Elmiron questions

[needsrelief]

thanks wagamama. I should have started it when I was first diagnosed but I thought since it wasnt as bad as first I could deal with it without meds. slowly but surely I have severe pelvic pain now. along with my other symptoms. its so bad its making me dizzy. I think for the time being Im going to see a new uro for bladder installations also. I dont have too many food sensitivites really the top ones which are tomato sauce,coffee/tea,citrus fruits/drinks,very spicy foods,and alcohol. those are the ones when I eat I feel the results after wards. other than that I still have symptoms. I have PFD also so that maybe the reason.

[wagamama]

I wish you a lot of luck! My uro put me on it when I was first diagnosed about 9 months ago. Between that and the diet I've gotten to the point where most days I don't feel like I have IC. I know a lot of people are put off of trying it, but I hope it ends up helping you.

I will say that I think the Elmiron has helped me widen my dietary choices a bit. I absolutely agree that you should stick to the diet while you give it a chance to work. But I'm now able to enjoy a small glass of white wine or low-acid decaf once in a while whereas before I couldn't.

[needsrelief]

thanks for your responses. i hope that I have a success story soon.

[jvr]

Hi Needsrelief,

I've seen Dr. Parsons and he says it's okay to take it split in two doses daily instead of three...

Jill

[ICNDonna]

I believe the recommended dosage is three times a day. You should talk with your doctor if you wish to vary from the usual schedule.

Many, if not most ICers do need to stick with their IC diets even when being helped by elmiron.

Donna

[musiclover]

Usually if they have you take it in two doses, one in the morning, one at night, then you take 400mg - 200mg in the morning, 200mg at night. But of course you would have to check with your doc about that.

[Linda May]

call

Call the nurse about your meds, every icer is different as far as the ic diet.
I have to stick to the diet I tried 2 cups of coffee and am in a flare, not worth the pain.

[needsrelief]

So, I finally started elmiron today. I wish I would have started 4 years ago when it was first suggested. the sound it maybe taking 6 months to work or more didnt sound good to me. I need to work on my being impatient. If I started 4 years ago when I started having symptoms. I probaly would be in much better shape right now. My questions are

Do you have to take this and the IC diet for this to work? Dr didnt mention this. I dont have too many food sensitivities maybe 5 major ones I try to avoid

It says to take 1 tablet 3times daily can it be taken 2 in the morning and 1 in the evening for example? or does it need to be spread out through the day.

I plan to get an appointment with DR Parsons in san diego depending on my progress. so far there are no more appts for new patients till April 2011