How long does it take for interstitial cystitis to go away?

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I've been taking Elmiron for 6 months now and the inflammation is still bothering me, in another 6 months i'm going to come off the medication, when should the medication start taking full effect?
I understand that when the drug works most feel start feeling better by 3 months and it should have full effect at 6 months. Talk with your doctor--maybe it's time to try another medication.

IC ruined my life for about 2 years. I tried everything. Prozac finally worked for me. Best of luck.  (+ info)

Is there an immediate remedy for interstitial cystitis?

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I've had this condition for many years, but it only rears its ugly self once every few years. Most remedies takes months to work. Does anyone know of any quicker options?
Sorry my husband's picture is coming up, but the question is actually for me. Most remedies for this condition take months. I was wondering if anyone knew of any home remedies that work immediately. I've been through all the medical tests, so need info on that aspect of it.
Treatment of first-time cystitis is usually by means of oral antibiotic medications. Recurrences may be treated in the same way if they are caused by a different organism. If the same organism is causing the trouble again, the condition may require larger doses of the medication or long-term treatment. (Daily doses of medications may be necessary for six months or more.) It is important that dosage instructions be followed exactly, because a person is vulnerable to a new infection or reinfection if the entire course of recommended drug therapy is not completed.

Some individuals are prone to repeated episodes of cystitis or upper urinary tract infections. If there is an anatomic defect, such as a narrowed urethra, dilation (enlarging) of it may be needed. If stones are present, they may have to be removed. If the source of infection is the prostate gland, antibiotics are usually tried first; surgery is a last resort. If no obvious cause of recurrent cystitis is found, low doses of antibiotics may be prescribed for long periods of time (this is called prophylactic, or preventive, therapy).

Prevention-
Women may be able to guard against recurrent cystitis by front-to-back wiping with toilet tissue and by cleansing with soap and water after each bowel movement. They should also try to urinate immediately after sexual intercourse to wash away infecting bacteria that might enter the urethra. Loose, absorbent underclothes allow evaporation and absorption of body fluids and thus help prevent infection. Both men and women should drink plenty of fluids and urinate frequently, completely emptying the bladder each time.

Now that u have reviewed the specifics of cystitis, you can be more informed if you need to speak to a medical professional.  (+ info)

How do you cope with interstitial cystitis?

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What foods affect you the most? If you eat something "bad", how long does it take you to feel the pain? Any medications that have helped you? I have just been diagnosed and the pain gets to me sometimes.
I was dignosed with IC over 2 yrs ago.I find that caffeine, acidic foods/drinks, like citrus, tomatoe etc bother me.Alcohol bothered me the most,(Never a big drinker, but every once in a while I would have a couple) I do not drink at all anymore,it is not worth it.One time a few drinks sent me into a 6 week flare.Elmiron has helped me quite a bit.(Some people it causes stomach problem is, but have found if you tke it out of the capsule it doesn't, as it is not the med, but the capsule it is in.)You might want to get a pain mgmt Dr if you do not have one.I take suboxone for pain and it helps, I take Norco and Naproxen for breakthrough pain.I also take Vistaril,Flomax,valium and or muscle relaxers,and pyridium.You need to have your pain "managed" You do not need to suffer.If your uro is not sympathetic to your pain, find another one, I know I had to at first.I also get bladder distentions with DMSO every 3 months that seem to help with the other symptoms, but not so much with pain.There is a website that has info on IC, and a diet for IC. www.ic-network.com  (+ info)

Can Interstitial Cystitis cause extreme pain in the feet?

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I have severe IC and lately I am retaining fluid which is causing my blood pressure to rise and I can barely walk. The pain in my feet is excruciating but it reduces when I urinate so I know it has to do with fluid retention. Can this be a side effect of IC?
I have IC but don't have a problem with fluid retention or my feet. Are you on any medication on which fluid retention could be a side effect? Maybe this could possibly be causing the pain in your feet. I certainly hope you find the answer you are looking for. Good luck.  (+ info)

Are there any other african americans who suffers with interstitial cystitis?

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I'am a african american female that suffers with interstitial cystitis "ic" I was dx back in 93 so far I hadn't met any other african americans with ic.. so this is why I'm asking this.
Have you considered starting a group of African Americans who suffer with interstitial cystitis?
It is also you right to investigate alternative therapies for you condition also.

be well
Shiva  (+ info)

How can I have interstitial cystitis, but no pain?

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I am 25yrs old. I was just diagnosed, but I have no pain, just frequency. The doctor told me to take elmiron for a few months. He said it will protect the lining of my bladder and my bladder will heal on its own. He told me I will be fine.
Not everyone with IC experiences pain as a symptom. Some will develop it months or years from now and others never do. For now I wouldn't worry about it.

Elmiron should help protect the bladder lining but but it takes time to build up in your system so don't get frustrated if you see little improvement in the first few days or weeks. IC doesn't really go away since it is a chronic condition, but hopefully you will find a way to manage your condition so you lead a normal healthy life. Pay special attention to your diet to avoid foods that will irritate the bladder further.

There are several good resources available online like the Interstitial Cystitis Network www.ic-network.com that I personally found helpful when diagnosed.

Best wishes!  (+ info)

Have any of you been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis?

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I have recently been diagnosed. I was just wondering if you have been successful with the diet they put you on, or have meds worked best. And also if you ever go into remission?
My closest friend has been suffering with IC for years. She finally has it under control with medication. The diet provided no long term relief. I believe she is on Elmiron, takes a low dose of Elavil at night and has a painkiller for flare ups. She rarely has to take the painkiller now that the other medications have been adjusted for her. I doubt you ever go into remission...it is just how well the condition can be managed with the meds. I wish you the best of luck in finding the right combination for you.  (+ info)

What is a good gift for an anorexic person with Interstitial Cystitis?

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I'm only supposed to spend $5. I don't know the person and the gift should be related to health. Thank you for your help!
Green tea! It's got a calming antiinflammatory effect and can help combat certain bacteria.  (+ info)

Does anyone have interstitial cystitis and how long was it before you were diagnosed? Did the doctors treat?

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you like you were a hypochondriac, until you found the right doctor? Were you put on bladder medications such as enablex and it helped?
It took a long time before the Dx came. I had to have a cysto/ done to complete the Dx. there is a lot involved with this disease and most uro's and doctors do not know how to treat it. I have the interstim implant and take medications, I am also having a bladder sling placed this week. It is important to find a doctor who specializes in this field. I had it probably over 5 years before i was Dx with it. Elmiron is the most common medication. email me private and I will discuss anything you want to know about this condition and there is the ICN network, you can join, it is all about IC. I am a member, each state has it's own support group, and then the national one. Diet has to be changed, and what you are allowed to drink, it is all posted on the ICN boards, it will help you a lot. Did they explain in layman terms to you what this is? and how it effects the bladder? I'd be happy and so would all the members to assist you. Good luck, and please educate yourself, it is the best defense against IC you can ever have! Tash  (+ info)

Can a 29-year-old quadriplegic have interstitial cystitis? He has the symptoms but the dr w/not check for it?

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He has cramping in the bladder area as well as burning. He has a lot of bladder infections (as quads do), but this did not show an infection. He has had it several times and they just give him the run around. Any suggestions?
Of course he can. Go to another doctor. It took me over 4 years before I was diagnosed. I had to go through many antibiotics and total hystr.
My advise is this, moderate what he eats. Only fresh food if possible. No canned,packaged.frozen. Bottled water.
Go to the ICA web site for more information or the ICN.
Ic mimics lots of other bladder conditions and that is why it is so hard to diagnosed.. Start with the diet though  (+ info)

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