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  • #1

    Yay! Good news!

    I just wanted to share some good news with everyone, especially because its often hard to feel like things are going your way when you have IC.

    So I haven't been able to start elmiron the last 8 months because my insurance didn't cover it and I was unable to pay the $350 a month it would cost me (or even the $180 from Canada!). Well, by poking around on ICN forums, I found a post about how to get Elmiron for free through Johnson and Johnson's patient assistance program! And after a month of phone calls and annoying bureaucracy, I was approved!!!! I get a years supply of Elmiron for free! I kinda feel like I won the lottery or something!

    If you're interested you must fill out some paperwork. I'm pretty sure the reason I was approved is because I lost my job due to IC and have no current income, and my insurance doesn't cover it. So if that sounds like you, you might qualify too!!

    Here is the link: http://www.jjpaf.org/
    IC symptoms since Dec. 12 2010 after confirmed bladder infection "never went away." Recently also diagnosed with PCOS, piriformis syndrome, and pelvic floor dysfunction, sinus issues. I was in great health before fall 2010.
    Current medications: citalopram 40 mg, valium 2.5 mgs a night, lidocaine patch (for back pain), Prelief
    Therapies tried or continuing: stretches, walks, baths, internal massage, physical therapy, IC diet, IF unit, heating pad, mindfulness based stress reduction classes, cognitive therapy, books on IC and pelvic pain...

    Drugs Tried: the urinary analgesics, 4 kinds of muscle relaxants (including in suppository form), hydroxyzine, 3 kinds of TCA's, lyrica, cymbalta, 6 months elmiron, vesicare, antibiotics, prednisone (after sinus surgery), NSAIDS...
    Supplements: over 20 herbs and supplements, including regimens from TCM practitioner and a naturopathic MD
    Intravesical/Surgical: 3 instills of Uracyst, 2 “rescue instills” lidocaine, bicarb, elmiron; 1 self-instill of marcaine, a steroid, bicarb and heparin; 1 hydrodistention and capsaicin instill (made me worse, still recovering two months later...)
    Other: Acupuncture treatments, magnets (LOL), Anti-Candida Diet (2 months), Wheat free diet, water pH
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Congratulations

    MG
    My are with you all. May you all find a way to peace and joy in your lives.

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    • #3
      That is great news, and I hope you benefit from it!!
      March 2011-Symptoms began
      May 2011-Tentative diagnosis by OB/GYN
      October 2011-Confirmed diagnosis -- IC/PFD

      Current treatments:
      Elmiron- 300 mg (Began 12/11)
      Hydroxyzine- 50-75 mg (Began 7/11)
      Tizabidine- 2mg 3xTID, if needed (Began 12/11)
      IC Diet-Began 5/11
      Pelvic Floor Therapy-Began 12/11

      Current Supplements:
      Cystoprotek
      Magnesium
      Fish Oil
      Biotin

      Comment

      • #4
        YAY! I think I would feel the same way as you-- like I had just won the lottery haha that is a good analogy. I hate that it is so expensive but THANK GOD FOR IT!

        Jenn
        28 yrs old,

        I have little to no problems now with my bladder, unless I am very stressed out, I forget to take Elmiron for a few days, or I eat or drink something that I know is a trigger...(i.e) like eating a tomato or drinking tea.... Took a long time to get here, but it IS possible to feel good again I just want people who are new to know that IT CAN get better, and for every one person who is suffering, there are hundreds of others who feel GREAT because they have control of thier IC.

        What Works: Tylenol 3's, Pyridium, Elmiron (Going on 4 years now!) HOT showers!!!

        Medications/ Vitamins: Elmiron-100mg 4x's daily Tylenol 3's/Advil (flaring) Vitamin D, WILD salmon oil 4x gels in the morning, Women's ONE a DAY multivitamin (the gummy kind doesn't make me flare) and PROBIOTICS!



        Me in my graduation gown!

        Comment

        • #5
          thank u

          Thank you for the Johnson n Johnson link that is so awesome!

          Comment

          • #6
            Thanks you for the support! I am praying the Elmiron helps me...and fast!
            IC symptoms since Dec. 12 2010 after confirmed bladder infection "never went away." Recently also diagnosed with PCOS, piriformis syndrome, and pelvic floor dysfunction, sinus issues. I was in great health before fall 2010.
            Current medications: citalopram 40 mg, valium 2.5 mgs a night, lidocaine patch (for back pain), Prelief
            Therapies tried or continuing: stretches, walks, baths, internal massage, physical therapy, IC diet, IF unit, heating pad, mindfulness based stress reduction classes, cognitive therapy, books on IC and pelvic pain...

            Drugs Tried: the urinary analgesics, 4 kinds of muscle relaxants (including in suppository form), hydroxyzine, 3 kinds of TCA's, lyrica, cymbalta, 6 months elmiron, vesicare, antibiotics, prednisone (after sinus surgery), NSAIDS...
            Supplements: over 20 herbs and supplements, including regimens from TCM practitioner and a naturopathic MD
            Intravesical/Surgical: 3 instills of Uracyst, 2 “rescue instills” lidocaine, bicarb, elmiron; 1 self-instill of marcaine, a steroid, bicarb and heparin; 1 hydrodistention and capsaicin instill (made me worse, still recovering two months later...)
            Other: Acupuncture treatments, magnets (LOL), Anti-Candida Diet (2 months), Wheat free diet, water pH

            Comment

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