Muscle Relaxers as a treatment of the pain for IC

[vocalsgsc]

Oh my! I have had IC since 1996 at least diagnosied.l But this tim eI have been in a flare since Jan. A week ago last Thursday I had a hydrodystention, cystopoy and RMSO proceedure and I have been in so much pain since. Nothing seems to work. I called the doctor for a casll in of pain meds and he wouldn't cause they can be addictive. I just want the pain to be relieved. At this point I don't care if I become addicted to anythign...okay I do, but I hope you know what I mean. I am scheduled to go see the doctor on Wensdday. My husband and I thought about asking for muscle relaxers. Has anyone used these in the treatment of IC?

[ihurttoo]

I take Zanaflex, but it was prescribed by my Rhematologist for Fibro, not for IC. But, it does help with the cramping pain and spasms I have from IC. Several other ICers also take mucsle relaxors, but I dont know if their's were r/xed for their IC or for another condition, as mine was. But, they do help. You might have more luck getting those from your Dr. than narotics. Many Drs. that are reluctant to r/x narcotic pain meds dont have a problem giving mucsle relaxors, so it is worth a try!

If you try those and are still and pain and your Dr. wont help you out, you should definately ask for a referral to a pain mgmt Dr. I have been going to mine for a year now and he has helped me alot. I dont know of anyone that sees a Pain mgmt Dr. that is sorry that they started seeing one. For me, the pain had gotten to be unbearable and my Dr. would give me occasional pain meds, but not often and not many. Almost as bad was I never knew if he would refill them or not, so I was terrified to take what little he did give me, b/c I always worried that I would need them worse in a few days. (Everytime he gave me a r/x, he always gave me the "You better make 'em last!" speech.) So, it was definately liberating to get to the pain Dr. and now have a monthly supply and can actually take them when I am hurting. (Quite the novel idea, huh?! LOL!)

I hope your Dr. will let you try the mucsle relaxors, and that they will work for you. But, if they arent enough, I hope you will ask for a referral to a Pain clinic if your Dr. doesnt help you soon. I hate to know you are suffering right now.

Hugs,
Amy

[RAS6]

At my last visit with my IC specialist he said if I am not helped by the antihistamine (it helps so I don't flare as often, but not with the pain) he would start me on valium the next time I see him, along with physical therapy for my PFD. He has me on Lortab (also called Hydraco/apap, the same as Viacadin) It doesn't take all the pain away, but does help a little. I won't go back to see him until the end of April, but I can fill you in on how I feel once I start the Valium if you would like. I may be starting low doses of anti seizure drugs as well at that time.
I think there is more info on muscle relaxants in the patient handbook section here on the ICN website. Also, Dr. Moldwin's book "The IC Survival Guide" (which was an fantastic resource for me) explains the role of muscle relaxants in treating IC and what types are commonly used. I know in the case of valium and IC I will be started on a VERY low dose. I was a little scared about the chance of addiction with this drug, but according to Dr. Moldwin's book and my doctor as well, if taken as directed at low doses Valium addiction shouldn't be an issue. I had to search to find a doctor who understood the necessity of prescribing pain medicine as part of my treatment, but so far he has been the best Doctor I have been too. And I saw 3 Urologist's before him!
I hope you are able to get some pain relief soon!

[HGC]

I take Valium as a muscle relaxer and it definitely helps my bladder.

[tigger_gal]

pass me one will ya I was prescribed flexeril 10mg, 4 times a day for my fibro, and I only take 2 at night (with permission from my doctor) because I have Jake now. I have noticed when I have ran out and couldn't get it refilled till pay day, my bladder dose know it when I haven't taken them.

[mom_in_ma]

I take a low dose of xanax (like valium) when needed and it definitely helps spasms. I've been taking it for nearly four years (when needed) and not had any problems with addiction.

[mich2604]

I take zanaflex at nite, and it does help. I also take xanax for appointments so I am more relaxed and the xanax works after PT too (very small dose)

[jesamyn]

muscle relaxers

I take valium for general relaxation and anxiety surrounding my IC, but the real relaxation comes from Baclifin. Baclifin is supposedly non-addictive, and can be taken 3 times per day...suggest it! I hope you feel better!!

Jesamyn

[mary124]

I was put on Zanaflex 4mg for nighttime (spasms) but it didn't help me).

[ICNDonna]

I take a smooth muscle antispasmodic when I'm flaring. There are several that might help. The one I prefer is hyoscyamine.

I have never had DMSO used along with a hydrodistention --- I think it would be much too painful. Hopefully when you're recovered from the hydro, you will feel better for many months.

My doctor always has ordered pain meds for those first days after a hydrodistention --- and in 32 years I have not become addicted.

Donna

[vocalsgsc]

Since havign the 3 proceedures I have been in agoney! I think maybe even worse then I felt in just the flare. I don't know what to do! I sere the uro tomorrow. I feel useless and that IC is running my life evn though I am trying to maintain a life as much as I can. Along with the IC pain I have been having headaches daily and I thin that it is maily the stress because of the pain from the IC and the problems that are caused from that! I just so much want to feel better! No one seems to understand what this pain is like and what it does to someone. I have been in this flare sine Jan! I keep trying to have have hope but it is getting so hard. I am in so much pain all the time!

[Briza]

Vocal
How did your appt go today?
I'm sorry you've had such a hard time getting proper treatment and pain relief. I did, too...over a year and many doctors til I finally found a gyn who believed me! Among the other things I told him, were
1. I need something for the pain
2. I need something to help me sleep
3. I need these things to keep my job, so if you can't help me, just tell me now and I will continue looking for a doctor who will
He helped me! He also recently referred me to a pain clinic so I could get better pain relief than he could provide. Don't give up!
I would ask for a referral to a pain clinic. If he won't give you one, then ask your GP or GYN. I have found them to be much more accomadating than uros, especially GYNS.

I also use a muscle relaxer, Flexeril. It works really well, but I still need my pain meds.
Best wishes

[vocalsgsc]

Well I went to the uro yesterday and he kind of listened to me. Apparently the problem about refilling my pain meds was not his it was his nurses! So he refilled with 40 for two months! HA!!! I really didn't get a chance to ask about a muscle relaxer, but he did prescribe me Enablex 15mg tablets. I haven'g had time to do any research on these yet. Anyone been on this medicaiton yet? If so has it worked for and and how has it worked. I guess from what I have gathered it is supposed to help eith the leaking and accidents. Which are humilitating!!! I am sure you all know! I printed off the My Medical Records section from the IC Handbook and I am going to work on it this evening. Has anyone done this? The thing is I have had a head injury and I don't remember dates or doctors or proceedures I have had prior to Oct 1999. I am not sure how to go about getting those records. Any advice? I did notice that in the "records" there is a section that asks for IC buddies. I love that! But you know I don't think I have anyone. Of course I can post online but no one first hand that I can put on that list. Any ideas? I know I am asking alot today. I am actually feeling okay for right now. I have had to take 1 pain pill today. But I have had 3 days off of work. And I spent all day with my little boy.. He is home sick with pnenomia. Poor little guy!!!

[ihurttoo]

I am so glad your DR. was willing to help you out with pain meds. Hopefully, you will start feeling better now.

As for the section in the Patient handbook on building your IC Toolbox, having an IC buddy just means people you know in "real life" that have IC, (if you know any) or making friends here on the boards or finding people you feel comfortable enough with that you can pm me them or call them when you are having a bad day so they can give you ideas, suggestions, and support. Bascially, it just helps to know that someone else truly understands.

You are welcome to pm me anytime and I will be glad to give you my number so you can call if you prefer to do that if you ever need someone to talk to. I know many others here would also be glad to talk to you if you ever need ideas, suggestions, encouragement and/or support.

I have been on here for a year now and have made several friends here, but in the beginning, when I was new, if someone responded to a post and I liked the way they responded (even if it was someone else's post they responded to), I'd pm them and ask them questions that I didnt want to post. I never had anyone not write me back. Everyone here is very friendly and will bend over backwards to help each other.

Most of the time, when I need support, I just make a post about whatever is going on, and whoever feels up to it, will answer with support and information. I truly feel like most here are my "IC buddies". But, every now and then, someone would just go "above and beyond" with their posts to me (and others) and I would pm them and we might just have a pm relationship or sometimes, we'd just decide to exchange numbers.

I dont need to counsel you (or anyone else) about the obvious cautions one needs to take when exchanging numbers with strangers, we all know those. But, the one piece of advice I would give to someone that you havent heard is to read all of a person's past posts before you do the number exchange thing, that way, you can tell if the person is a "giver" or a "taker". After all, you dont need the additional stress in your life of someone calling you constantly leeching energy out of you because they are in constant crisis mode and never able to give back themselves. (No, I dont have any personal experiance with this, but I have heard a few horror stories from others! )You want someone you can develop a reciprocal relationship with, someone who is capable of giving to you when you need them, but also someone that you can offer something back to. (At this point, though you may not have many hints or IC tips or info to give, you can always give support and understanding.)

Since everyone on here is sick too and I never know what kind of pain day they are having, that's why I usually just go ahead and post when I am needing support and then whoever feels like dealing with me at that moment can jump in. At least that way, if any of my friends here dont feel up to helping that day, they can let others take over.


I am so glad you found us here at the ICN! I truly think you are going to feel like you are finally home and have met 14,000 kindred spirits (and kindred bladders! ) If you ever need a friend, feel free to pm me (or any of us)anytime!

Hugs,
Amy

[vocalsgsc]

Hi Amy,

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement and advice. I am a counselor by trade so I definately understand the "taking" relationship some can have and how that can be very draining!!!!! It is so difficult having a desease that really not alot of people know nothing or very little about! It is good to have a place where there are people with like issues where someone can go for help, advice, and encouragement!!!!

God Bless,
Teresa