[jane47]

I had a cystoscopy and told I have mild IC However I have had 3 flare ups since July when I had the cysto done. I awake with pain and pressure and there is usually blood. I have had cultures and they find no bacteria! I take Macrobid, Norelle, sometimes Keflex and Hydroxizine . I wish someone would come up with a cure for this even though I was told there is none. I do not like the idea of taking elmiron because of all the side effects possible. I live in constant fear of pain and another episode of IC or UTI whatever whichever Dr. I see wants to call it. I do go to a Urologist but he is more interested in men with their male dysfunctions then in women.

[UroDoc]

You should try the IC diet for starters

[_Amanda_]

Why not take Elimiron? It really does help! The side-effects you're worried about are rare. If anything happens, stop taking it. What's better... being worried about something that might not even happen or being in pain? You make the call.

[jane47]

You should try the IC diet for starters
what is the IC diet? I am willing to try it.

[UroDoc]

You can find information here, http://www.urologychannel.com/interstitialcystitis/treatment.shtml

[jane47]

You can find information here, http://www.urologychannel.com/interstitialcystitis/treatment.shtml
I just tried and it said on the computer this page no longer exists. I tried 3 times but each time the same thing came up. Thank you

[_Amanda_]

You can find out about the IC diet anywhere on the net.

[UroDoc]

works for me here is the info, good luck

Diet Modification
Many people find that eliminating acidic, spicy, and sugary foods, as well as dairy products from their diet helps to control symptoms.
Article continues below ↓

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The Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) provides a list of foods that may be problematic:

* Beverages – hard liquor, beer, wine, carbonated drinks, coffee, tea, cranberry juice
* Carbohydrates and grains – rye and sourdough bread
* Condiments – seasonings, mayonnaise, miso, soy sauce, salad dressings, vinegar
* Dairy products – aged cheese, sour cream, yogurt, chocolate, milk
* Fruits – apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, cantaloupes, citrus fruits, cranberries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pineapples, plums, pomegranates, rhubarb, strawberries, fruit juices
* Meats and fish – aged, canned, cured, processed, or smoked meats and fish, anchovies, caviar, chicken liver, corned beef, meats containing nitrates or nitrites (e.g., ham, bacon)
* Nuts
* Others substances – tobacco, caffeine, diet pills, junk food, cold and allergy medication containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, vitamins that contain fillers (especially aspartate), tofu
* Preservatives and additives – benzol alcohol, citric acid, monosodium glutamate, aspartame (Nutrasweet®), saccharine, artificial ingredients and colors
* Vegetables – favabeans, lima beans, onions, tomatoes

Most IC patients have the least amount of trouble with rice, potatoes, pasta, vegetables, and chicken. Foods from the above groups that may be tolerable include the following:

* Beverages – decaffeinated and acid-free coffee and tea, certain herbal teas
* Carbohydrates and grains – breads other than rye and sourdough, rice
* Condiments – garlic
* Dairy products – cottage cheese, white chocolate
* Fruits – melon other than cantaloupe, pears
* Nuts – almonds, cashews, pine nuts
* Vegetables – fresh, homegrown potatoes and tomatoes

Some find that over-the-counter dietary aids such as Prelief®, which helps to make food less acidic, allow them to eat many foods that would otherwise be intolerable.

Smoking worsens symptoms for some people; symptoms improve for many after quitting smoking.