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  • #1

    Ice Packs

    I know that many of us use ice packs and heat in order to help with our pelvic pain. I do not know if many of you have a beauty store called Ulta near you, but they have these small oval ice packs (kind of like a little bag of peas). They fit perfectly in the perineal area, and are not as big and bulky as some regular ice packs.

    They are only 7.99 and near the checkout in a travel size area. I just wanted to recommend them to any one. They are small and compact and work just great!!

    Just a thought for anyone that may be near an Ulta store.

    Erin
    24 year old Ph.D student in Organic Chemistry

    Loves to listen to music, play with my animals (cat, fish, 2 hamsters), and live life to the fullest each and every day.

    My blog (just started):

    http://imaginenoworries.blogspot.com/

    Medications:
    Elavil 25mg (helped with nighttime urination-used to be 7 or more times a night, now just once)
    Cymbalta 60mg
    Gabapentin (Neurontin) (3200mg/day)
    Zyrtec 10mg
    Xanax 0.5mg up to 3 times a day(spasms, anxiety)
    Uribel
    Macrobid 100mg (only on days when doing an instill)
    Albuterol
    Yaz Birth Control (3 months on birth control, then period)
    Pelvic floor therapy
    Valium 5 mg (inserted vaginally)
    MScontin 30 mg (3 times a day)
    Percocet 10/325mg (every 6 hours)
    TENS Therapy, CVS machine, 30 minutes once or twice a day
    Sanctura XR 60 mg (to help control severe bladder spasms that are causing urinary retention episodes and enable normal bladder sensations)

    *** 1/4 of a teaspoon of baking soda in an 8 ounce glass of water up to 4 times a day*****

    Instill:

    Currently doing hyaluronic acid instillations (cystistat-6 instillations, once a week, already had 4...not sure if helping)

    Used to do these:

    Solu-Cortef (act-o-vial) 100 mg: 2 mL
    Marcaine (bupivicaine) 0.5 % 25 mL
    20,000 units Heparin
    3 mL sodium bicarbonate

    Diagnoses: Moderate IC, scoliosis, asthma, ovarian cysts, PFD, IBS, Fibromyalgia, vulvodynia, Fowler's syndrome (mild) 'Central Sensitivity Syndrome.'
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Great tip! I love Ulta stores Only problem is I tend to find too many fun things there!
    Kadi

    -------------------------------------------------------------
    I am not a medical authority nor do I offer medical advice. In all cases, I strongly encourage you to discuss your medical treatment with your personal medical care provider. Only they can, and should, give medical recommendations to you.
    ------------------------------------------------------


    New favorite quote: "God gives us only what we can handle. Apparently God thinks I'm a bad-ass" ~Author Unknown
    Source - Pinterest
    "

    Current treatments:
    -IC diet
    -Elavil 50mg at night
    -Continuous use birth control pills (4-5 periods/year)
    -Heparin/Marcaine/Sodium Bicarb home instills at night 3-4x per week, more often if needed
    -Pyridium if needed,
    -Pain medicine at bedtime daily, as needed during the day several times per week
    -Antibiotic when doing an instillation to prevent UTI
    -Colace & SmartFiber to treat chronic constipation from meds, Fleet enema as needed
    -Dye Free Benadryl 50 mg at bedtime
    -"Your Pace Yoga: Relieving Pelvic Pain" dvd, walking, treadmill at gym
    -Managing stress= VERY important!
    -Fur therapy: Hugging the cat!

    Comment

    • #3
      Excellent tip!! My DH always goes out Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve, so I'll drop a hint!!!
      Last edited by KatieB; 12-23-2010, 07:53 AM. Reason: Just saw I left out valuable info, lol
      Katie-46 yr old female dx'd with IC after 15 years of symptoms off and on long term antibiotic use, GERD,IBS and now IC diet, gallbladder removed, endometrial ablation w/tubes tied
      Lexapro-20 mg
      Aciphex
      Ambien-as needed
      Percocet-7.5 up to 3 per day as needed
      Valium-10 mg x2 per day
      Phenergan-1 at night
      Prelief w/everything
      Now recovering from acute pancreatitis

      Currents treatments that help somewhat:
      Heating pad
      Hot baths
      Ice
      Being VERY still while lying down with legs elevated

      Comment

      • #4
        Oh, the brand is Therapearl. They are reusable hot and cold backs, but work perfectly!
        24 year old Ph.D student in Organic Chemistry

        Loves to listen to music, play with my animals (cat, fish, 2 hamsters), and live life to the fullest each and every day.

        My blog (just started):

        http://imaginenoworries.blogspot.com/

        Medications:
        Elavil 25mg (helped with nighttime urination-used to be 7 or more times a night, now just once)
        Cymbalta 60mg
        Gabapentin (Neurontin) (3200mg/day)
        Zyrtec 10mg
        Xanax 0.5mg up to 3 times a day(spasms, anxiety)
        Uribel
        Macrobid 100mg (only on days when doing an instill)
        Albuterol
        Yaz Birth Control (3 months on birth control, then period)
        Pelvic floor therapy
        Valium 5 mg (inserted vaginally)
        MScontin 30 mg (3 times a day)
        Percocet 10/325mg (every 6 hours)
        TENS Therapy, CVS machine, 30 minutes once or twice a day
        Sanctura XR 60 mg (to help control severe bladder spasms that are causing urinary retention episodes and enable normal bladder sensations)

        *** 1/4 of a teaspoon of baking soda in an 8 ounce glass of water up to 4 times a day*****

        Instill:

        Currently doing hyaluronic acid instillations (cystistat-6 instillations, once a week, already had 4...not sure if helping)

        Used to do these:

        Solu-Cortef (act-o-vial) 100 mg: 2 mL
        Marcaine (bupivicaine) 0.5 % 25 mL
        20,000 units Heparin
        3 mL sodium bicarbonate

        Diagnoses: Moderate IC, scoliosis, asthma, ovarian cysts, PFD, IBS, Fibromyalgia, vulvodynia, Fowler's syndrome (mild) 'Central Sensitivity Syndrome.'

        Comment

        • #5
          Thank you!

          I love my DH but he needs very SPECIFiC info, i.e. names, or no telling what he would come back with, lol. Poor guy, I did all the shopping for everyone else, but I don't think he's done any for me. I'm so easy. I'm not asking for anything you can't buy at Walgreens (and now, Ulta). I'm sure he'll come back with something "interesting" from Ulta!!
          Katie-46 yr old female dx'd with IC after 15 years of symptoms off and on long term antibiotic use, GERD,IBS and now IC diet, gallbladder removed, endometrial ablation w/tubes tied
          Lexapro-20 mg
          Aciphex
          Ambien-as needed
          Percocet-7.5 up to 3 per day as needed
          Valium-10 mg x2 per day
          Phenergan-1 at night
          Prelief w/everything
          Now recovering from acute pancreatitis

          Currents treatments that help somewhat:
          Heating pad
          Hot baths
          Ice
          Being VERY still while lying down with legs elevated

          Comment

          • #6
            No problem! I figured it would be helpful to provide the brand name! I am gonna go buy me some more while at home, since I do not have an Ulta near me!

            Like I said, they are right at the checkout, at least at the one near me. Kind of funny something meant for your eye puffiness, can be used for that also! My mom had noticed them before and thought of me, and I told her why didn't you use that as a stocking stuffer, lol.
            24 year old Ph.D student in Organic Chemistry

            Loves to listen to music, play with my animals (cat, fish, 2 hamsters), and live life to the fullest each and every day.

            My blog (just started):

            http://imaginenoworries.blogspot.com/

            Medications:
            Elavil 25mg (helped with nighttime urination-used to be 7 or more times a night, now just once)
            Cymbalta 60mg
            Gabapentin (Neurontin) (3200mg/day)
            Zyrtec 10mg
            Xanax 0.5mg up to 3 times a day(spasms, anxiety)
            Uribel
            Macrobid 100mg (only on days when doing an instill)
            Albuterol
            Yaz Birth Control (3 months on birth control, then period)
            Pelvic floor therapy
            Valium 5 mg (inserted vaginally)
            MScontin 30 mg (3 times a day)
            Percocet 10/325mg (every 6 hours)
            TENS Therapy, CVS machine, 30 minutes once or twice a day
            Sanctura XR 60 mg (to help control severe bladder spasms that are causing urinary retention episodes and enable normal bladder sensations)

            *** 1/4 of a teaspoon of baking soda in an 8 ounce glass of water up to 4 times a day*****

            Instill:

            Currently doing hyaluronic acid instillations (cystistat-6 instillations, once a week, already had 4...not sure if helping)

            Used to do these:

            Solu-Cortef (act-o-vial) 100 mg: 2 mL
            Marcaine (bupivicaine) 0.5 % 25 mL
            20,000 units Heparin
            3 mL sodium bicarbonate

            Diagnoses: Moderate IC, scoliosis, asthma, ovarian cysts, PFD, IBS, Fibromyalgia, vulvodynia, Fowler's syndrome (mild) 'Central Sensitivity Syndrome.'

            Comment

            • #7
              Thank you

              Erin, thank you for this tip. I also appreciate you telling us what broke up a harsh flare. I am up for the first time in a bout 2 months with that same heavy, pain, and pressure that haunts me. I feel I have been very careful and sticking to the diet (with the exception of a drink or two of vodka straight/wine). Right now I am using a castor oil pack - anyone heard of this? I heard its supposed to help with the bladder. It's cold 100% castor oil on a cloth and then a heating pad over it. It is soothing. I just took some pain meds but am rapidly running out of them (left over from a hospital visit in October). My doctor doesn't want to give me any pain meds and said I should go to a pain specialist. I also am a graduate student, 27, and currently looking for a job as I graduate in May. I'm not sure if this flare is beginnning due to the fact that I had very seasoned potatoes tonight (salt, pepper, garlic salt, bit of cinnamon, and oregano, and cumin) or if I drank a glass of wine last night (table white wine with peach juice) or if its because I have an intense week in front of me. I have a big interview tues morning, a 45 min presentation, and I intern at a hospital. It kills me that I can't figure out still what sets off my IC. Any advice on how I can get some sleep tonight and make sure this pressure/pain I'm feeling doesn't get any worse? I appreciate any tips. Thanks so much.

              Whitney

              27 year old graduate student in speech-language pathology
              diagnosed in October 2010
              Currently taking:
              hydroxizine as needed
              elmiron (really inconsistent)
              oxybutin as needed
              percoset for pain as needed
              magnesium (supposed to help bladder spams)
              vesicare 10 mg daily (for frequency)
              seasonelle for 4 periods/yr
              sulfurzyme (immune system function)
              fish oils and probiotic every morning

              Comment

              • #8
                yes I've heard of the castor oil pack. It's mentioned in the Better Bladder Book. I haven't tried it yet. Let us know how it works- or if it works.

                Comment

                • #9
                  I have heard of those as well, I think it has been around for quite a while. I have always wondered if they helped. They sound so messy! LOL I hope that you find some relief with that.

                  I can't think of any short term help other than warm baths, lots of water and maybe try the baking soda and water trick.

                  For the long term maybe you should consider seeing pain management. That way when you do encounter situations like this in the future you will have something more to combat the problem.

                  I see in your list of meds that you are inconsistent with the Elmiron. Why is that? Just your choice or is it cost prohibitive? They do have patient assistance programs if cost is the reason.

                  I hope you have relief soon.
                  Sandra
                  Link to the patient information, everything from What is IC? to Disability
                  http://www.ic-network.com/patientlinks.html

                  American Urological Association Clinical Guideline
                  Diagnosis and Treatment of Intersitial Cysitis/Painful Bladder Syndrom
                  http://www.auanet.org/content/guidel...ent_ic-bps.pdf

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    I use a package of frozen peas for an ice pack. They work very well and are very inexpensive. Just be sure to mark the bag clearly so they don't end up on your dinner table after they've been partially thawed over and over. We don't like frozen peas so no problem at my house.

                    Donna
                    Stay safe


                    Elmiron Eye Disease Information Center - https://www.ic-network.com/elmiron-p...mation-center/
                    Elmiron Eye Disease Fact Sheet (Downloadable) - https://www.ic-network.com/wp-conten...nFactSheet.pdf

                    Have you checked the ICN Shop?
                    Click on ICN Shop at the top of this page. You'll find Bladder Builder and Bladder Rest, both of which we are finding have excellent results.

                    Patient Help: http://www.ic-network.com/patientlinks.html

                    Sub-types https://www.ic-network.com/five-pote...markably-well/

                    Diet list: https://www.ic-network.com/interstitial-cystitis-diet/

                    AUA Guidelines: https://www.ic-network.com/aua-guide...tial-cystitis/

                    I am not a medical authority nor do I offer medical advice. In all cases, I strongly encourage you to discuss your medical treatment with your personal medical care provider. Only they can, and should, give medical recommendations to you.                     [3MG]

                    Anyone who says something is foolproof hasn't met a determined fool

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      It's interesting how sometimes heat works, and then sometimes ice works. I iced my lower back (sacral area) the other day after a long uphill walk that I do daily, only this time walked way longer than I usually do. The ice on my lower sacral area actually helped my bladder. Go figure.

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        i also find it interesting that sometimes heat works and sometimes you need cold.had a recent experience with this. a cold bath helped instead of a warm bath.warm heating pad was putting my bladder into spasms...ic is so weird.
                        Newly IC diagnosed as of February 2011.

                        Medications I'm on that seem to work:
                        Zoloft- one once a day
                        Butrans pain patch 5 mcg (THANK GOD FOR WHOEVER INVENTED THIS!SO MUCH PAIN RELIEF ITS UNREAL,I AM IN NO PAIN AT ALL UNLESS I STRESS OR SCREW UP ON THE DIET)

                        Failed Meds:
                        Elmiron-after 4 months,digestive side effects got to be too much
                        tramadol-allergic
                        DMSO treatments(5-6)
                        probiotics

                        THERAPIES:gardening,cooking,IC Diet,Counseling,Lots of warm baths,stress reduction,heating pad or ice packs,meditation/deep breathing,listening to relaxing music,having fun on pain free days,drinking chamomile or peppermint tea,pelvic floor physical therapy
                        AROMATHERAPY-candles,incense
                        Village Naturals Aches and Pains Peppermint Bath Salts
                        Johnson and Johnsons Lavender Melt Away Stress Body Wash/Lotion

                        ACUPUNCTURE/HERBS
                        Significant pain relief so far.

                        MAY TRY:yoga,swimming/hydrotherapy and anti-candida diet if i can kick my sugar addiction
                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                        ***TO MY IC SISTERS AND BROTHERS:WE ARE OUR OWN ADVOCATES!,PLEASE DO AS MUCH RESEARCH ON YOUR OWN AS POSSIBLE AND TRY DIFFERENT TREATMENTS TO GET WELL.NOT ONE TREATMENT WORKS FOR EVERYONE.MOST IMPORTANTLY,TRY TO KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE,DISTANCE YOURSELF FROM NEGATIVITY/NEGATIVE PEOPLE AND NEVER,EVER GIVE UP!***

                        Add me on facebook Angela Hasic

                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                        Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
                        where there is hatred, let me sow love;
                        when there is injury, pardon;
                        where there is doubt, faith;
                        where there is despair, hope;
                        where there is darkness, light;
                        and where there is sadness, joy.
                        Grant that I may not so much seek
                        to be consoled as to console;
                        to be understood, as to understand,
                        to be loved as to love;
                        for it is in giving that we receive,
                        it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
                        and it is in dying [to ourselves] that we are born to eternal life.

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          Great tips, everyone!

                          I just wanted to share that my favorite ice packs are actually designed for kids! I have a Boo Boo Buddy cat (from Kmart) that is filled with a soft gel and a few CVS Pharmacy Peas "Little fish" that work really well, especially for the urethral area. The Peas ones are interesting because they are filled with these little gel spheres that move around just like regular frozen peas. I like that I don't have to worry about them defrosting completely and the size is much more convenient.

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            I use one of those gel eye masks that you can pop in the freezer or heat up in the microwave, it's about the same size and shape as a panty liner. I mostly use it frozen.
                            I've found that in the hot months I respond better to cold, and in the cold months to heat when it comes to my IC and Vulvodynia.
                            my IC blog: http://www.icetmoi.blogspot.com

                            Developed IC 5/09
                            Diagnosed w/ IC, vulvodynia, myofascial pain 1/10

                            Current medications:
                            Elmiron (200mg/day)
                            Lyrica (50mg/day)
                            IC diet (loosely followed)


                            tried:
                            Elavil (gained weight, was zombie like), and Tizanidine (saw no improvement), Gabapentin/Neurontin, Yeast-free diet, pelvic floor therapy (increased symptoms)

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              do you wrap the icepacks with a towel before applying to urethra? Trying to figure out safe way of applying ice to urethra.

                              Comment

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