question about diet and pain.....

[jeanniebug]

I am just having the hardest time with my pain and diet. I've been keeping a food diary..but it seems like everything besides rice and toast bother me! I am down to drinking purified water and alfalpha tea only. Even the Gerber's pear juice bothers me. banghead I am wondering if some people don't have constant pain regardless of their diet? I've been on Elmiron for 5 1/2 months, and take prelief alot too. Here's my main question..does anyone know a good source of vitamin C that is IC safe? I have read the IC diet suggestions as well as the sources of vitamin C that may be IC safe..but there don't seem to be many sources. Pretty much broccoli and a couple of others? I can't drink juices or take vitamin C supplements..these are loaded w/acid preservatives. Does anyone know of any IC friendly vitamin C supplements? It's c-c-c-old in the Chicago area this time of year, and I hate not getting any vitamin C at all. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!

[jeanniebug]

Oops..I just realized this should probably be in the "diet and IC" section. If someone wants to move it for me feel free! Thanks again-

[dyno]

Jeannie,
I know what you mean about wanting to have Vit. C. I used to live up in the cold Midwest and I just hated not being able to take any. I have not found any mulitvitamin or C that I can tolerate yet and I have tried a bunch. I can do Broccoli, and every now and then with Prelief a small glass of the low acid orange juice. I can feel for you because I was sick a lot when I lived up north. We are all so different, all you can do is try stuff and see how you do. Good Luck.

[Julie Smith]

Jeannie,

I know just what you're going through. There have been many days/weeks that all I can eat is saltine crackers, toast, jello and water. Yes, that's what I live on, just like you. This has happenned to me for years so it's not a big deal. It does pass. My girlfriends know to bring me saltines and 7-up when they come over. I also have ibs and have spoken to my dr. several times about it. He's not concerned so neither am I. Initially it bothered me a great deal and I thought there must be something wrong. It ic and ibs. Good luck and write me anytime. God Bless and warm hugs. grouphug

[rachelm]

I have heard of ester c from others and just the other day I saw a comercial for it. It claims to be low in acid and safe for irritated stomachs. Has anyone tried it. I was going to wait until I got over this flare enough to feel safe about trying something new.

Rachel blah

[ICB]

Try Ester C - it is a non-acidic vitamin C. It is very well tolerated by IC patients.

You may have pain regardless of your diet. Hopefully your doctor has given you pain medication. What medications has your urologist put you on? A multi-modal (more than one) approach to the treatment of IC is the most effective.

I suggest that you consult with your healthcare provider if you believe that the information above may be helpful; your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate treatment regimen for you.

The contents in this post are provided for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended in any way to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.

Best regards,

ICB

[jeanniebug]

Thanks!!!!! kissing I have never heard of ester C..but I will try it asap. Does anyone know where I could buy this..do they sell it at Walgreen's etc. or is it only found in health food stores? ICB-the uro who diagnosed me has no interest in trying anything for my IC other than diet and Elmiron. So, in 2 weeks, I have an appointment with a new uro. He was recommended to me by a pain clinic...at least he is open to bladder instills etc. whereas my current uro does none of that for IC. I printed out the info on the cystoprotek so he and I can go over that together. The only things I take right now are the Elmiron, pyridium (helps a litle not much), and my angel of a family doc gives me 15 codeine tabs at a time for flare ups. He monitors this closely and will only refill it about every 3 months, but, I'm grateful to get what I can at this point. I tried a pain clinic but was given an overdose of morphine and became very sick. Soooo..we won't be trying that route again. Anyway I appreciate your responses thanks a bunch!!

[liz2]

Broccoli is a strong vegetable and has caused problems for many of my friends. I eat it sparingly and make sure I cut off all of the stalks. I cannot handle Vitamin C supplements. I get my Vitamin C naturally through veggies and sunshine.

I cannot eat saltines, because of the soy and the corn contained therein. If you read the package label carefully, and you will be surprised. A number of preservatives are in saltines, too.

Diet mistakes cause me pain and burning. Why not try keeping a food diary and see if you can spot more of your own "flare" food items.

[ICNDonna]

Broccoli is usually okay for ICers. I prefer mine cooked, but I also like it raw.

There are many vegetables that are a good source of vitamin C --- usually if we get any kind of a balanced diet, additional "C" is not really needed, and I believe our bodies just get rid of the extra.

Sending an encouraging hug,
Donna