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Beware of Witch Hazel!

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  • #1

    Beware of Witch Hazel!

    I suffered from IC (or something similiar) for over 6 months. Sometines it was pretty bad. My Doctor prescribed a Premarin Cream, which I inserted into the vagina 4X a week, thinking that the cause was Vaginal Atrophy (I'm post-menopausal). Even tho' it was a good possible diagnosis, it did little or nothing to alleviate the burning, irritation, pain, and frequency of urination. Just as I was about to call a specialist, it suddenly dawned on me that the hemorrhoidal wipes I was using for a very bad hemorrhoid condition, might be irritating the urethra (some of those swollen veins are all around the perineum). At the time I was using Target & CVS brand Hem. Wipes w/witch hazel and I used them after each urination/BM since my "hems" were so irritated. It was really awful:that entire area of my body, front & back, was just so painful! Sure enough tho', once I discontinued the wipes, the IC/Urethritis gradually cleared up. The ingredients of the wipes were migrating into my urethral area causing the irritation. I wanted to share this in hopes that at least one person reading this forum would benefit from my miserable experience. Also, I'd like to say that all drugstore items are not created equal. I fare much better w/Prep. H Wipes, but still must be careful not to overuse....and recently I used some Walgreen's Petroleum Jelly rather than my usual brand on my hems. and I had a terrible reaction to it. Buyer beware!
    I'm sending my Best Wishes to all!
    ~ Roxanne
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    • #2
      HI Roxanne! (that's my name too!)
      I had a bad experience while using Witch Hazel also.....really made me hurt! Ouch!!
      Glad to hear you are doing better now! Roxie

      Double Spinal Cord Stimulator surgery 8/09
      Unsuccessful MiniArc sling surgery 12/07
      Dx'd Hypothyroid
      Dx'd Chronic Axonal Neuropathy & Myopathy
      June 2007
      Dx'd IC May 2006 (after suffering for 25+ yrs!)
      First Cysto 1979
      First Hydro 1981 (Many treatments since then!)
      Collagin"Durasphere" injections for urethra
      Gall bladder surgery Aug. 2004
      Gastric Bypass Dec. 2004
      Dx'd: Barrett's Esphogus July 2004
      Dx'd: Vaginal Atrophy 2005
      Bladder surgery 2000
      Dx'd: IBS 2000
      Hysterectomy (fibroids) 1999
      Laminectomy 1989
      Dx'd: Degerative Disk Disorder 1989

      For IC I use Elmiron, Elavil and Freeze dried Aloe Vera (it works likes Elmiron, but naturally)and Azo as needed. I also take Zegerid, Randitine for Barrett's Esophagus. (which causes me to have constant yeast infections!)I take Cymbalta for Neuopathy/Myopathy pain. I use the Climara patch for menopause symptoms. I'm on a very strict diet because of the IC, IBS and Gastric Bypass. I take Primal Defense Probiotics and whole food Iron.
      I no longer have the awful urethral pain! I've been using MSM gel now for 4 mo. and haven't had a flare up or the urethra pain.....it's amazing stuff!!:woohoo:

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        • #3
          thanks for the great tip.. so sorry that you are in such pain, feel better soon.
          'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.'

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            • #4
              With IC and these related conditions, it often times becomes a trial and error experience. It's nice to keep a little diary or journal of what things cause you pain so you can work with your Doctors and maybe eliminate some of them from your daily routine. Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad to hear that your symptoms improved with that change.

              Kara
              Complex Case: Severe IC 1999, Interstim 2001, Endometriosis 2001, End Stage Refractory IC 2002, Bladder Removal (Cystectomy) 2002, Gall Bladder Removal 2005, Infertility 2003, Urethra Removal, Bladder Reconstruction (Urethrectomy/Indiana Pouch) 2006, Celiac Disease 2007, Adhesion Disease 2007, Pudendal Nerve Entrapment, Ovarian Cysts, Vestibulitis, Vulvodynia, Total Vestibulectomy and removal of both Skene's Glands, 2007 and Coccydynia 2007. Fibromyalgia and, Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome both in my neck and knees, 2007, PNE Decompression Operation May, 2009.Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Anesthesia Awareness (to awaken during operations)Pudendal Nerve Decompression Surgery, Revrse Uterine Sling, Sept. 2011

              "One hour at a time, this was NOT my American Dream but it has to work out somehow."

              I also have some journals of my journeys, past and some present at:
              http://karasnewblog2008.blogspot.com/ and http://icnkaralynn.blogspot.com/

              Most of my Journaling now is currently on Facebook. These are old and my ICN Patient story is very old and outdated.

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