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.
Reader Feedback
Posted by Lonelyhearts (Jackson, Ms) on 06/11/2011
I have had issues with my bladder since age 4. I had frequent accidents and infections that led to doctors doing numerous serguries. Once reaching puberty I no longer had severe bladder issues but numerous other issues from abnormal pap smears with pre cancer on the cervex, hormonal imbalances, and pregnancy mask. Was told I could probably never get pregnant. Many yeast infections and uti after any sexual intercourse being given an antibiotic pill to take afterwards everytime. Incontinence was always an issue and uncontrollable urination at times.
As I have gotten older I do have two beautiful girls and had to have c sections with both. After the first I was convinced there was a problem and Dr. did test after test and showed nothing. After my second child I was finally diagnosed with IC. I have had strep in my bladder leading to a hospital visit, finally got a bladder sling and hystorectomy to try to stop flair ups which has help not having a period anymore. But after the bladder surgery I didnt think I would ever heal. Numerous instilations and pain meds weeks and weeks of misery much worse that anything I had ever experiences. I was given the 10 or 12 medications and still had no releif and since stopping all meds the IC is better almost non existent. I can no longer take any antibiotics and very few over the counter meds without it causing a flair up and colitis landing me in the hospital numerous times. My Doctor will not give me anything anymore.
I've always had allergy to Citrus causing mouth ulcers headaches and swelling. Fruit is the only food that I can directly tell effects my bladder but tomatoes coffee and soft drinks don't seem to bother me but if I drink water I am miserable. (crazy Huh?)
Sex is my biggest issue now. I avoid it at all costs making my husband miserable. When I finally give in, I enjoy it painfree once more than once and its physically impossible due to the pain. I have a huge IC flair up that is unbareable for weeks.
I can drink baking soda and use mullein and marshmellow root to get it under control and lots of baths with tea tree oil and baking soda but it takes forever and my sweet husband is a mess worrying about me and then we go months and months.
Help! Any suggestions?
Reader Feedback
Posted by Penny (Hueytown, Al.) on 08/20/2011
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?
Reader Feedback
Posted by Sb From Jersey (Egg Harbor, New Jersey, Usa) on 09/13/2011
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!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide Douche
Posted by Natalie (Pittsburg, Ks) on 01/24/2012
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
Reader Feedback
Posted by Jo (Anchorage, Ak) on 05/18/2011
I have just had bladder distension & cysto and confirmed I have CI today. The urologist has put me on some temporary antibiotics and told me about Elmiron. I have done enough research on this drug not to consider it. As I have read in this blog, the medical profession does NOT know how it works. For those of you who found relief, I'm glad. I am choosing to go the natural remedy route first and your site has helped a great deal.
I have found a hot bath before bed helps with the spasms for me. I went from going to the bathroom 10 times a night to 1-3 times. For me this was a small miracle... it literally happened the first night.
From the research I have read about IC, I am not suprised I have it. I have had endometrosis, I have sjorgren's. Firbrolymalgia, arithritis, diabetes-ALL autoimmue related. I will read the books mentioned on this site and continue to learn as much as much as possible.
Thank you for your help and good luck to all of us!
Reader Feedback
Posted by Karen (Anderson, Mo) on 07/15/2011
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.
Reader Feedback
Posted by Leota (Stl Cloud, Mn) on 06/05/2012
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!
Chondroitin, Glucosamine, MSM
Posted by Mary (Hastings, Mn) on 07/07/2011
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)?
Chondroitin, Glucosamine, MSM
Posted by Mary (Hastings, Mn) on 08/16/2011
★★★★☆
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.
Chondroitin, Glucosamine, MSM
Posted by Mary (Hastings, Mn) on 11/23/2011
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.
Gelatin
Posted by Lynne (Titusville, Pa) on 11/03/2011
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.
Reader Feedback
Posted by Sarah (Thibodaux, Louisiana) on 11/16/2010
I have a Question about Interstitial Cystitis. I have not been told that's what I have yet but I have a lot of the symptoms. I'm 28 years old and have 3 children. I had my last child 17 months ago. I got an IUD 16 months ago. I have never had any problems with my bladder till about three months ago. It started with bacterial infection, yeast infection and I was treated for bladder infections. I was treated with antibiotics and symptoms would go away but keep coming back. My urine was also tested and the was no infection in my urine. So my doctor told me to see a Urologist. Is there a possibility my bladder problem could be caused my the IUD? And if not How can I test to see if it is in fact Interstitial Cystitis?
Reader Feedback
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, Tn) on 11/17/2010
There is, in fact, no special test to diagnose IC. The doctors review your symptoms and test for bacteria. If no infection is found then they go right to the IC diagnosis. I don't have an IUD so I can't help you there but my symptoms started the way yours did (with the uti's, yi's and bv... I constantly had something going on down there. I was diagnosed last year after I had a cysto with a biopsy done to rule out anything life threatening. He wanted to put me on Elmiron, but the side effects were very alarming to me, so I decided against it. I now only have periodic flare ups, actually going through one now :( I have been next to symptom free for the past eight months. Right now I'm throwing everything I got at the IC... Uva ursi, turmeric, oregano oil, msm and I'm looking into other herbs. I hope you find some relief. God Bless!
Reader Feedback
Posted by Gailde (Holiday, Florida) on 01/27/2011
Yes there is a test that can be done. I had the test done last week at my obgyn office. A Registered Nurse did the test. When it came to the potassium omg I thought I would die , it felt like a blow torch was burning my insides. This is how they tell you have I C. So I have been looking at natural things I can do for this and I will keep hunting and researching on this matter. I did just try the baking soda and water and I had instant relief. More than likely because people with IC are very acidic. So I am going to try to get my acid level down. You should get some urine test strips and check your urine to see if you are alkaline which is what it should be. I will see how I do. Will keep in touch. I also suffered for yrs with UTIs all the time.
Reader Feedback
Posted by Barbsdawn (Lakeland, Fl Usa) on 02/07/2011
I don't recall her exact words but I understood my doctor to say the only way to get the diagnosis is to have a biopsy. OH, NO, NO, NO! My bladder has been truamatized enough through multiple bladder surgeries which created this condition to begin with. Even the insertion of a catherter tube caused spasmatic episodes for days. How I wish, before the surgery, I had had the pelvic floor PT. It did wonders for me and I might have been able to avoid this whole mess.
Reader Feedback
Posted by Marcie (Cheshire, Ct) on 03/02/2011
Jean I noticed you said you have Sjogrens and IC. I have them both as well. I have successfully used Elmiron. It takes a while (a year) to notice a difference, but it has changed my life. I would be very cautious about using supplements without checking with your rheumatologist because certain supplements can cause major problems with autoimmune conditions like Sjogrens. Two great resources are Women and Autoimmune Disease by Dr. Robert Lahita and The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide by Dr. Robert Moldwin. Both are experts in their fields. Have you been given Restatis eye drops? They really help the dry eye. Also, elimination diet for the IC is essential. Best of luck to you.
Reader Feedback
Posted by Renae (Mpls, Mn) on 09/08/2011
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.
Reader Feedback
Posted by Catherine (Halifax, Nova Scotia) on 12/15/2011
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.
Boric Acid Suppositories
Posted by Gloria (Yucca Valley, Ca) on 07/01/2011
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.
Boric Acid Suppositories
Posted by Mary (Hastings, Mn) on 07/07/2011
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.
Boric Acid Suppositories
Posted by Mary (Hastings, Mn) on 09/15/2011
★★★★★
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!
Quercetin
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 10/17/2010
Hi Renae, I take Quercitin twice a day for my allergies. You got me worried by saying that it is pro-oxidant..... Maybe I should stop. Anyway, I didn't feel that it helped me much although I took it together with Vit. C, other vitamins and Evening Primrose Oil. I thought that Quercitin was quite harmless....
Quercetin
Posted by Renae (Mpls, Mn) on 10/27/2010
If I take 2 quercetin per day, my skin gets all wrinkled in the morning from my P. J. S and stays that way for hours. My skin is actually Puffy! Just type Quercetin and pro-inflamitory in a search engine for more info. Remember I take 4 tea bags of Camomile 3X per day also, and this contains Quercetin.
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.
Coconut Oil, Coconut Water
Posted by Aron1947 (Sarasota, Florida, Usa) on 02/05/2011
Hello Kelly from Chicago,
Could you, please, let me know how much coconut oil you were taking and who is the manufacturer. Thank you very much in advance. Best regards. Aron.
Coconut Oil, Coconut Water
Posted by Kara (Minnesota) on 06/04/2013
Amen sister! I agree with you on the bogus diagnosis. Coconut oil reduces yeast. I'm on the yeast diet and progesterone. No more docs screwing up my lady parts! :D
Couch Grass
Posted by Katherine (Fl - Florida Margate) on 10/17/2017
Am very interested in the couch grass. cannot locate it. Where did you find it?
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 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
Cinnamon
Posted by Jen (Ann Arbor, Mi) on 09/08/2010
Be careful with Cinnamon, it's a major IC bladder irritant for me.
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.
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.
Aloe Vera, Vitamin C, Marshmallow Root
Posted by Noiram (California) on 10/22/2013
★★★★☆
Yes to Marshmallow Tea. I have found it helpful as well.
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
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!
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!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Lori (Palatine, Il) on 08/12/2010
Essentia 9.5 ph - I bought at Whole Foods
Dietary Changes
Posted by Christine (Kentucky) on 01/10/2015
Aqua Hydrate pH 9 + bought at GNC
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?
Turmeric
Posted by Yezenia (Chandler, Az) on 11/12/2010
Elizabeth, I am so happy to know that you have found relief from IC with Turmeric. I am going to try this one. Also, I wanted to know what home remedies you have tried for your BV/IC because as many other women on here I am on a cycle of IC, then yeast infection, then BV over and over again. It has been the worst pain/experience of my life. Thank you for sharing what works for you.
Turmeric
Posted by Barbara B (Lakeland, Fl Usa) on 12/30/2010
I was thrilled to find this site and spent several hours reading about IC. It is so refreshing to be able to communicate with others who are experiencing what I am experiencing. I don't believe I have IC, but I believe I have the precursors to it. I sailed through four bladder surgeries, but the fifth, a year ago, traumatized my bladder and turned my life upside-down. Although I do not have the intense pain of IC, I do have painful urination, I do have daily episodes of acute inflammation and spasms and have to follow a low acidic diet to maintain control. I now have a potty chair next to my bed so that I avoid most night-time accidents. I adjust the leg length to tip the front forward a bit, which allows me to empty my bladder more quickly and completely. With the chair nearby and a draw on my bed, I also am able to avoid wearing protection at night, which helps helps with UTIs. The potty chair is also raised, which is much more comfortable than using a lower commode.
I am very eager to try the boric acid, turmeric, coconut oil, oregano oil, and marshmallow root. During flair-ups, tiny amounts of baking soda are moderately successful but I will increase my dosage. While I am going to try the apple- cider vinegar, I am cautious. I know that vinegars are very acidic in nature and and bother me tremendously, so I will introduce ACV VERY slowly. I had tried taking large amounts of cold-press aloe vera juice with not much success, but I will try the distilled concentrate to see if that has more benefit. Potassium citrate would tear me up (citric acid. ) and DSMO causes a strong and very unusual body odor, so I'll save that one for last. I have IB with diarrhea as well as OB, which are related, and the generic little green anti-diarrheal pills help tremedously with both conditions. If anyone knows something cheap and natural which would replace these, please let me know. I take probiotics.
I make my own low-acid coffee by mixing equal parts coffee (decaf is STRONGLY recommended for IC patients) and cold purified/distilled water, and storing it in a dark container in cool dark place or 18 hours. I then filter out the grounds to make a coffee concentrate that can be stored in the frig for up to a month. To make coffee, rule of thumb is 12 oz hot water to 2 tablespoons of the coffee concentrate, but adjust for personal taste.
Turmeric
Posted by Barb (Lakeland, Fl Usa) on 02/24/2011
I recently had a urinalysis with culture and the e'coli is still present. The doctor wants to put me back on a med that created terrible joint pain for me, then put me on a maintainance antibiotic. I don't want to go there! This time I am going to treat everything including the IBS-D aggressively. A big bottle of D'Mannose, along with UviUrsi, Mashmello, Digest Advantage (for the IBS-D, )probiotics, Activea, ( more probiotics) Coconut Oil. My doctor may not appreciate me but I'll go down and get the second urinalysis she ordered to test for cure, so I will know if it working. If not, then I'll have to do the antibiotics.
Thanks to everyone for the input.
Turmeric
Posted by Alexandra (Miami, Fl) on 04/12/2011
As Chrerieh said I started using equal parts apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide as a douche twic a day, I have been using it since yesterday and I already feel better!!
MSM
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, TN) on 05/03/2009
★★★★★
I am taking the supplement MSM for IC, asmtha, IBS among other things. The problem is that I cannot take Vitamin C due to my bladder problem...Is there another form of Vitamin C that would not aggravate my IC? I'm asking because I have read that Vitamin C helps the absorption of MSM tremendously.
MSM
Posted by Pooky (San Diego, Ca) on 07/01/2009
buffered C but be careful. try a little first to see how you handle it.
msm
Posted by Five Loaves (Fremont, Ca) on 12/07/2010
Dear Elizabeth,
I read your posting and knowing that you were looking for a form of vitamin C which is friendly to IC patients, I have been using a product called "Advan C" by NSI. This vitamin C's main ingredientce is: Advan-C mineral ascorbate complex. Together with this formula is: Calcium threonate and citrus bioflavonoid complex. I wish you can receive this e-mail and will be able to get this product. It is such a loss if you cannot take Vitamin C with the MSM. They do work together very well for IC pain. You may add 500 mg of turmeric, 3 times day. Another product is "Bladder Q" by a company called The Natural Bladder. You have to take it for 4-6 weeks to clear the flare up. But it is well worth it. Hope the above will help you relieve the pain and May God bless you. Five loaves
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, TN) on 05/03/2009
This is for Les from WA regarding my IC post....thank you for your comment...They'll be more posts to come...I am always looking for new treatments and supplements so I will definetely keep EC updated...
Best to you all!!!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Gail (Musquodoboit Harbour, Ns Canada) on 08/11/2011
Looking for name of drug store over-the-counter product you take to neutralize acid.
Thks for you info .... very helpful. gail
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nancy (Charlotte, North Carolina) on 01/11/2009
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
i have suffered from IC for the past 10 years. it has caused extreme, constant pain bringing on bouts of depression i never had. i had read about apple cider vinegar and its benefits. over holidays, tried it, two tablespoons in an 8 ounce glass of water twice a week. for a week i was virtually pain free and realized it had to be the vinegar. walked today and am hurting. does anyone else hurt after walking? took baking soda, 1/2 tablespoon to 8 ounces of water for relief. this seems to help for a "quickie relief". IC is a horrible disease that gives you pain 24 hours a day. have seen four urologists in four states. elmiron did not help. when pain is really bad lasts too long i do have percoset for my migraines that is a last resort. it gives me a day of relief. working and just living are difficult with this constant pain. hoping the vinegar will continue to help. any other folks finding that vinegar relieves? doctors send me in the same circle, cystoscopes, CT scans, cultures, different meds like Urelle. i've spent a fortune.
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".
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!!!
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.
Alkaline pH
Posted by Kristi (Or) on 06/18/2024
I experience UTI feelings, wasn't sure if it is IC. I saw a few MD's, OBGYN they were clueless. I researched and came across an interview practitioner that was using MicroGenDX labs for her patients. The lab checks for 50,000 pathogens. I ordered the test through MicroGenDX and the lab did a urinalysis and within 48 hours they found the two different types of bacteria. My naturopathic doctor went over the lab tests, and came up with a naturopathic treatment
Alkaline pH
Posted by Sandi (Clarksville, Tn) on 10/11/2011
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.
Alkaline pH
Posted by Bobbie (Hartsville, Sc) on 10/23/2011
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.
Alkaline pH
Posted by Natalie (Washington, Dc) on 07/29/2014
Potassium citrate is alkalizing to the blood and urine. It is used to raise the urine's pH in order to dissolve kidney stones. It is not acidic like someone had mentioned above...
DMSO
Posted by Lauren (Northern Ca, Usa) on 10/18/2011
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.
Lemon Water
Posted by Cathy Colorado (Mason, WV) on 05/07/2008
★★★★★
Response to the 01/23/2008 post from Lucille/Southampton, New Jersey who writes: "Hi. I've recently started Oil Pulling treatment and although just a few days, my energy level is elevated and my teeth are brighter. I am hoping for result in lowering blood pressure. My question is, would OP help relieve pain from Interstitial Cystitus? A chronic pain problem for the last year. Doctor consultations/meds have not helped. Please post this question on the website. thanks!"
For the interstitial Cystitus which can be very painful, try drinking lemon water for the initial pain and then later it will get rid of it. Make the lemon water as strong as possible, say 4 wedges squeezed into a glass of water making it tart. NO SUGAR!! I told a friend about this and she said when her father had bladder cancer he was told by the doctor to use this for pain. If you drink the juice of 1 lemon in an 8oz glass of water when you first get up with no food or coffee for 30 minutes there after, you can dissolve gallstones. It takes about a year consistently. You also need to take some digestive enzymes to aide in digestion. Then also take some Red Rice Yeast and CoQ10 to bring down cholesterol, which causes gall stones. Tumeric can be used for getting rid of melonomas ans this is substantiated by science on the Texas Anderson College Cancer Research Center site. I have used it and it has stopped the growth of some facial and arm skin cancers with amazing results. I wonder if you could make a paste of it and put it on the cancers...Hmmmm?
