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So, 3 weeks ago I went to see my pain doc and I was in the throws of a horrible allergy flare up. I only have allergy issues in July and August each year. Interestingly my first IC symptoms showed up in July 2002. Anyway, my pain doc started me on Zyzal a new allergy medication to help me get through. It is extremely expensive! Since starting on it I have had hardly any IC symptoms! Each day that goes by and I do things to "test" the waters and nothing happens. I am wondering if it is just a coincidence or if this drug is actually helping me. I have tried atarax before and it didn't help any. I'm not complaining but I never have a reprieve in my symptoms so this is certainly strange. Now I don't want to stop taking it and cause my symptoms and pain to return full on but I have to consider the cost. Anyone else take this medication? Notice any differences?
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Live life to the fullest day to day. The best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time!
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DX: IC - November 2002 after hysterectomy
Interstim implanted March 2006 - died May 2011
Interstim replacement June 2011
Meds: Pain meds, muscle relaxer, cystex, and marcaine bladder instills as needed.
Docs: Pain management doc, urologist, family practice -
Well since no one replied to this message it probably doesn't matter but my reprieve from symptoms has been over for a couple of days. Must have just been a fluke. Oh well...Live life to the fullest day to day. The best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time!
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DX: IC - November 2002 after hysterectomy
Interstim implanted March 2006 - died May 2011
Interstim replacement June 2011
Meds: Pain meds, muscle relaxer, cystex, and marcaine bladder instills as needed.
Docs: Pain management doc, urologist, family practice -
My pharmacist told me that it is the same drug as Zyrtec. Apparently the Zyrtec patent was up so they reformulated it a bit and gave it a new name. He suggested sticking with Zyrtec, which is much, much cheaper!-----
Kara
33 years old
Symptoms began 12/10 - I had BV that went undiagnosed for awhile and developed urinary symptoms that did not go away after BV was treated. Visited the ER on 12/28/10 with extreme pelvic and lower back pain.
Had cystoscopy with urogyn soon after which did not show any problem with the bladder. He did not think I had IC but I gave up cycling and tried the diet anyway. Symptoms initially improved some with diet modifications.
I've had a few stretches of time where I felt that this whole nightmare just went away. I could drink and eat more freely and did not experience any issues. But eventually the pain keeps coming back.
Most recently I had a flair start at the end of August. I was DX with a yeast infection. It was treated and I felt a lot better for a few weeks.
Symptoms returned in September but the tests all came up negative. (??)
Currently getting very bad flairs from sex, but not until days later (???).
I'm now wondering if I have Vulvodynia, PFD or pudendal neuralgia (PN)/ pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE)
Treatments
I take Advil and Xyzal as needed and HYDROXYZ nightly.
None of this is enough at the moment but I am very reluctant to take Elavil (slows you down, makes you gain weight etc.) and Elmiron is ridiculously expensive without prescription coverage.
I also do pilates and other forms of exercise daily. It seems to help a lot but I still live with a great deal of pain right now, especially sitting!
My next step is to find a new doctor who is very familiar with pelvic pain disorders and can recommend a physical therapist to work with me.
Here is my precious family!
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I'd like to add something about allergy meds. I have severe allergies and have tried every kind of med over the years. I take Claritin and Flonase nasal spray currently. My doctor said up to 4 Claritin can be taken, depending on symptoms. Two will knock me out and give me dry mouth. (he said in Europe they prescribe 40mg...the typical here is 10mg) So he recommended taking Zyrtec at night (even in addition to Claritin) He said to get the children's syrup and cut the dose in half. (personally Zyrtec knocks me out and makes me feel weird and so I can't tolerate much...but it clears my sinuses right up)
Anyway, I thought I'd mention my treatment in case you want to talk further with your doctor. I see an allergy specialist and he told me that his patients who have IC do have some improvement in symptoms with more antihistamines in their system. Unfortunately, I haven't yet experienced that but am hopeful.Frances
Diagnosed: 2011 - have had symptoms for over 20 years. Diagnoses so far: Overactive Bladder, then IC, and now Myofacial Pelvic Pain Syndrome.
Medicines: For IC am doing PT, and will be taking Gabapentin, Ativan, Tramadol and Ambien. Ice packs and drinking vanilla shakes help. Foods that cause a flare, tomatoes, yogurt, coffee, soda, all sports drinks, and most teas. Take Verapamil, Naproxen (as needed), Omeprazole, Frova (as needed) and receive Botox shots(every three months) for migraines. For allergies I use Claritin and Flonase. (Feel free to ask me any questions about meds.)
Other conditions: Migraines, allergies, mild IBS.
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (Matthew 21:22)Comment
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