Interstitial cystitis?

Question

I have IC and when it flares up, I usually just ride it out and it goes away after a week. Recently, I had a bad flare-up lasting about 3 weeks. Does anyone have any tips (other than Elmiron) that helps?

Answer 1

avoid those foods which can further irritate the damaged bladder wall. Common offenders include alcohol, coffees, teas, herbal teas, green teas, all sodas (particularly diet), concentrated fruit juices, tomatoes, citrus fruit, cranberries[citation needed], the B vitamins, vitamin C, monosodium glutamate, chocolate, and potassium-rich foods such as bananas. Most IC support groups and many urology clinics have diet lists available.

heparin, Cystistat, lidocaine and sodium bicarbonate, has generated considerable excitement in the IC community because it is the first therapeutic intervention that can be used to reduce a flare of symptoms. Published studies report a 90% effectiveness in reducing symptoms.

Other bladder coating therapies include Cystistat(TM) (sodium hyaluronate) and Uracyst(TM) (chondroitin). They are believed to replace the deficient GAG layer on the bladder wall. Like most other intravesical bladder treatments, this treatment may require the patient to lie for 20 - 40 minutes, turning over every ten minutes, to allow the chemical to 'soak in' and give a good coating, before it is passed out with the urine.

Answer 2

My heating pad, a good book, cross words and a lot of patients. I have had it for years and have some very bad bouts a couple of times a year.