Staci..the elmiron aggravated my stomach....causing pain and cramps...tried instilling that...to no avail...I catheterize the instillations daily at home...it gives me some sort of life..use lidocaine...heparin...and sodium bicarb...I can do tjis 3 times a day... Ive been ordering my catheters from Liberator for some years now...my insurance covers it..it also helps when I spasm and cant empty...cuts you down to maybe evey 45 min instead of every 15 in a flare...hope this helps...Flares are common...no rhyme or reason...in my book..and I was diagnosed in 1992...still alive and kicking..still in pain..but still getting through everyday one day at a time..on those days you think you cant survive the pain...survive the next min the next hour..the night..and see if the next day you dont see some relief...you can get through this...bless you sweetheart...
Hi there!
Well, interstitial cystitis is usually a chronic condition and its exact cause is not yet known though several theories and associations have been suggested. I would assume that other causes of your symptoms such as infections, inflammations, trauma etc have been ruled out. The best mode of management of IC is avoiding know triggers such as alcohol, citrus fruits/ juices, cheese, chocolate, sweeteners, meat, tomatoes etc; and taking medications as prescribed by your urologist. Pelvic floor exercises are also beneficial in a few cases. If these measures do not seem to help, it is best advised to consult your urologist for alternative therapies.
Hope this is helpful.
Take care!