Dr. wants me to try stopping allergy meds.

[psuj9]

Okay, so I'm really nervous about this one. I've been diagnosed with IC for several years, and went through seasonal/environmental allergy testing several years ago, as well. My IC is reasonably under control--due in large part (I think) to following the diet. When I first went to the allergist, I was excited that my doc. seemed to have a pretty good understanding of IC. He prescribed Singulair and Allegra to treat my allergies, and also help with mast cells (which is something I don't fully understand). Anyway, I've also been getting (allergy) injections for about two years. Unfortunately, my beloved allergy doc passed away unexpectedly. I've recently seen a nurse practitioner (at the same practice) in his place. She wants me to try gradually coming off the meds., to determine if the shots alone will be enough to control my allergies. I tried to explain to her the fact that I think some of the meds were prescribed to help with my IC as well, but she doesn't seem to have as much knowledge about this. I feel like maybe I should try it, but I'm also SUPER NERVOUS about ending up in a flare. Anyone have any experience/advice to share?

[cmclien]

I of course am not a nurse but I wouldn't do it....yet. Its apparent that you have bad allergies since you need shots. I am assuming allergy has played a big part in your IC, which it sounds like it did (did they find mast cells when you were diagnosed?). If the doctor didn't take you off of them there must have been a reason. This is not like a pollen or an animal allergy you can test with little results other then sneezing, itchy nose etc. You would possibly be back in pain.
I say more research on the topic is needed, possibly another doctor's opinion before discontinuing use. What does your uro say?

[psuj9]

Thanks for your reply and thoughts. That's kind of how I was feeling too. I hate to admit that I don't even have a urologist. I was diagnosed by my OB/GYN, and, as I mentioned, have also been seeing an allergy doctor. Maybe it's time to try the urologist? Would a uro. be knowledgable about the whole mast cell issue, do you think? I'm so torn. While I hate to be on so many meds. and supplements, I also hate to mess with a "good" thing. My IC has been relatively peaceful in recent months.

[sailawaygrl]

My thoughts on it are that I wouldn't want to change right now, due to allergies. Our mast cells in our bladder tend to flare in the spring and fall. It is related to pollen and other outdoor allergies and we all know allergy season is just around the corner. I would talk to her about that and let her know that IC patients tend to flare more during allergy season. See if she would be willing to wait until after it passes to see about any changes. Just my two cents but I know my Dr starts getting a lot of calls around allergy seasons because of all our flares.
Sandra


My IC Dr is a uro and he understands about the mast cells. He is a researcher in IC though, so that might make it a bit different than some of the other uros out there.

[nevergiveup]

allergies and ic

Hello I can totally relate to ur problem. I went to an allergist to get tested finally and my luck I got a doc that totally did not know what ic is and thought I was crazy. I was so frustrated thank god at least my urologist prescribed atarax which calms my bladder down at nite to sleep. With out the atarax my bladder would be in bad flare and lining just would have no chance of healing. I was tested on skin for wat he wanted to test me which was common enviromental allergens I was negative.. He refused to test me for food allergies. I was so mad I drove 20 miles in a car which my bladder was not happy and came home with no answers again. So now I am totally eliminating what I think is causing me to have breathing problems which over the past 4 years I have been baffled as to what is the cause. So far I think it could be wheat or nuts?? Anyway if I were in ur shoes I would get my urologist second opinion with someone else or if u dont have a choice have them re test u on ur allergies, if u want to decrease do it very carefully due to flares but tell them if ur flare comes up more again u need to go back on them cause then it is hard to get back on track..