Top Natural Remedies for Interstitial Cystitis Relief

This is my first time on EC. Same story, Bladder infections... Antibiotic regements, result IC. Have never been oficially diagnosed, but symptoms the same only less severe than most. I am 68 yrs young, in good health except for this. My urgency is only once through the night and for my age that's not bad. My main issue is the pressure and burning after urinating. I started taking SEPIA (Homeopathic) which helped considerably. I now added a Cell Salt #1 (calc. Fluor. 6x), also Homeopathic, more cost effective 500 pellets for around $12.00 at Whole Foods. When I have the burning or pressure I take 4 pellets under my tongue, within 15 min. the discomfort has passed. I don't know why, but it does help. Cinnimon is also on my regimen, about 4 to 6 a day. I can only hope this may help someone. Thank you all for adding your voice to this wonderful website.

I was diagnosed with IC a little over a year ago after going through pain for three years and several urologists and obgyns that didn't know squat... Give out a script and see ya! I finally got rippin mad and told them to recommend someone out of town that knows whats going on. I had to travel an hour from home to get better information. I was treated for the IC in a couple of ways and symptoms came back again and we tried another avenue... I had day surgery to explore my bladder and they discovered a stone... Just had this removed a month ago at a well known facility in the other direction two hours away... Relief is wonderful... No more pain (and previous pelvic mesh was part of my problem)... Please do not just accept one person's opinion or diagnosis... Go for more - IT IS WORTH THE TRIP!

ok guys, I am updating my interstitial cystitus game plan here as Ive drawn a few more conclusions over the last few days.

Im getting better. I feel great today, but I did have pain return with a vengeance 3 days ago, to the point where Ive made an appointment with a urologist, and I was looking up worst case scenerios stories on the net about having my bladder removed! :(( $%#@!!

Ive come to conclusion that this is a bacterial issue and not a physical or ulcerated bladder problem. How do I know this??

Ive upped my dosage of essential oils.

I did some research about curing stubborn bladder problems with alternative medicine, and I found out about a product sold in canada and eastern europe called nano drops. I found one random company in eastern europe that sells it. Its $80. There is also a youtube video under "nano drops" cure UTI. I wondered if it was a scam, and anywho, I dont have the money. However, Credited naturopaths had seen it clear incurable serious, interstitial cystitus cases, etc, etc, I found alot of different posts about it so I figured it was for real.

I looked up the ingredients. Juniper essential oil, Lavender, Eucalyptus and Pine needle oil. Thats all. $80. And thats it. In the directions it said, put 10 to 20 drops in a glass of water 3 times a day for up to a month until symptoms dissappear.

So, I increased my lavender and juniper oil intake signifigantly. I then ordered more juniper, and lavender, cuz I knew Id go thru the bottles in no time flat. I also ordered Cinnamon and Lemon oil cuz along with Clove, those are the main ingredients to the "thieves Oil" which is really helping me.

I take about 5-10 drops of juniper and 4 drops lavender in a capsule 4-5 times a day, no joke along with random gelcaps of 1 or 2 drops rosemary(cuz rosemary can be toxic) and more lavender 1 or 2 drops 2 drops peppermint, 1 or 2 drops sandlewood oil, or 1 drop clove here and there. Its been sporadic, Im just trying to get this fixed. Whenever I feel pain , I pop a gelcap with a few drops of random oils, being cautios about the more toxic ones (rosemary, clove) Everyday I push the envelope a little more. My bladder is healing. I can feel it. I cant believe it. It is awesome. I also have been dosing myself with cayenne, and turmeric basically, Ive been stuck at home, with the burning, flaming rocket runs :))) But its worth it. Drinking lots and lots of water, cuz I noticed symptoms started really returning when I slacked off on the water intake. Ive been at home, not going anywhere, focused, on trying to beat this thing.

I do not want biopsies, dont want to have them fill my bladder with potassium iodide or whatever, dont want these horribly invasive tests and procedures. Dont want this to ruin my life. I dont want the nitemare, and now that this has happened to me, its made me aware of this awful disease, I didnt even really know existed.

Ill sometimes do a random capsule of thieves, when I get hit with real pain, usually after I go to the bathroom. About 10 drops. Its pretty safe. I experiment with myself. Sometimes I get racing heart, or strange sensations when I do clove, or too many oils at once, I get paranoid, drink milk, and monitor myself. Its fine. And then I do more. Ive researched younglivingessential oils, and this is fairly safe, as there are recipes on the net calling for quit a few drops of oils, that I thought might be volatile, or unsafe to take. Just be careful.

Do your research guys. I have. Im determined. Im scared and determined. Im 32 years old, and Im not ready to throw the rest of my life away on this disease.

IC Symptoms and Turmeric:

Turmeric is awesome for me. I cap my own and I take about 3 capsules, three times a day, and MSM powder as well, I take about 2 capsules three times a day.

UPDATE::: Ok guys, the vitamin C cure DID not work, as the cream of tarter in a few inches of water, DID NOT WORK EITHER. Baking soda didnt work, and I got sick and could have possibly poisoned myself, (i just read about the dangers of taking too much baking soda online) UGH.... I was beginning to despair, so NOW, Im feeling great, and for the last week or so Ive been taking massive doses of Echinacea, (4 4oomg pills 4 times thruout the day) but altho I was feeling better, it wasnt really nipping my problem in the bud, as I was beginning to have excrutiating pain at night, and by now I starting to feel fully convinced I have the dread, interstitial cystitus!!!

Guys, D MANNOSE!!! I have tried D mannose TWICE before in the past and it seemed to do nothing for me. It was like drinking sugar water, it seemed to be the most rediculous cure ever!!!!! However, after tireless internet google research, all these women were swearing by it, (even saying things like, 9 out of 10 women are cured by D mannose, and I have interstitial incurable bladder disease and this cured me) so I decided to give it another go.

I tried a really cheap brand of D mannose before, and some women claimed that it DOES make a difference to go with a high quality more expensive brand, and that not all d mannose are created equal, I guess, so I spent about $25. 00 for a little jar.

It says on the jar to take a teaspoon every 4 hours, (like 4 times a day) and double for a raging case, (like mine) I took a teaspoon and a half every 2 hours like SEVERAL times a day, and by the third day, I really almost feel normal again, I feel great. I ordered another jar, I really think its working!! Its pricey but worth it.

I suppose the d mannose receptors attract e coli to them and then they attach off the wall and get flushed out of the bladder. Ive also read the d mannose can do this to sperm! So be careful ladies, if your trying to conceive, I read d mannose might interfere with pregnancy. They are even trying to patten a contraceptive using d mannose, lol! I was thinking of using d mannose as a preventative, as many women have had success doing that, but since I want to have a baby... I'll have to try something else when I dont have an infection. Im gonna try a brand of herbal cranberry supplement sold on amazon. One women claims after intercourse she takes 2 pills and a full glass of water and she hasnt had an infection in 10 years.

Im going to continue the d mannose for another week after my symptoms have fully gone. A teaspoon three times a day. Good luck ladies, and I will report back with my progress!!

Ok guys, Im back! And so far, so good!! I had hardly nothing, no pain today, awesome!!!! :))))))))))))

You guys, I was SURE, I had intersticial cystitus. Unexplainable bladder pain, getting up 8 times a night to pee, etc. Nothing was even touching it. My protocol is healing this, and in this journey, I have discovered the wonders of essential oil therapy. When antibiotics dont work, essential oils. Its a freakin miracal. O thought I had a prolapsed bladder or some physical problem, not bacterial. Unbelievable. Ive been taking the thieves and juniper along with the other oil recipes. I take about 3-5 drops theives, 1-2 drops juniper in a gelcap, couple times a day along with the others

Im researching Lemongrass, Thieves, Dragontime, Juniper, Pine, ravansara, Tyme, Oregano oil.

I actually found a page, listing essential oil recipes, and it was very interesting, as far most of my life I didnt think you can safely take essential oils, etc. I also started on the colostrum today, and it tastes very pleasant, and I feel great, Im excited about it :)

You sound exactly like me. Human Growth Hormone Homeopathic Spray helps me get back to sleep faster and dream more. I spray it in my mouth at night after I pee. I used to stay awake almost all night!

ok guys. I know how debilitating this can be so Im putting my post on here.

About 3 months ago, I got a UTI. What else is new, I get them all the time, but this was an especially bad one. I normally take probiotics everyday and it prevents them for me, so I hadnt got one in like 6 months, it was all gravy. But I missed about 3 days of my probiotics and BAM!! I got like, the worst UTI of my life, I was on the toilet weeping. Anywho, went to the doc, got a script for cipro, took it, didnt go away, got another script, took it, STILL didnt go away.

Now, antibiotics normally NEVER work for me. This is why Im very into alternative medicine, but I was desperate this time. and ofcourse, didnt work.

All the usual things I do for a UTI, didnt work at all, I tried every herb known to man, baking soda, 40 pills of vitain c in one day with gallons of water, apple cider vinegar, olive leaf extract, uva ursi, echinacia, even d mannose, (3 jars) didnt get rid of it. I was in EXTREME PAIN, and I was terrified.

Id been reading alot on the net, about overactive bladder, and a condition called interstitial cystitus on the net HOPING TO GOD, I didnt have it. Alot of women said it started with a bad UTI and ended with YEARS of chronic daily debilatating pain. I guess the theory is, the bladder lining somehow gets damaged, or ulcerated, or mayne you have a bacteria or virus that is hiding, or embedded somehow deep in the bladder walls, where antibiotics or anything else cant get to it. We are talking YEARS of this pain, even, to the point where these women cannot work, cant sleep, cant have sex, cant even function, cant ride rollercoasters, run or exercise. I already have so many problems with my female region as it is, I have struggled so long with other health problems, screw that! They even compare interstitial cystitus on the pain level scales to CANCER. Thats how awful it is. And there is no cure. And I was getting all the symptoms, and it didnt feel like these antibiotics or anything else I was doing was helping this pain. They prescibe Methadone to these folks.

I did some serious, serious research, and I came up with a game plan that is beating this interstitial cystitis.

In the morning I take:

a gel cap filled with one drop each clove oil, rosemary essential oil, lavender, sandlewood, and peppermint oils. Followed by 2 full glasses of water and 1-2 pills cayenne AFRICAN RED PEPPER(xtra hot) has a bright orange red color. 1 pill MSM, and 3-4 gelcaps of Turmeric powder, and 1-2 Dong Quai. I cap these herbs myself. Then I take:: 2 milk thistle, 2 echinacea. I bought those ones at the store.

2-3 hours later. I fill another del cap 2 drops each peppermint oil, and rosemary oil. 2-3 hurs after that, 1 pill filled with; one drop each, lavender, rosemary, peppermint, and sandlewood, followed by 1 MSM, 1 cayenne, 2-3 turmeric, 1 dong quai. 2-3 hours later, 1 gelcap, 1 drop each peppermint, rosemary, or lavender )optional) I do this according to my pain levels. If the pain is especially bad, I will add more cayenne, or turmeric, as it is not dangerous to OD on those herbs. You cannot OD on cayenne or turmeric, unless you have a bad, sensitive stomach. Im only 30 years old, and I seem to have a cast Iron stomach, lol! LOTS and LOTS of water. Then before bed, 1 cayenne, 2-3 turmeric, 1 dong quai, 2 echinacia, 1 MSM. you can reduce herbs in the days following as you get better.

The essential oils: I used to be afraid to take essential oils, as I thought they might be extremely toxic. They are in large amounts, you just have to be careful. I never exceed 2 drops usually of anything. Clove, and lavender oil, can be pretty dangerous, especially clove, as only 6 drops can be toxic. Remember to get pure essential oils, not perfumes.

I went hardcore, and I didn't care if I got kidney failure, or liver damage from the herbs I was taking. This painful bladder condition has ruined lives, and I wasn't about to let that happen to me, after everything else Ive been thru. Of course, I'm fine. and I did not poison myself, and I am 95% pain free today, and It gets better every single day..so..

It's scary when you feel helpless and hopeless, and no doctors can help you.

I did alot of research on cayenne pepper actually healing bladder tissue.

Some people have cured themselves in less that a week using cayenne. They say you should build up to 3 in the morning, 3 in the eveneing, but I am already seeing at 2 a day, results so. Turmeric also heals mucas membrabe tissue, and MSM, is a sulpher based herb, and is excellent for pain. Alot of people are also talking about colostrum. and Ive already ordered that, its coming in the mail.

Doesnt work. I did a half teaspoon every 2 hours with a ton of water for two days and it did NOTHING for me except made me sick. Absolutely nothing, and baking soda can be dangerous in large amounts.

Ok, Ive read Aloe Vera doesnt really work per se, but you need the concentrated freeze dried Aloe Vera from Desert Lily or something, I forget the name. Its expensive, but worth it, I guess, Ive heard of women being able to return to work, by taking 3 to 4 pills a day. Also, Colostrum, along with other herbal supplements(marshmallow root, quercitine, etc) has put some people in remission. One lady I read, buys MSM powder every month, and takes quit a bit thru out the day, and it takes care of the pain 75%. You can either put it in empty Gel caps, or take it in water or juice. Also, Turmeric is supposed to be very helpful. Several caps a day.

Ok, I thought I had Interstitial Cystitus, and since Im very prone to UTI's and I get them all the time, I finally did some kind of damage to my bladder from all the infections, or the cures, cuz I take vitamin c and drink apple cidar vinegar like its my job, and I figured I burnt my bladder lining or something, anywhoo....

My conclusion is that this maybe, perhaps, most probably, in many cases (not all), interstitial cystitus is an infection of some kind, that wont go away for whatever reason. The ecoli, has embedded itself in your bladder lining or something. Cuz I started taking essential oils, and it got 85% better.

Try Thieves oil, 3 drops a day, every day for a month. Its expensive, but im planning on buying it next month, since Ive used other oils with success, and Ive read great things online about it.

To all who are facing the challenge;

I was diagnosed with IC in 2002. I was scared and devastated because I soon realized that IC has no cure. I had the most respected urologist in the area as my doctor and great health insurance, yet the treatment plan he offered me was useless. I was facing a future of misery. My doctor wanted me on 5 different medications and wanted to schedule a surgery for my incontinence. I left his office and never returned. I realized that I was going to have to do my own research if I was going to have any hope at a normal life.

First I changed my diet, just with this careful analysis I drastically reduced my symptoms. In time all of my symptoms went away. I was symptom free for years. My incontinence resolved as well.

Now over the past 2 years I've had two flare ups. In the last flare up I went to urgent care and was treated for a UTI. Upon examining my urine they confirmed that most definitely I had a UTI, however my lab results were negative.

So again, my quest for treatment has resumed. I have been enjoying all the info on this site. I plan to try most of what I'm seeing here because it's less intrusive to the body than what my Dr offered. And because it seems to work better. If it works, it works.

One thing I have found to bring instant relief from the burning pain around the urethra and surrounding tissue is lavender oil. The real essential oil. I mix this with vitamins E and rub it liberally and gently where it hurts. The pain stop instantly. It is replace by a sort of menthol cooling sensation. I have a couple recipes for this blend. You can add Bergamont eo and a tiny bit of oregano oil. But I think the main relief comes from the lavender. This doesn't surprise me because lavender is great for burns. It takes the sting out.

Lavender 30 drops

Vitamine E. 1 tbls

Oregano 1 drop

Bergamont 5 drops

I carry this with me at all times.

Regards. Teri

Dear Friends Who Suffer from IC- What a disease this is, with lots of pain, urgency and most of all not knowing what to do; that can make you think you are crazy!

I have had IC since I was a child but never knew, until my daughter was diagnosed with it at the age of 12 years. I had to live through her pain and anguish for years, and I'm not only living through her pain now; but mine too.

I have tried herbal remedies, and diet and I find one herbal remedy that will help calm that pain down within seconds, and that is Goldenseal! Try it!

I was told by a massage therapist I visited to try Cayenne peppers for ulcers; and I was desperate to try anything to calm this pain down... and do you know that within a few days, I feel great! It has not only helped my pain, but it has also given me energy and helped the muscles and lower back pain I have with IC.

I have also tried over the counter vaginal cream and that helps the burning you get with IC; it does the trick. I have never used medicines doctors have prescribed because of side effects, so I try the natural way always and lots of prayer!

There is another herbal product that will help with the goldenseal already in it and that is Kidney/Bladder by Natures Way, this product really helps and just follow the instructions on how much to take and carry it in your purse with you; and take it with each meal.

A candida diet helps too and stay away fron sodas, it will do you in!

I do hope some of this helps you, because it has helped me and I help my daughter with herbs!

May God Bless you all! Gwyn

I started using freeze dried aloe vera capsules for my mild IC, which I have had for 10 years now and can't seem to find a remedy :( Anyhow, I took 2 capsules 3x a day and I really didn't see any signs of improvement.

I had recurrent cystitus for 30 years. Got to the point where I could not have sex without getting it. I would also get it if I got too dehydrated. Doctors advice did not prevent the attacks. I had to help myself, I cured myself by using a mild antibacterial cream instead of KY jelly before sex for six months. I have not had an attack since and that was 5 years ago. Sounds simple, but it worked. If you are into more natural methods you could try ACI-JEL which is just vinegar in a cream. You can also try 1/4 tsp of bicarb with water twice a day to keep you alkaline, as the problem thrives in an acid conditions. Good luck to all you long sufferers, my heart goes out to you.

Hello, I'm 22 year old female suffering with a bad flare up of IC. For the past 2 years I've been getting DSMO treatments every 6 months (once a week for about 6 weeks). I've found these to be amazingly helpful. It's been about 8 months since my last treatments and that is why I think I have a bad flare up now.

I am able to drink coffee (sometimes) and basically anything I want for up for 6 months after the treatments and feel fine!

During this current bad flare up (the worst it's ever been) I've tried cinnamon pills, baking soda, and colliaded silver. So far cinnamon pills and baking soda may have helped a little and just took the silver so I'm not sure how that will work.

I would HIGHLY advise to get DSMO. The first treatment or 2 can be pretty painful in itself, but after that the results are so worth it.

Good luck everyone :)

Update: Feb 5th: HGH: Bacterial Vaginitus is gone. This was a problem for the last 2 yrs. Daily hair falling out is less on my hairbrush. Skin looks better. Pores are getting smaller. When tried Gotu Kola and Querciten products they still cause too much insomnia due to Gotu-stomach ache and Querciten-Hot at night, so I am off them again. Must wait until I get stronger. I can eat garlic and onion now w/out bad breath. Normally spouse says it's a 24 hr problem. Now it's not even a 2 hr problem. Teeth don't feel dirty at 6PM. Less need to brush them during the day. Feel hopeful and can smile and joke again. I saw on internet that 55% of people saw renewed healing of old injuries" in people who used HGH for 15 days to 2 yrs. I need to heal adrenals and bladder. Bladder bad since 2005. Will text again if more changes.

I have a question about the couch grass, did you still have to adjust your diet?

Natalie

1/28/212: Female age 48 IC 6 yrs, CFS 20yrs (less w/no sugar, all gone w/no gluten last yr), IBS 20yrs (gluten free last yr pretty much stopped this), Fibro 12yrs (3/4 less since off gluten) Now also on IC diet. Must be strict. Claritin helps. Fem-Dophilis (vaginally helps). Researched HGH 20 yrs ago and amino acids caused Gastro Issues, so could not take. No $ for Real HGH.

Jan 3 2012: I started HGH homeopathic "Vital HGH" and bioidentical estrogen and progesterone for my IC and other health problems. (2 squirts 3Xday of HGH)... So far the only changes are sleeping deeper and lots of dream recall, and able to fall back to sleep after peeing 4-6 times/night (I was in bed 9.5 hrs/night due to insomnia, now down to 9) . My fibro is much less. Feel less "hopeless" now because I can now take Cysta-Q (trying 2/day) when before I got really HOT at night taking it and had a stomachache, so quit (Same w/just Querctin and CystaProtec. ). Estrogen is helping the HOT at night problem also. Been on Cysta-Q for 2 wks. No real change yet. Energy is higher during the day, and can exercise more often. I feel this is a dramatic change. Lost 2 lbs of belly fat w/out trying. (I am 126 lbs now, 5'4") I will try to update again if anything changes. If it doesn't, I will not. :-)

I have had IC for 3 years now - it started with a UTI and an acute onset of endometriosis and pelvic floor dysfunction. At first, I had a small amount of pain when I ate sugar and fruit - not huge, just a little. I went on antibiotics for 9 months and I was better while on them (I no longer had to get up during the night at all to use the restroom), but I think I further aggrevated my candida problem, which I think is at the root of all of this. I now have no more endometriosis and my PFD has also resolved (anticandida diet and active release technique helped that). I believe I have had candida for a very long time, possibly since I was a young child, and that set me up for a series of 4 or 5 UTIs which brought all of this on. I have been detoxing for a year and a half and have tried numerous herbs, diets (Macrobiotic for 6 months) and I am now trying bladder insulflations of Ozone, which have shown some promise. I was also trying oral Hydrogen Peroxide therapy, but that caused me a huge flare - and I don't really get big flares, just minor irritation. I am thinking of quieting my bladder lining a bit and then doing IV Hyrdrogen Peroxide along with the Ozone to chase out these bad bugs. I am on a strict anticandida diet and I eat lots of good fat (as called for in Bee's healing diet). I am hopeful that I will finally find the holy grail and get rid of this stuff for good. I have had candida in my stomach (gastritis), intestines (IBS), sinuses, on my face and on my scalp and getting rid of it in the bladder has been the hardest. Good luck to everyone with this horrific illness.

Hi RABM, I am going to try the douche, hoping it works but I was wondering, what do you use to douche? Do you buy a douche at Walmart or where would you get the supplies to douche. Sorry I have never done this before but REALLY want to get relief without the extreme diet and pills. Thanks so much. Natalie

Hi Chrissie, I was told to take acidophilus tablets for IC pain and I must admit, I was pretty skeptical about them working, but I can tell you, they worked within an hour!! I was blown away!

The weird thing was however, I bought them from right where you are at a drug store in Anaheim. The bottle is labeled 'Henry's', freeze dried acidophilus. When they had run out I bought more from our local health shop (in New Zealand) and to my disdain, they didn't work!

I have no explanation for this, so I will have to get my brother, who lives in Anaheim, to send me some more, as those ones definitely did without fail!!

Good luck with this, keep us posted!

Chevygirl, NZ

Prior to the worst flare up in my life, I had already been taking cinnamon capsules daily for a year prior... So I don't think that cinnamon works for everyone. I was taking 1000 mg a day and I still had a flare up. :/

I have had IC for 30 years. My main pain triggers are vinegar, lemon, citric acid, acidic foods, vitamin C, some of the B vitamins. I am unable to take any products with citrates, orotates, asporotates. The perfect remedy for me is 1/8 tsp. Baking soda (I use nonaluminum product from health store) mixed into very warm water. Usually pain subsides within the hour. If not, I take another 1/8 tsp. It is important to read labels carefully because many products contain triggers. My flare will occur within hours of eating a substance so I have learned that even small amounts of vinegar in mayonaise and salad dressing can be a problem. Before I reached menopause, hormones (I believe estrogen) were a trigger as well. That occurred at onset of menstrual cycle. An over the counter product for vaginal burning was very helpful to me at that time. It contained Benzocaine for numbing. I would only use for extreme pain though because it contains parabans, etc.

I learned these are common causes of flares at the IC website: Vitamin C, some B vitamins, the hormone Estrogen, acidic foods. Unfortunately, I suffered many years before I found what was helpful for my flares. Now I forget that I even have IC because I can treat it so easily. I'm hoping this will be helpful to someone.

I had bladder surgery (cysto) and that is how my IC was diagnosed. I have had it for approx 15 years. I recently had another bladder stretching and now am getting an implant to help control the spasms. I am a Grade 3 and have tried everything to control or maintain the pain from IC.

If you have tried everything, and you can't get relief, try what I have tried: It's a acidophilis product found online or in large health food stores. It contains:

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1

Google these for the product. If you look under amazon for it, there are hundreds of Vaginial Bactriorosis stories, but also some on IC. So hey I bought a bottle and WOW was it helpful. Pain gone. Like fast. Except I still can't cheat on the diet. But I can sleep, and go in the car on long rides, etc. For anyone with pain: Here is the fastest route to use this product: Day 1 eat 2 in AM, and 2 in vaginal tract. Just push the capsules up there. They will disintegrate. Within one hour, the pain will go to about zero. Then eat 2 b4 bed, and 2 more vaginally, After that, eat 2-3 per day, and 2-3 vaginally (especially 2 b4 bedtime). Stools may get looser. Maintain at 1 to 2 per day per oriface. Must be refrigerated. Buy the 60 capsule bottle as it 's almost the same price as the 30 capsules. Not a cure, but insanely helpful. I've been on this stuff for 3 weeks. I was about to go crazy. I had tried everything over 5 yrs. Side effect: at 3 capsules/day vaginally, the vaginal fluid smells acidic. Almost like stale pee. But hey it was just a few days. After 3 weeks I still can't try new foods, as when I do, I must do a vanignal capsule to calm down my bladder, but I am not in pain after about 1 hr. Blessings, Mary

Update on this Glucosomine & Chondroitin: I found that when I take it, the Quercetin makes me VERY hot only at night. I tested this by just taking Quercetin. Same result. The heat radiates from my vagina! I am 48 yrs old, and having night flashes, but this is ridiculous. I had to quit the product. I had tried it for a few months and I wasn't gettting much sleep. I just got hotter and hotter. I hear it helps alot of other people though as stated by their testimonials on-line. I called the company, and they said that they had not had this complaint before. Maybe I will need to try another brand.

Mel,

I was wondering if you noticed any stool discoloration with taking the gelatin, because I have noticed reddish coloring when going to restroom since starting the gelatin about 3 days ago.

I've been suffering a terrible flare of IC. Apparently, I've had it for years, although I just learned about it recently. I've adjusted my diet to eliminate all acidic type foods. Onions appear to have been a particularly bad thing for me, and I used to eat them all the time! Anyway, I'm still recovering from this flare -- it's been two weeks now that it's been bad. I came on the EC site about a week ago and read separate posts about peppermint tea and baking soda. Well, what I've discovered is that both of those things help me. However, what seems to help me best when I'm having a lot of pain and urgency is 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and a few drops of stevia extract mixed with either 7 drops of peppermint extract (not oil) OR a strong-brewed cup of peppermint (leaf) tea. Within minutes I'm feeling better. If it is during the night, I'm able to go back to sleep right away instead of laying awake with stabbing pain in my abdomen.

Additionally, I've lost 6 pounds in a week. I think it is related to all the inflammation that the IC was causing. I hope that it will continue!

I hope my little remedy will help others who are suffering. Thanks for a great site. I almost always come here first when I need a remedy for something.

Blessings!

I read your post here and am interested, I've had IC in 2003- 04 for about a year, Sat before last it started back... I'm just sooo depressed about this and in pain most of the time. I've been through all that back then, and can't tolerate the idea of going through all that again.

We thought it my just be a regular UTI but now I'm thinking it''s IC back. Burning, pain, and urgency. Thanks, Bobbie.

Do you mean DMSO medically inserted into the bladder? Or cream applied to the area? I love DMSO and would love more info on how you used it.

I just read your post, even thought it was written about 2 years go. I hope that you are doing much better. Just wanted to let you know that you live very close to one of the best doctors in the country. Dr. Barry Jarnagin is absolutely awesome. Just Google his name and you will be very impressed. I cannot say enough great things about how wonderful he is. Not only did he help me get my IC under control, he also diagnosed a hernia that everyone else missed. Feel free to email me if you need to chat.

Elizabeth from Nashville, TN.. I have no clue how to e-mail you so I ask please send one e-mail to me so I can get the subject *5* product name mention by you to keep acid level in balance.

Thank you. Bless all of us and YES.. Each person has to find their own treatment since none is the same for all. I work on ACV, baking soda, lots and lots of veggies alkaline producing, very little acidic food no longer (hard this one), and a new product available taken over two days and it reduces the pain ONLY. Potassium Sodium. Only good for folks with no high blood pressure. Kidney could also be at stake taken it to often. But it does work.

Thank you for sharing it is confusing.. But I know I once have the yeast under control much already is established. I got this from to many month on antibiotic due to a bone infection which I got from a surgery. YUP. I was on heavy cocktail dosages of antibiotics for 8 month.. got through it with result now of IC.

Bless you all and Elizabeth thank you should you read this mail and letting me know about the name of product.

Boric acid capsels can be premade for emergencies and kept with you. I fill only to 1/2 full or I can get a burning sensation. I put them in my purse in case I flair and have to drive a long way, or fly on a plane all day. They can be inserted in any restroom really fast if you have your purse with you. I premake a few for if I can't sleep due to pain and urgency, and I want quick relief. Works in 15 min to 1/2 hr for me. Keep with the tampons in your purse. It can save a vacation, or a dinner out, that's for sure!

New here and hoping you all can help me sort this out. I've been to my general doctor, to my ob/gyn many times. Nothing seems to be wrong. I went to a uro, he sent me for a cat scan, bladder scope and potasium test ( need to go for these two). I have had symptoms since February. It started with 2 weeks of intense urgency right after relations. I have also been having a lot of tingling in the whole area, which comes and goes. Now it has been on and off with pain mainly around my urethera. But when I lay down at night it completely stops. Uro is suspecting IC. Do you have any suggestions? I've looked at the home remedy board, but there is so much to choose from. Please, where do I start?? thank so much for any help!!!

http://www.wellbladder.com/bladder_symptoms__gluten_sensitivity

Thought you wrote this. Looks like you (the author) wrote this. I will quote part from above: "

But there was a glimmer of hope from the small percentage of people who seemed to heal spontaneously through a holistic approach involving self-treatment, relaxation, stress reduction, and purposeful attention to diet. One of the food sensitivities mentioned frequently was gluten. Patients in support groups for disorders like IC and celiac disease, a hereditary, autoimmune form of gluten intolerance, self-reported that eliminating gluten helped resolve their bladder symptoms, and in many cases, it was the only "treatment" that made a significant difference. " Anyways it advertises your book and talks about gluten being a big cause! Thanks.

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/side-effects-of-using-aloe-vera.html

Don't listen to "aloe has no side effects" Not true.

I have tried the Harvest Aloe. Severe gas, gut ache. Not everyone can use it. They give you a sample of 6 pills for free. 1/8 th of one pill gives me severe problems. Can't use. I have a history of IBS. I eat no sugar, gluten, dairy, alcholol due to IBS.

Many people are helped according to their website. Not me.

http://wellbladder.com/bladder_symptoms__gluten_sensitivity

I feel better off gluten. Barley is gluten.

Lonelyhearts from Jackson, Ms. I read your feedback about IC, which I have too, but you are the first person that I have found that water aggravates or starts the flare up. I have been telling my husband that and he cant hardly believe it. He as well as the doctors say water is good for your bladder. But I know when I drink over maybe a cup of water a day or even koolaid with water in it my bladder will start burning and thee goes a flare up. I can drink coke and like you said , thats crazy. I dont know what to do cause I know I need more water. Any solutions out there?

Found a Glucosamine and Chondritan that doesn't bother my GI tract that much if taken w/food. It's sold at an IC site CystoP*****. Maybe it's because it's got Olive Kernal in it, which makes it more bio available. I take 4x per day (1 capsel per day) rather than twice per day (2 capsels per meal). Already see a small differance after 4 months. Constant flair is gone, and can have salty snacks and sometimes blueberries now. I had gone crazy w/blueberries over the last few yrs since getting this and I seem to have developed a problem w/them.

Looking for name of drug store over-the-counter product you take to neutralize acid.

Thks for you info .... very helpful. gail

Hi! I was the other woman at the Anderson/Wise Clinic. I'm doing fantastic... On a trip to NYC. Thank you SOOOO much for recommending the Oxytrol patch. My doc gave me another version - a geletin that I put on every day. Oh my gosh... The frequent urination stopped within 48 hours. I was comfortable on the airplane and have had a wonderful trip. God bless you for suggesting it!

There are so many causes and treatments for IC that aren't being mentioned by people on this listserve. I would urge you all to read Wendy Cohen's The Better Bladder book (Amazon). Each of us is different but if you work through a list of possibilities, you can get well. Many of us have!

Kimberly in Camas, Washington

I have used a supplement from evenbetternow.com for my IC (I think it's called Buffer Ph). It has aloe vera in it and alkalizes your ph if you are acid, which was part of my problem. I tested my ph and was as acidic as one can get. Bad news and dangerous. I take 2 caps 3X per day on an empty stomach. I also take a multi-vitamin, vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium, high dose Omega 3, probiotics and some supplements that my acupuncturist gave me. I get acupuncture once per week. It's been a life saver. Along with the IC, I also had problems with chronic UTI's, which I cured by taking Inner Defense capsules from the essential oil company, Youngliving. Before starting on the essential oils, I was taking antibiotics all the time and they were making me more and more sick. The ant-bacterial essential oils got me off of the antibiotic cycle and have helped to strengthen my immune system.

If you have IC, you do not have an active infection that causes it. I was diagnosed 23 years ago. All of the so called intrusive torture will not make it go away. An infection could occur because of the open damage in the bladder wall, but it is not an infection. I had every thing done to me, from the acid burnout, stretching, tens, lasers, & DMSO. I lived in horrible pain for three years to over come all of the damage caused by doctors. No doctor will ever touch my bladder again. The mild no acid diet, tums, baking soda all help the symptoms, but will not make it go away. Stop lower body weight work or bike riding or any movements that compromise the bladder until it can heal a bit. It is very slow to heal the wounds. Amitriptyline or elival is an older anti depressant that has a pain relief element. It is safe to take and especially at night. I have been taking it for 23 year. The best thing I found that gave me back my life is an OXYTROL patch. It is a smooth muscle relaxant and it stops the bladder from going into spasm. It is very important to learn relaxation techniques. You may need to destress your life as well.

I have had it under control for many years without any huge flareups. I just returned from a clinic that is for chronic pelvic pain. IC falls under that. I went for a problem with my pelvic floor muscles. You can find the info under The Wise-Anderson Protocal. The program came out of Stanford. The Urological Association has just come out will info on IC that suggests it is a muscle pain problem. The clinic teaches you how to do the work of healing your self. It is a long road, but pain is a great motovator. The books Dr. Wise has written are helpful, but the Trigger Point Release Therapy is amazing. Tim Sawyer is a fantastic Physical Therapist. He was taught by the original founder of Trigger Point release. Read all the info and listen to their videos. They may be very helpful. By the way there were 4 men and only two women at the clinic. I never realized that men suffered so badly from their version of IC. Good luck to all. You are not alone. There is hope.

Jo--I was diagnosed wih IC in Jan. Of 2007. I have found since that I had many food sensitivities that caused IC flair-ups. In addition to acidic foods, chocolate, caffeine, I am sensitive to corn, oats, most nuts and most cheeses. If I avoid these foods, I have little pain. The frequency, however, I have not resolved. I still get up an average of 10 times at night and struggle with insomnina as well. I will try your hot bath at night suggestion. Also, I use a product called Arthrosoothe that helps with the pain. I get it from Designs for Health; it's about $36 for a month's supply.

Let me know of your progress with this disease. It is a tough one. Maybe we can all help one another.

Update: still have IC as a problem even w/calcium and mag. Not cured. Can't open up diet much, but constant pain gone. Took awhile to get the correct calcium to magnesium ratio. As I have fibro and that got bad (as did constipation) on just the calcium citrate (w/the little magnesium oxide that was in the capsel) so had to add more magnesium oxide , but adding too much caused diarrhea. After finetuning this I still need to move on to do more w/glucosamine and condritan, but have a hard time taking that due to gastro issues. I am going to try some "manesium citrate and ozide", together as I keep reading about how the citrate changes urine PH to alkaline.

Side effects for me are bad digestion, IBS. CAN"T take it. Also can't take that hyaluronic acid either (eyes feel like sand in them) Any other ideas to heal the GAG layer (glycosaminoglycan layer)?

It's something that dehydrates the tissues. I have noticed this, when I have done it. It will also burn if done too frequently. It is used for bugs. They lick it off their feet and they get dehydrated and die. I suggest to use in an emergency only.

Do all of you use boric acid, or is this a mistake, and you meant to say borax (which kills fungus?) I thought boric acid was poisonous.