Top Natural Remedies for Interstitial Cystitis Relief

LDN

Posted by Rsw (Oh) on 04/10/2017
★★★★★

Low does naltrexone works very well for IC. It is an FDA approved drug at 50 mg/day, but was found in the 1980's to work at very low doses of 1.5-4.5mg/day, taken at night, to put into remission many autoimmune disease, MS, Crohn's and many more illnesses. It is non-toxic, no side effects (except possible sleep disturbances for a week or two, in which case it can be taken in the morning) out of patent so very inexpensive drug used by thousands. Here are reports from users for IC:

https://www.ldnresearchtrust.org/video-categories/interstitial-cystitis

Find the site at www.ldninfo.org and join the Yahoo Group at the top part of the page. It has over 13,000 members who take LDN, and they are very helpful in answering any questions you may have. Best wishes to feel better!

Bone Broth

Posted by Carla (Atlanta, Ga) on 01/17/2018
★★★★☆

That is great that the bone broth healed your IC! I have been having it every day and it has helped a lot with burning, but I'm still having the urgency. Did it also help with your urgency/frequency? I know that's only a symptom in some IC patients. Thanks!

Bone Broth

Posted by Lea (Ca.) on 05/17/2021

Tyler! I am so glad that the bone broth is helping you. You will still find that there will be foods that will cause you to flare. Sour cream and something in brown gravies cause me to flare. But I can once again have an occasional piece of citrus and can eat tomatoes.

Ozone Installations

Posted by Anne Hutson (Houston, Texas Usa) on 02/01/2017
★★★★★

I have intersticial cystitis and was cured in just a few weeks with a very new treatment called ozone installations. Most traditional doctors know nothing about this. I had it done by my integrative medicine doctor and she's only been using ozone to treat this for about a year. It's very new. Anyway, it involves being catheterized and having ozone (a gas) put into the bladder for 20 min. That's it. No pain at all, other than a little discomfort when the catheter is put in place, but that is only for a few seconds. To get full relief, a number of installations will need to be done, depending on how bad it is. Initially, I went about 4 times a week. Then 3, then 2. You taper off. While having these done, I also followed a careful diet given to me by my doctor and drank water with baking soda in it to keep my urine alkaline (1/2 teaspoon 5-6 times a day). Decrease as you begin to feel better. Use Ph strips that you can buy at the drug store to test your urine and try to keep it 7.0-7.5 for best results. Not many doctors do this treatment yet since it's so new. You can read about it on the web and hopefully find an alternative medicine doctor (or integrative medicine) that does it, or knows someone who does. It can be expensiveBest wishes!

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Posted by Amy (Nevada) on 12/21/2016
★★★★★

I went to Stanford in 2001 and received pelvic floor therapy for my IC. It seemed crazy at the time, but it literally saved my life. I still do the exercises when I have flare ups.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Curcumin, Aloe

Posted by Lch1974 (New York, Ny ) on 09/01/2016
★★★★☆

I've been dealing with health issues for a long time. I have struggled with chronic Lyme and ulcerative Colitis. I've just gotten to a very good place with the Lyme and the ulcerative Colitis is very quiet. Back in September of last year I had a UTI infection that did resolve with antibiotics. Eight months later it returned and felt better after a few days of antibiotics except for an allergic reaction to the antibiotic- it was switched and then I felt better. Just to mention that I haven't taken antibiotics in many many years and just felt so desperate with the bladder infection that I felt I wanted it to be resolved quickly. But a month later, the symptoms returned, constantly feeling like I needed to urinate and my bladder feeling like it was so swollen. Doctor appointments led me to possible early signs of interstitial cystitis which I'd heard of because a relative suffers from this.

I quickly began reading about remedies here and around the Internet. It's been three months and the only thing that has helped is a douche with apple cider vinegar, curcumin capsule opened, aloe juice and distilled water. If I do this three times a day the pain stops completely. The issue I am having now is that I'm nervous that I'm putting things constantly in my vaginal area and changing the natural state of things, which I guess was obviously not very good anyway considering my bladder is having all these issues, but my vagina seems to be OK and now I'm concerned that I may be harming things further. I did a little bit of a internal exam and the skin inside my vagina seems very different raw - and I'm concerned as to whether the Apple cider vinegar maybe too acidic. I was fIlling half of a summers eve disposable douche bottle with apple cider vinegar which is obviously way way way too much so now I reduced it but I don't want to stop doing what I'm doing which will cause the pain to return full fledged and I also want the skin to heal - so this is half of a suggestion for a temporary relief but I also wanted to know if anyone has had any similar experiences or recommendations.

I am finishing my lYmir treatment and didn't want to do anything to interact with that so I plan to do prolozone Therapy at the end of the month when I complete my Lyme treatment. Also I'm taking aloe capsules and nutritional bladder support, a probiotic, colloidal silver and a few other things.

Turmeric

Posted by Lynn (Michigan, USA) on 12/08/2022

Thank you, Amanda - I've been plagued by IC for several years and tho my doctor had tried to help with antibiotics, it has come to the point that she won't because the urine test is negative.

I've been in misery and found nothing that would help.

I just had a glass of this mixture and I'm certain that I will get relief just by reading your post.

I know this is an old post, hoping you will see it.

Blessings to you!

THANK You!

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Posted by Sunny (Ca) on 05/07/2016

I wanted to share that Puritan's pride is an excellent brand at an affordable price. Disregard that it's directed toward men, it's for women too. But you can buy any brand as long as it is cold pressed. Try it!!

Dietary Changes

Posted by Allyson (Colorado) on 08/25/2015
★★★★☆

Pain Erasers for IC:

I have had interstitial cystitis for 35 years, what a blessing....not! I read an article that they think it is caused when you have sex cause you are not born with it so it is a bug. They said there are 3 medicines that help it, not cure it but calm it down is doxycycline 100 mg 2 tablets a day, one in am, one in pm (which is the best of the 3, the other two are augmentin, ) so I use it and it will make you feel so good at first then it levels out and at least gets rid of the pelvic pain.

I found that yeast cream the cheapy stuff works when I have a flare/infection on top of an infection. I have tried the apple cider deal and I thought I was going to die with pain.

Everyone is right, quit the sugar (do honey if you must), no flour of any kind, no sodas of any kind, no preservatives, and the acidic fruit. I also read it gets WORSE as you age and I can attest to that! Watch what kind of soap you use as well. It is a prison sentence but some things definitely help. I am trying the cabbage and colloidal silver next!

Good luck to all of you, if men got it in greater numbers, there would be a cure by now!! It's like ulcers were years ago, they blamed it on stress and it took them 50 years to figure out it was a bug! Sure hope we do not have to suffer another 50 years!

Macrobid

Posted by Jenn K (United States) on 11/11/2017
★★★★☆

Same. I've been suffering from this horrible condition since 2012. Occasionally my urine culture comes back positive, but not always. One time I was prescribed Macrobid/Nitrofurantoin for a mild UTI and it made my IC symptoms disappear for a couple of months. It was amazing! A few months later my symptoms came back, but I tested negative for a UTI and a bunch of other stuff. At some point I got so sick of my IC symptoms and asked to try this antibiotic again even though I tested negative for UTI. Within a few days my symptoms were gone! So yeah, this medication definitely works but then the symptoms always seem to come back within 2-6 months, so it doesn't seem to be a long term solution.

Does anyone know why this medication works for IC? Most of the doctors I've seen can't explain it. Some of them were actually pretty surprised when I told them it makes my symptoms go away.

D-Mannose, Dietary Changes

Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 03/10/2014

Dear Ally,

I am so sorry you have suffered with this condition for so long. It seems encouraging that you have noticed some improvement with a new diet. Perhaps over time that will continue to be helpful.

Here are some things I would try...

If you drink coffee, I would avoid it for a time to see if that helps. It is pretty acidic and hard on the system.

There are a number of bladder/kidney herbal formulas available. They usually have cornsilk, uva ursi, and marshmallow root in them. All of these things should be helpful. Dr. Shultz and Dr. Christopher both make one that people seem to find helpful for bladder issues.

I would also try a tea of equal parts of comfrey leaf and plantain leaf. You can add some peppermint leaf for flavor if you like. Plantain is good for inflammation and for bladder issues (and lots of other things.) Comfrey is soothing and helps cells regenerate. I would mix the dry leaves and put 3 Tablespoons in a quart jar or pot. Add boiling water (to make 3.5-4 cups) Let sit for 15 minutes. Strain out the leaves. Sweeten if you like, with honey or stevia. Try to drink a quart a day for a couple of weeks.

I do hope you find complete relief soon. Please keep us posted on your progress!

~Mama to Many~

Please keep us posted on your progress!

D-Mannose, Dietary Changes

Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 03/11/2014

Hello Ally,

Go to Number 4 in your symptoms: Feels like you have an infection or words to that effect. I'm always suspecting viral issues as causation. You suspect it yourself.

If me, I'd at least try Colloidal Silver for a few weeks. Two tablespoons twice a day for two weeks.

D-Mannose

Posted by Christine (Vista, Ca) on 01/22/2014
★★★★☆

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.

Cornsilk Tea

Posted by Sd (Salt Lake City, Utah) on 01/21/2014
★★★★★

I suffered with Interstitial Cystitis since I was four years old. My older sister had it to and went to countless doctors and physicians, who didn't help her at all. I also tried a number of things that never cured it. When I was about ten years old, a woman that we knew who was knowledgable about health suggested a few things for me. The biggest thing was CORNSILK tea. You can buy this in any health store, or you could make it yourself. They dry the silk from corn and then you brew it to make tea. I drank it for a few weeks and noticed a difference. I continued drinking it for years because it actually worked! I was cured! While I was a teenager, I occasionally had the problem and the cornsilk tea always fixed it. I'm writing this now because after about 8 years, the problem came back. I've been taking cornsilk tea again, and it's been helping. I'll probably drink it for a few months before I stop again.

SO...drink about 4-8 cups of cornsilk tea each day as well as plenty of water each day. Do NOT drink juices, sodas, coffee, or milk except very rarely and in very small doses. Let your liquids simply be cornsilk tea and water.

Eat lots of vegetables. Avoid sugars and any processed foods. Eat organically. Get lots of exercise and sleep.

Enzymes

Posted by Indigohydrangea (Philadelphia, Pa) on 11/20/2013
★★★★★

I had interstitial cystitis for 3-4 years and vulvodynia for about 1.5 years. Coconut oil really helped get me started on getting well, but I was only 85% there and still having little set backs every now and then. I started taking Buluoke (an enzyme that breaks down fibrin in your blood and also biofilm) and Wobenzym (enzymes that helps with inflammation) and it has gotten me much further along. At first, my frequency increased (likely to the breakdown in the biofilm and the release of bugs in my bladder) - though not unbearably as I was having normal intervals at that point, but after a month or so, I noticed a lot of improvement. virtually no setbacks. I totally changed my diet not long after I got sick and I have tried every type of alternative treatment out there. I take apple cider vinegar every day (which helps with yeast) and coconut oil as well. It was the addition of the Buluoke and Wobenzym that got me that last mile. Good luck!

Black Cohosh

Posted by L (Fl) on 11/24/2013

Another update...I have also begun taking something for the acid in my stomach (pantoprozole) and have been fine ever since. I believe the original problem causing ICC begins in the stomach/digestion. I am now starting to eat the foods that I had stopped eating when I was told that I had ICC. So far so good.

Potassium Iodide, DMSO Douche

Posted by Lisa (San Diego, Ca) on 05/15/2013
★★★★★

Interstitial Cystitis: Hi everybody! I have suffered terribly like so many of you with yeast infections and urinary problems. I found a solution after many hours of research. What works for me is 2 T of distilled water, 10 drops of potassium iodide and 10 drops of dmso in a small glass or ceramic bowl. I swirl it to mix and lay a tampon in it to absorb. I insert the tampon for 30-60 mins and all pain and inflammation is gone! Now when I feel a flare coming on, ( which I suspect it is from some kind of food), I treat myself. It works every time! I hope this helps!

Coconut Oil

Posted by Hannah (Paris, France) on 12/14/2012
★★★★★

Hello all, I have what seems to be IC, and have had vaginal burning/itching/discomfort, pretty much everywhere and in every situation for the past two or three years.

I just recently eliminated acidic foods from my diet, since I'm trying to treat the IC, and I noticed the vaginal itching and burning has been gone completely since.

When I first started having vaginal pain, I did notice that certain foods, like chocolate would trigger almost immediate burning. This was before I developed IC symptoms.

Now, I notice the only time I've had burning or itching has been during or right before and/or after my period. I started taking coconut oil regularly (1 tsp in the morning and 1 at night) and I haven't had any burning or discomfort this cycle expect for the one day that I didn't take the coconut oil!

Everyone's body is different, and perhaps this isn't a solution for everyone... but for those of us that have really sensitive bodies (prone to IBS/vulvodynia etc) like me, I have a feeling that diet plays a really important role.

I wonder if trying to eliminate acidic foods for a while would help relieve the symptoms for other vulvodynia sufferers? I would recommend starting with the IC diet and then adding in foods little by little to find the real culprits... I was surprised when I realized I could eat dairy, which I thought was a big no no, but not oranges!

I guess what I realized was that food was playing a huge role in my suffering, maybe for some it has nothing to do with acid at all, but the burning is a symptom of another food sensitivity that could easily be eliminated.

I hope this is helpful to someone!

Diet, Turmeric, Exercise

Posted by Mary (Oakville, On, Ca) on 11/13/2012
★★★★☆

I am so thankful I found this site. I thought I was going insane with all the negative tests and fine kidneys from the hospital... Until one smart doctor, tonight, told me I most likely have IC. I couldn't have more similar symptoms. I have had 5 years of recurrent UTIS and am 20 years old. It is, indeed, an awfully painful disease...

However, diet and tumeric are crucial to this matter. I'm surprised, however, a lot of you are disabled, yes, but, we all are well aware that exercise couldn't be more important. In order to strengthen the linings, we must strengthen the muscles... So, do your best! I find leg lifts reduce my pains, as well as running, more than any other exercise... Simply because running is generally beneficial cardio and leg lifts target the pelvic muscles.

I also did some research based on my past experiences and cranberry juice can very well make IC matters worsen, as well as D-Mannose. D-Mannose and cranberry juice are for milder urinary tract issues, but for severe matters, they can cause severe damage. If the case is severe, D-Mannose is known to stick to the bacterias, yes, but it can stick to the walls of our organs, obstructing practically every option of ridding/treating IC. Regardless, stay away from acidic and fatty foods, equally.

As for the flares, I have it right now as I'm typing, but walking truly does help, as working out reproduces healthy cells and bacteria. ALSO... VERY IMPORTANT. If you have a lot of stress, be sure to see the doctor. Anxiety is a major cause of my increased symptom pains, and if you are unaware of your psychology stability, it could very well be the underlying reason for your IC and many other illnesses. If you meditate with faith that your body is healing, then it will do just that, and the pain will reduce immediately. I have severe anxiety, so it'll work on anyone if you try and do it right. Just breathe and do your best to keep the symptoms down... Never stop researching... never stop believing and always remember it could be much, much worse! Much love and best regards to you all.

Lyme Disease Caused IC

Posted by Janine (Walworth, Ny) on 10/23/2012

Evelyn, My daughter is 19 years old and has had IC for about 2 years now. As you know she has been having an extreamly difficult time. I would love to get in contact with that nurse in Washington DC, could you give me her name and an email or number where I can get a hold of her. Thanks, Janine

Lyme Disease Caused IC

Posted by Ann (Georgia) on 10/24/2015

Her name is Ruth Kriz, and she is the nurse practitioner in Virginia that treats IC patients and is curing them. Here is her website. She treats patients from all over the world vie skype of telephone if you're not local. http://ruthkriz.com/

IC Caused By Bladder Stone

Posted by Diana (Horseheads, New York) on 06/19/2012
★★★★★

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!

Essential Oils

Posted by Shampoo (Los Angeles, California) on 06/10/2012
★★★★☆

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.

Cayenne

Posted by Shampoo (Los Angeles, Ca) on 08/29/2012

I also want to add that, diseases are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, including Gonorrhea, and tuberculosis. The guy I was sleeping with who I think gave me all these problems, was very primiscous himself, its not fair to say I was the one, when in actuality I know people personally that are far more "active" and with multipal people than I was, but then Im also seeing more and more people less willing to commit, and taking a very, and increasingly casual attitude towards sex but GOD KNOWs, I wouldnt want a drug resistant form of the clap, would you??!!

Cayenne

Posted by Shampoo (Los Angeles, Ca) on 10/31/2012

Hey, just an update about whats up with me lately. I cured my IC with 3 rounds of the antibiotic Bactrim, finally, however, Im sensitive to all acidic foods now, and as long as I avoid them, Im back to normal again.

However, its nerve wracking trying to prevent another UTI, as nothing, not even probiotics seem to work for me anymore.

Ive come to the conclusion I had some kind of fluke staph, or MRSA infection that was antibiotic resistant. The doctor and I discussed the further concerning problem of antibiotic resistance. , it seems antibiotics hardly work for anything really serious anymore.

Goldenseal

Posted by Gwyn (Denham Springs, La) on 05/07/2012
★★★★★

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

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Lisadeb (Edina, Mn) on 02/05/2012

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.

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Lisadeb (Edina, Mn) on 07/01/2012

Update: 4 weeks ago I upped the vaginal estriol to 2mg per ml of cream. Still taking Bi-Est drops (4 drops 2x/day since Jan) Urethra is working again!! Very little "straining or sitting and waiting to go". This was an EXTREME problem. Sometimes it took 2 hrs to go!! The pain was still the same at night, but way less during the day (from a level 10 to a level 3 during the day).

I was frustrated wanting faster healing, so I stopped the Bio-identical progesterone as they were making me extremely hot at night, creating horrible insomnia. I had been struggling to take progesterone pills since January (rarely taking them), but my Dr kept saying I needed to take them or I would not be allowed to take the estrogen, by her. I looked up progesterone allergy on google and saw: http://www.onlineallergycenter.com/blogpage.htm and called Dr. Roby who said I was allergic to progesterone as I had assumed. (I remembered that I started a progesterone cream when all this IC started years ago!!! Could there be a connection??) He said to stop the progesterone, as I am obviously allergic to it and ordered the progesterone allergy drops.

On day 2 of the drops I woke up w/NO pain (2 days before my period!! ). Same w/day 3 (1 day before my period!!! ). Then I got my period (Ouch each night (up 6-8x to pee w/pain) and then 3 days later, restarted vaginal estriol, (I continued the Tri-est drops, and Dr. Roby's progesterone allergy drops through my period). Now NO pain during the day if diet is good) and pain at 1 at night if perfect diet during the day. (actually 5 total days of 0 "awaking in the AM pain). I am at 2 weeks on the progesterone allergy drops. I am at 6 months of the Bi-est and estriol vaginal cream. I recently asked my bio-identical Dr for body cream instead of Bi-est drops as I read it's better for you. And Dr. Roby's progesterone allergy drops cost me 57 bucks for 3 month's worth of drops, and a book on how they work. He called me 5 times to see how I was doing. Such a caring man!!!

Will update again soon.

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Lisadeb (Edina, Mn) on 09/24/2012

9/23/12 Update: Still on HGH and estrogens. Stopped the progesterone drops as they seemed to not work after a few weeks... I read that estroil and the estrogens take 1 yr to get 1/2 way back to healthy in the bladder. I stopped all gluten since Jan and think that greatly damages the bladder/GI system.

Estrogens: Love, Love, Love no more hot flashes, no bacterial vaginitis, and urethra is working!! Read in "Stay Young and Sexy that UTIs go down 1000% (yes! 1000 percent!!! ) w/vaginal estroil. I have had approx 5 of those, but none since starting the vaginal estroil. I will be on bioidentical hormones until I die.

HGH: I can fall asleep each night after I pee. This is the BEST thing that HGH does for me. Since I have a history of Fibro and IBS, I just want to say the HGH totally took away the fibro after 9 months!!! Just slowely went away!! (see studys on the internet on that) Also HGH homeopathic removed some under the eye wrinkles!! Energy is better too. I will be on HGH until the day I die! Love the stuff!!! But it hasn't fixed my IC. It does heal wounds though and I definatly have a wound there, so I will keep taking it in hopes that it will still work in my bladder eventually (maybe Fibro had to heal first?)

IBS is less due to no Gluten.

Am still in pain at night (and pee 6-10x per night) so got on instillations of heprin/ladocane and saline to heal faster one month ago. (Dr says it takes 6-9 months to START to notice a difference, but can be a permanent cure, for 80% of people (after 2 yrs) so what the heck, I've tried EVERYTHING else at this website). I will update again later.

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Lisadeb (Edina, Mn) on 11/25/2012
★★★★★

On HGH for 10.5 mo. I feel fabulous! Still on instillations and they worked in ONLY 3 months to the point of no pain! Still mostly on the diet, but with no pain. Drink white wine (alot of it), salty, sugary foods. Working out each day with vigor. Still up 3x night to pee, but no addn'l pain b4 my period (I have always had more insomnia b4 my period and that's the same). Sleep 8 hrs/night. Have not taken Fem-Dophilis in months, nor Claritin. Have reduced many other suppliments (too expensive). I take HGH homeopathic, instillations and estrogen(s). (I still take Vit D, E, A, acidophilis, fish oil and a few others) I will be able to start to wean off instillations soon, but I will take my time. Happy.

Acidophilus

Posted by Chevygirl (Tuakau, Franklin, New Zealand, New Zealand) on 01/21/2012
★★★★★

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

DMSO

Posted by Shirley (Il) on 08/18/2013
★★★★★

I'm new here. I went through a series of dmso, treatments, last fall. The dmso is put into the bladder through a catheter. It can be uncomfortable, for me they added lidocaine first. It helps a little. You then have to hold it in there for 10 to 20 minutes, I don't remember exactly. Pelvic floor dysfunction, and vulvodynia, usually go along along with the interstitial cystitis. Following the IC diet helps. I also try and stay away from gluten, and food colorings. I have found they irritate it. From where I was 2 years ago, I'm much better,
I taked pre relief if I'm going to eat something that could be irritating. I still get flare ups. Some people can eat things, that others can't.

The dmso is put into the bladder via catheter.

Reader Feedback

Posted by Ducklucky (Monroe, Maine, Usa) on 07/24/2012

Diet is essential. My hub has severe IC with hunners ulcers and the whole shmear. Over the past 3 years we have tried EVERYTHING and finally gave in to pain meds, which he hates. Last month he became so frustrated we had to do something drastic. Even tho we followed the IC diet, we went to an elimination diet, basically starting from scratch like you would a baby. There is much info on the web. We are following the strictest. Voila!!! Pain has decreased from 8-10 to 1-3. It has been a journey. Found he had a definite sensitivity to bananas of all things! Just starting to add one thing at a time, our garden is filling with green beans, so we will give that a try next. This diet has worked for him, and he has lost 15 pounds in a month, which he desperately needed to do. Just puttin' this out there, it is pretty healthy. And as for the no dairy aspect, he was drinking a gallon of low fat milk a day, boocoo calories! And the diet is no dairy, so we switched to unsweetened almond milk. There is so little ICers can drink and he is always thirsty. Also marshmallow root tea brewed w/wo a cinnamon stick and honey sweetened, hot or iced works well. Pure seltzer with some allowable juices and a little honey scratches the soda itch. It is time consuming and involves some research, but anyone can do this. He can have brown rice, so found web recipes for brown rice flour breads, muffins and pancakes with no yeast (diet is NO gluten). Have seen a lot of ICers are gluten intolerant, so that is worth a try for anyone. It's real basic, no wheat, gluten, dairy, red meat other than lamb, turkey, fish/shellfish, nothing "white"... We hope this continues to work, even if it doesn't "cure" him, to keep his pain level way down and keep that bladder happy. Good luck everyone!