Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Support Group
Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a urinary bladder disease of unknown cause characterised by pelvic and intense bladder pain, urinary frequency (as often as every 10 minutes), and pain with urination. It is not unusual for patients to experience nocturia and pain with sexual intercourse. IC is also known as painful bladder syndrome (PBS), particularly outside of the USA.
My doctor decided to prescribe me Elmiron today even though I'm pregnant. I am actually really happy about the decision. With the research that I've done I haven't found anything that scares me bad enough to make me not willing to take it. The only remote thing I could find was if they soaked a rat fetus in extreamly high consentrations of Elmiron that it could cause reversable limb damage. My doc's response to that was that baby's limbs are all developed and we've already counted it's fingers and such. I am looking forward to hopefully having relief to this situation and being able to enjoy my pregnancy. Has anyone else taken elmiron while pregnant? Just wanted to hear some experienced stories. I know most docs wont prescribe it, but my doc said that's mostly to cover themselfs. I am ok with the decision completely as I've been miserable with my pregnancy so far...using ice packs so often that my urine is cold or luke warm most of the time. Thanks for your advice and stories.
deleted_user
I was on elmiron for over a year I wasn't pregnant but I was told it took 3 to 6 months to see if it worked at all, it did not for me but depending on how far along you are I don't know if you will see results in time and it is expensive
deleted_user
it's very expensive, I'm paying $350.00 a month for it and it's not giving me anything but headaches and nausea, but everyone is different, do your research and do what is best for that baby growing inside of you!!!
deleted_user
I would REALLY recommend also exploring some alternative therapies out there. I am also pregnant, and personally I chose not to take Elmiron since, as you discovered with the rat tests, there are not any human studies done with Elmiron and pregnancy. It is also a fairly new drug -which means long term studies could take decades to come out. However, if you are past your first trimester and everything is formed then I am sure the chance of negative effects are much less and you probably have nothing to worry about. For me however, I decided against even a small risk. The good news is, in searching for alternative thearapies, I have found completely safe options that work even BETTER than Elmiron! There is a wonderful website called evenbetternow.com that has lots of safe, natural alternatives. I have tried both and have found the natural remedies work faster (2 weeks compared to 3 months) and are MUCH safer and easier on my system, plus no nausea and headaches like I got with Elmiron. There is a wonderful homeopathic doctor on that site that you can email or call for free advice. He has WAY more knowledge than even my urologist! Even though most Western doctors have only one or two options (Elmiron or bladder distensions-ouch!), there are MANY options out there that they are simply not trained in. Do lots of research and you can overcome IC!! I fully plan on being symptom-free before I am chasing my child around! :) Good luck and good health!
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
