The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
DMSO
Posted by Zsaqwe (Brownsville, Texas) on 09/21/2010
★★★★★
I think DMSO is for interstitial cystitis. CVS pharmacy might have it for that condition. I got it from the web. DMSO, although it is not approved by the FDA for anything except an obscure bladder condition (interstitial cystitis), is widely used in sports medicine. Professional sports in particular are obligated to use DMSO to get their athletes recovered from injury and back on the playing field. Each team knows the competition will use it, and this would mean a tremendous advantage for the other team, if it were to be ignored. Combine that with the fact that DMSO is as safe as it is effective (unlike large-dose steroid injections, which were once commonly used in professional sports) and its use becomes mandatory in professional sports medicine. When you consider the fact that DMSO is not a new and patentable drug, is cheap, safe and effective, and knowing what you should know about the medical establishment in the U. S. , you could predict with your eyes closed that there is a propaganda campaign against DMSO. The FDA has done nothing except drag its feet in DMSO research since October 25, 1963 when the first research application to study DMSO was filed with that agency. I got the information from: The Doctors' Medical Library by Ron Kennedy, M. D. , Santa Rosa, CA
Cinnamon
Posted by Jen (Ann Arbor, Mi) on 09/08/2010
Be careful with Cinnamon, it's a major IC bladder irritant for me.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide Douche
Posted by Cherieh. (Odessa, Texas, Usa) on 09/04/2010
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis more than 2 years ago and it's been excruciating. Having been told there is no cure, and after many painful and expensive treatments I had to be my own health care advocate. A couple of months ago I began to douche 2x a day... Morning and afternoon... Using equal parts apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. (Do NOT douche in the evening or the hydrogen peroxide will keep you from sleeping. ) Within 4 days, the constant urge to urinate was completely GONE and I was able to discontinue the Flo*** I was taking to help me urinate. After the second week, I was able to discontinue taking El***** because all my symptoms of I. C. disappeared! My doctor is utterly amazed and telling his other I. C. Patients. I am able to eat anything I want (with the exception of beets and hibiscus tea) without fear of a flare up. I have my life back!!!! Amazing that the help I needed was under my roof the whole time. I am still douching 2x a day as of today.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Molly (Madison, Sd) on 08/27/2010
I have had IC for quite sometime. I am going to a chiropractor now (not your typical one) and he is treating me with laser treatments and acupuncture. It seems to be helping, but I did just start. You may want to give that a try. I've had more problems solved/questions answered going this route than I have for the past 6 years plus of doctor visits, tests, and "treatments".
Cinnamon
Posted by Emily (Charlotte, Nc) on 08/16/2010
Hi Donna,
I live in NC but used to live in Ann Arbor, Mi! Hope you are doing well. I have suffered from pelvic pain for a while - I believe it's IC, as it flares up after I drink coffee, eat chocolate, or eat strawberries or tomatoes. I read your post and bought cinnamon capsules. I would love to know if you or anybody on this post has had luck with cinnamon - how many 500 mg capsules should I take every day to feel a difference?
Thanks! Emily
Coconut Oil, Coconut Water
Posted by Lucy (Chicago, Il) on 08/14/2010
★☆☆☆☆
I'm wondering if the coconut oil is still helping and how long it took to see results. I have been taking both the water and oil for nearly 1 week, with no decrease in symptoms. Thank you.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Lori (Palatine, Il) on 08/12/2010
Essentia 9.5 ph - I bought at Whole Foods
Turmeric and Lemon Juice
Posted by Diane (Berkeley, Ca) on 08/07/2010
Turmeric in Indian stores is pretty pure - and because of high turnover it is a lot fresher than that in the regular grocery. You may be thinking of asafotida, which is often cut with rice flour. In any case, simply drying the root in the sun isn't enough to suitably cure it, but you can buy the dried root whole in many Indian stores and grind it yourself. If you do this look for "haldi root" - and be SURE to bash it into small pieces in your mortar & pestle before attempting to grind it in a coffee grinder. If you try to grind it whole or in large pieces it will break your coffee grinder. I know as I have broken parts of blades this way. The dried root is super hard. I cook tons of Indian food and used to grind my own from scratch, but have given up as it's just too darn hazardous to my equipment.
Turmeric and Lemon Juice
Posted by Sun (Abbotsford, Canada) on 08/06/2010
Hi,
You can easily find some of these ingredients such as turmeric from East Indian food stores. I think the turmeric powder there is usually diluted with some chemical or other, probably used to dissolve the root. So the quality of turmeric powder can vary. You could buy whole turmeric, leave it out in the sun for a long time, and then pulverize it. A lot of work, but very good for u. If it doesn't work, then boil it for awhile, that's better than turmeric (haldhi) with chemical additives. Although we still use those for our cooking. Also, google Iherb to order lots of cheap supplements.
Colloidal Silver
Posted by Rs (San Francisco, Ca) on 06/30/2010
★★★★☆
I have been battling interstitial cystitis since February 2010 and have been on several rounds of Levaquin thinking it was a UTI. After reading this site I know its cystitis. I went to Whole Foods yesterday and bought ultra colloidal silver and took 2 tsp. yesterday right when I got home and 2 tsp. this morning on an empty stomach, as directed. As of this moment I have no urinary pain at all and no urgency to pee. This is a miracle. It worked fast and it took all the symptoms away in about 24 hours or less. I took my first dose yesterday at about 3:0pm and my second dose this morning before work at about 4:40am. Im pain free and peeing like a normal human being. I did get up last night about 3 times to pee but I expect tonight to be very different. I can feel a difference already. I will give another update in a week. Good luck ladies!! Give this a try if you are at your wits end like I was.
Colloidal Silver
Posted by Katie (Atlantic, Pa, Usa) on 06/28/2010
★★★★★
I have been taking a teaspoon of colloidal silver daily for 6 months and its been amazing for my IC along w/ a little baking soda now and then. I feel human again, no more peeing razor blades.
Turmeric and Lemon Juice
Posted by Canadiangal (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) on 06/21/2010
Hi All, I'm on the west coast of Canada and I find that much of what you mention I cannot find. I must admit though that I've just started to try natural remedies after feeling that western medicine has failed me!!! I feel pressure EVERY DAY and pain every day. I'm depressed and isolate. The only thing that's helped me is working out and drinking a lot of water (3-4 ltrs per day). I have tried baking soda but only get mild relief. PLEASE could anyone make suggestions to me about how to get relief and what products would be available in Canada. Also, what type of natural dr. could I see to assist me in this new journey in medicine I'm committed to trying.
Thanks to any and all that help and to all of your for your posts!!!
Quercetin
Posted by Janetspencer (London, United Kingdom) on 05/26/2010
★★★★★
Dear all,
I also like the naturale food supplements and remedies. I tried a natural product composed of Quercetin, D-Mannose and other natural products from plant kingdom. It was a great solution for my IC problems and now after about 5 months of treatments I'm really feeling well.
I suggest you to try Quercetin products, there are no side effects and you won't get antibiotics anymore. Feel you free to contact me for any further information.
[email protected]
cheers.
Janet
Hydrogen Peroxide, Iodine, Organic Food
Posted by Dms (Chandler, Az) on 05/02/2010
Iodine - CAUTION!!! - SHELLFISH Allergy
If you are allergic to shellfish you may also have an allergic reaction to iodine.
Proceed with caution - consult your physician before using iodine.
Be Well
Quercetin
Posted by Teresa (Rockville, Md) on 04/27/2010
★★★★★
I have suffered from IC for years. I take a prescription med but also take quercetin. I have been in remission for 8 years.
Turmeric
Posted by Julie (San Diego, California) on 04/20/2010
Elizabeth, that's awesome you found something to rid your pain! Has the turmeric continued to give you relief?
Aloe Vera, Vitamin C, Marshmallow Root
Posted by Wendy (Toronto, Ontario) on 04/08/2010
I have found the Marshallow Root to be very helpful for flare-ups. The Baking Soda did not help me but Apple Cider Vinager has been helpful. I get flare-ups the same as you - stress, certain foods and during that time of the month. I am also prone to bladder infections and collidoial silver has been helpful for these.
Coconut Oil, Coconut Water
Posted by Kelly (Chicago, Il) on 03/29/2010
★★★★★
I only found out about virgin coconut oil Dec 2009. I had bladder pain for 15 years - eventually diagnosed with interstitial cystitis but was always convinced it was a bladder infection since Bactrim (sulfa antibiotic) would always make me feel better with flare ups even though cultures were negative. I had a flare for months that would no longer go away with Bactrim. I started with coconut water and it helped my urethral pain. Now, I take coconut oil and coconut water. I no longer have urethral or bladder pain!!!!
I am beginning to believe that interstitial cystitis is a bogus diagnosis that thousands of MDs have earned a pretty penny off of - in fact - entire medical fields have opened due to this diagnosis. I think all women with this should try coconuts before they spend another dime! I know the frustrations - I have been to the best urogynes and urologists - Northwestern in Chicago since I was a teenager and in California. I have had my urethra widened twice, - I have been tortured like so many other women; missed life events, canceled trips, spent many days in the ER with flares - not too mention the $$$ spent! AND ALL THIS TIME -- COCONUTS WOULD HAVE SOLVED MY PAIN. I MUST TELL EVERY WOMAN!!!!
Couch Grass
Posted by Lisa (Coral Springs, Fl) on 03/14/2010
★★★★★
Couch grass works wonders for IC. Take it in pill form or in a tea and after about 30 days you will never knew you had it.
Hydrogen Peroxide, Iodine, Organic Food
Posted by Melissa (Tampa, Fl) on 03/13/2010
I wanted to know what the doctor prescribed for Leslie's daughter for the yeast allergy. I have also been diagnosed with a yeast allergy and have IC. Thanks, Melissa
Dietary Changes
Posted by Julie (San Diego, California) on 03/03/2010
this is a reply to husseypat-- evian and fiji have the best ph, which is a 7. many people drink these when trying to alkalinize their bodies... hope this helps!
Marshmallow Root
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, Tn) on 01/15/2010
The aloe works wonders for the bladder pain. I've read it actually works to repair the lining of the bladder. Slippery Elm is supposed to do that too. I use the distilled kind of aloe juice that "tastes like spring water". Can't mention the product name. I had IC pain that got so bad last summer I thought about taking pain pills. I didn't want to do that so I went the natural remedy way. After alot of trial and error this is what works best for me:
1) I drink lots of water to keep the urine as non acidic as possible. I also take Prelief when I eat or drink anything acidic.
2) I use marshmallow root liquid- non alcohol (1 dropper full), aloe vera juice (3 oz) , MSM (4000 mg), and tumeric (1000 mg) as a daily regimen. I have some break-through pain sometimes but I keep it under control most of the time. It tends to flare up more when I get close to my cycle. I've noticed that this regimen also helps quite a bit with my IBS and asmtha too.
I've done alot of reading on IC causes and I think mine started because of systemic candida and having an acidic ph. Candida can affect all of your organ systems, which it has mine. I take coconut oil (2 tbspn), oregano oil, and ingest H202 to fight the candida (I'm seriously considering doing the H202 intravenously). I'm going to add fresh garlic to the mix. I also take 50 billion probiotics daily. My health is still not at 100% but I have come a loooong way in a year.
Good luck and God Bless!
Marshmallow Root
Posted by Angela (Houston, Tx) on 01/14/2010
I was diagnosed with mild IC a little over 4 years ago, but think I've had it more like 20...I remember trip after trip to the dr's for a UTI, finding nothing wrong, but being prescribed antibiotics. Been taking Elmiron on/off for the past 4 years and have finally had it. I've lost so much hair over the past year, and finally faced the fact that it does nothing for me! Also done the whole DMSO thing, but think that's more painful that helpful. Anyone else felt the same way? I'm usually in bed the rest of the day from pain. I've got Marshmallow Root and Whole Leaf Aloe on the way, and use baking soda for a quick fix. Will let you know how my experiment goes! : )
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Donna (Royal Oak, Mi) on 01/08/2010
The same thing happened to me - test after test came up negative for any bacteria. Finally one doctor, out of desperation because I kept insisting there was an issue, decided to use a scope and look. Turns out I had a massive infection. Surprised him but not me. It wasn't showing up in the urine tests because it wasn't coming out in the urine - the bacteria was actually imbedded in the lining!
Glad to hear about all these other things you have been trying. I'll put them on my list too. thanks!
Cinnamon
Posted by Donna (Royal Oak, Mi) on 01/08/2010
★★★★★
Fresh is of course always better, but I basically took premade capsules for the convenience. Started out with 4-6 a day, a couple in the morning, afternoon and evening. After the symptoms were alleviated, I gradually reduced my intake. I still will take one a day, and sprinkle fresh cinnamon on my toast or apples just for maintenance purposes. Wonderful thing is that cinnamon also helps stomach issues! (gas, bloating,etc) It is a miracle worker as far as I am concerned.
Test Your Urinary pH
Posted by Sarahbelle (Bryan, Ohio) on 01/06/2010
★★★★★
Uti or interstitial cystitis and acid/alkaline
Please read this if you have a UTI or IC!! I have been researching and this is my conclusion: Your urine is either too acid OR too alkaline. It may have caused bacteria to grow, or if cultures couldn't detect bacteria, it could just be irritated as in IC. I always read that my urine was too acidic. When I tried to make it more alkaline I was even more miserable! Once, when I was taking a barley powder product for it's health benefits, my bladder got worse. It was too alkalinizing. I read that DISTILLED WATER was very acidic, so I chugged a gallon that day. What a relief! (One wouldn't want to drink distilled water for more than three days, as prolonged use can be detrimental, but it is easy on the struggling kidney and bladder.)
Make sure you know if your urine is too acidic or too alkaline before you treat yourself. You can buy testing strips at a pharmacy. The doctors in our rural area would think I was weird if I started talking about natural cures and acid/alkaline. Be your own doctor if possible. Best wishes.
Cinnamon
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, Tn) on 01/06/2010
How much cinnamon do you take daily? Do you take capsules already premade or use fresh? Thanks.
Cinnamon
Posted by Donna (Royal Oak, Mi) on 01/05/2010
★★★★★
I've battled bladder issues all my life, and for a while, high contentrations of cranberry (pills, not juice - juice has too much sugar which feeds the infection) helped. That was until I got IC and became antibiotic resistant. Felt like I was peeing glass. By fluke I read 3 sentences in a magazine that saved me - it basically said that cinnamon kills off E-coli. E-coli is often the cause of bladder issues and IC. I started taking cinnamon capsules and felt major relief in a matter of a few days. I highly recommend it to anyone who suffers from IC. You'll sing its praises too.
Hydrogen Peroxide, Iodine, Organic Food
Posted by Leslie (Anaheim Hills, Ca) on 12/15/2009
My daughter has suffered with IC for two years. She lost out on going away to college this year because of her constant pain and flair ups. I went to at least 8 different doctors and many hospital stays for pain control. I took her to my good old family doctor for a flu bug and told him about her problems. He ran allergy tests and found she is highly allergic to Yeast. She has Candida which is an over growth of yeast through out her whole body and it is inflaming her bladder. Look up yeast connection and women. Your answer is there!
Aloe Vera, Vitamin C, Marshmallow Root
Posted by Karen (Riverside, California) on 11/29/2009
★★★★☆
IC Home Remedies
I have a mild case of IC and hoping is doesn't worsen. I notice that stress, spicey foods and menstral cycle provokes flare ups.
I am curious if the apple cider vinegar will really help prevent IC or if it is toooo acidic???
My home remedies for IC are: aloe vera juice (very concentrated) daily, Buffered Vit C, marshallow roots boiled as tea to neutralize urine for temporary and effective relief, the product called "___" for temporary relief, and pin pointing and relaxing specific abdomen muscles. The aloe vera juice seems to be very effective.
I would also like to try the baking soda and will keep it on hand at work for emergency relief. My father has always used the baking soda for stomach pain.
Hydrogen Peroxide, Iodine, Organic Food
Posted by Mariais (Gf, Mt, USA) on 11/16/2009
★★★★★
Peroxide, Iodine and Organic foods for Interstitial Cystitis
I started having IC symptoms over a year ago, and was diagnosed earlier this year. I tried prescription antibiotics, antifungals with minimal results. I am convinced now that IC is an infection of the bladder by microscopic parasites (schistosomes - look up Hulda Clark and IC) and fungus, because antiparasitic herbs, salts, iodine, peroxide, antifungal herbs, and other antimicrobial treatments have kept my symptoms completely gone for many months.
I started on one drop of 35% food grade h2o2 x3 daily to 25 drops. I stayed on the max dose for 3 months. I am now on a maintenance dose of 5. I also consumed about 300-500mg of iodine thoroughly mixed in 1/2 gallon fresh homemade wheatgrass juice daily. I was on this range for about 3 months also. I am now on a maintenance dose of 50-100mg daily. Other changes I made this past year was to switch to all organic, down to my condiments, personal care products, etc. I also moved out to the country here in MT, where water and air is fresher and cleaner. I regularly douche with a mixture of equal parts peroxide and acv, with a tbsp of borax per cup of liquid mixture.
IC is a complex illness, and it takes commitment to major fundamental changes in one's life to see significant changes for the better.
Thanks
Dietary Changes
Posted by Husseypat (Panama City, FL) on 10/06/2009
★★★★☆
Interstitial Cystitis
I have IC and have suffered severe pelvic pain. Diet has helped a lot, but I am definitely not pain free. I have found that heat can help the pain temporarily and that the acid reducer listed on the IC NETWORK does help if you take it before every meal or snack. I know tomatoes drive me to a bad flare-up, so I try to avoid them at all cost. It's very hard to not eat foods with any preservatives-----that means nothing out of a box, can, or package. I do not drink ANYTHING but water. I wondered if anyone knows which of the bottled waters has the highest PH and the least of damaging processing for an IC patient. I can't walk much, stand much and definitely can't exercise. I get horrible pain. I bought an Elliptical Trainer machine and after a couple of days it had my pelvic in a complete knot. I have always exercised religiously, but not anymore. I find this condition can be very depressing because you know the lining in your bladder is gone forever and you have to deal with this the rest of your life. You look healthy when people see you, but they can't imagine the suffering you do in private. Good luck to all. pat
Cayenne
Posted by Angela (Federal Way, WA) on 07/28/2009
★★★★★
I am so sorry to read of soo many struggling with bladder problems and UTI's. It is miserable and costly and sometimes embarrassing!!!
I had what I thought was constant UTI's or feeling like I was getting one for about a year. I did get many uti's but even when i didn't 'officially' have one it felt one was coming on. I was finally diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. This is when part of the lining in your bladder is thinned or damaged- causing tissue, muscle, and nerves to be exposed to your urine causing debilitating pain. If you get an infection on top of this it is excruciating. I thought I was dying one time. After being diagnosed and not ok with "experimental drugs" I looked into natural options and prayed a good deal. I asked God for wisdom as no one here seems to know what to do to end the pain.
I started taking cayenne pepper. Believe it or not it actually works! I was scared to death to try it but the incredible pain i already had made me feel "it can't get any worse". I found capsules that also had ginger root in them to help the pepper not burn your tummy. Cayenne is an amazing healer of Interstitial tissue (bladder lining included). Start slow.. maybe two pills a day at 40,000 hu. It does burn some but that means it is working. After a couple of days add more pills to your intake until you can take 3 in the morning and 3 at night. Always take with food. Hang in there through the initial tough parts... you will get some diarreah and it can be painful. Also, cut out coffee, fruits and berries for awhile. After a couple of weeks try a half cup of coffee with an antacid and see if you can tolerate. Add lots of greens to your diet.
I have been doing this for over two months now. I can drink small amounts of coffee and little bits of fruit. I went from a 10 in pain to a 0... no pain at all. At times a little discomfort but I can tell my bladder is healing. The heat of the pepper is supposed to help fight infection too.
Alkaline pH
Posted by Susan (Grand Rapids, MI) on 07/26/2009
I have had IC for 19 years so I have a lot of experience dealing with it. When I first came down with it I also noticed that antibiotics relieved my symptoms, so I kept going to the doctor and begging for antibiotics. Whatever causes it is some kind of virulent fungus. What has worked best for me is ___ ____ [anti-candida supplement] and colloidal silver.
