HI from Sydney

[sydneygirl]

Hi I'm a 36 year old Mum, and have had IC for quite some time, maybe 10 years. I personally think it has nothing to do with the bladder but is a stress/psychological thing. I know mine is better when not stressed and every medicine I've taken has not done zilch. I am big into natural therapies and am on a homeopathic remedy now and am trying cyrstal therapies as well. I also have diabetes, and fibromialgia. If you want to talk to me I am at [email protected]
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[Sherry from GA]

Hello Down Under,

Please allow me to let you know about a prescription drug called Gastrocrom (Cromolyn Sodium) in liquid form that is used to suppress mast cell activity in the body. Doctors in the US are now subscribing to the theory that the mast cells play a role in secreting histamine that invokes an inflammatory process. My allergy doctor suggested I try the Gastrocrom and it has been a God send. I've not had a single flare with the bladder since starting this drug one month ago. It is a clear liquid that you mix in water, coffee, or tea. It is odorless and tasteless. It is used for mastocytosis patients and doctors are only now beginning to use it for IC. It is expensive but my insurance pays. The standard dosage is four vials, four times daily. However, I use it only twice daily with great success. So, here is my regime: Gastrocrom, Elmiron, and hydroxine. Also, please know that most IC patients must follow a bowel protocol. In other words, ANY constipation will aggravate your symptoms. My IC doctor at Emory University in Atlanta advises all his IC patients to start on an over the counter fiber therapy program. This must be done in the morning and at night and for the rest of your life. An inflammed colon aggravates the bladder. Again, though see if you could give the Gastrocrom a try if you can get a prescription for the medication in Australia. Stay away from caffine, nutra sweet, and equal. Keep track of trigger foods. And oh by the way, Premarin for HRT set my bladder on fire. Some IC patients are highly sensitive to various forms of HRT. Go figure! PS: Always thought Australia would be gorgeous to visit.

Hugs from Georgia,

Sherry