right out of the body. Watch what brand you get. I tried NOW's once and it doesn't work well. I always order the Solaray or Vitacost brands. I initially take 4 capsules every four hours the first day, then two every four hours for two more days (or as close to every four hours as I can get). After that first three days, take as directed on the bottle for another four day (so a full week on it). If you have constant UTI issues, take one or two capsules daily on a long-term basis. Remember, every four hours on the first day is very important, and drink plenty of water. Restrict your sugar severely while you are trying to use the D-Mannose too. And ladies, even if you do not have chronic UTI issues, taking two D-Mannose capsules before or just after intimate relations will keep the doctor away too.

[tuscaloosa]

I hear you. I too suffer from IC. What has helped me the most is patting myself dry after urin ting rather than wiping myself. This is the number 1 thing that has helped me. Also, I was prescribed estrogen cream, which makes the sore area calmer and stronger to resist infection. I give my underwear two rinses - plus no fabric softener allowed. The toilet paper I use is white and unscented. I love iced tea, but too much gives me problems along with orange juice and lemonade. I guess you know that soft drinks are a problem. I find root beer the least toxic.

Another great tip: I drink Braggs vinegar and water when I am having symptoms and it really helps with the pain. A couple of tablespoons in water. Sometimes I have more than one glass.

My grandmother used to take a little bit of baking soda at night to prevent problems. Whatever works.

[Mj57]

I have had IC for a lot of years. I feel mine was caused at birth of my first son. I take Elmiron, hydroxyzine, at times a numbing pill, I have PFD also my Dr. Finally gave me a small insert of estrogen which helps a lot with PFD mostly. I can't take estrogen since I had a blood clot but this is Minimal. At times I take tramadol. It's a very depressing disease. It to me is worse than my arthritis and migraines. I was doing well but lately been in a flare that I'm trying to get control of. I also do youtube guided meditations they help me feel better if only for awhile.

[happygolfcartrider]

I had IC before anyone knew what it was. I suffered for at least 20 years drinking gallons of cranberry juice thinking that was the right thing to do for bladder infections and cystitis. Actually ANYTHING with vitamin C is the wrong thing do for IC.

I read an article over 20 years ago about a Dr. that was studying IC, I begged my Dr. to do the test he suggested to see of that was what was causing my pain. He did and said yes I had IC. I asked him to loo back and see that I had asked him about IC ten years prior and he dismissed me. ( It was not a recognized disease at the time) He said yes I had talked to him about it 10 years prior. Anyway he prescribed Elmiron and Nitrofur mac and I have been basically pain free for 20 years.

Anyone with IC should stay away from vitamin C....It triggers attacks. I have been able to have fruit in juice smoothies lately and have had no pain so the Elmiron has evidently done its job. Thank God! I steer clear of ALL vitamins that have Vitamin C and do not drink acidic juices at all. Acid and IC do not go well together.

For those that do not know what IC is...The normal bladder on the inside is smooth, the bladder of an IC person is corroded and that is why acids cause pain.