★★★★☆
After suffering with urinary pain, I sought out the usual cures. The pain was alleviated by drinking 100% cranberry juice (not ones with sugar added), and eating watermelon and celery. I finally went to my gynecologist to find out if I had a urinary tract infection. She was on maternity leave, so a nurse practitioner saw me. She gave me the usual UTI prescription, but told me to start taking it BEFORE the tests results came back. I wasn't happy about this so I waited a while. Eventually, I took one dose of the prescription, when I got the call that my UTI test came back NEGATIVE for a UTI infection. I immediately stopped taking the anti-biotic.
I ran across a website that explained what I had was IC. A friend recommended D-Mannose, which is a supplement that comes in powder and capsule form. The recommended dosage is 1 level teaspoon 1 to 2 times daily. Add to a glass of water or unsweetened cranberry juice. (I only add it to water). This supplement has been a tremendous help in fighting the symptoms of IC. It is expensive, but worth it!
I carry the capsule form when traveling and when I know I will be unable to mix the powder with water. Sometimes, I take both in the same day - powder in water in a.m., then two capsules in p.m.
