“No flare Ups for Over 18 Months!” By Tami

That first year was a really rough.  My gall bladder had to be removed because it was functioning at only 4%. Then my thyroid decided it didn’t want to work either and I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. All this rolled together with the IC, I also went through depression.

I saw several doctors, took all the medications and found this web site. I must say I could no longer stand reading everyones stories. They were just like mine and showed little hope. I would read the stories and cry my eyes out. The only comfort was that there were others that were going through the same things as I was. But, I am not one to give up, I tried everything over the next years….

Anyways….

I will bring you to the present, the good part. It has been over 18 months since I have suffered an IC flare up. I haven’t been on this web site for at least 2 years and when I woke up this morning I felt compelled to share this with other IC patients.

I am not saying that this is what you should try. But,  It has worked for me. The most helpful thing on this site is the IC diet! Live by it! I cannot stress that enough.  It was really hard at first, but now I have been able to expanded my list of OK foods signifacantly.

I then installed a high quallity water filter on my sink. You do not need to spend a fortune on a fancy filter. Mine ran about $500.00 I replace the filter every 9 months. The only water I drink is from that filter or bottled spring (there are even differences in these, so choose your brand by your senses). I carry some with me always, even into restaurants (not all of them carry spring water). After you have been drinking good clean water for awhile you will learn what is good to drink and what is not, by the smell. I can detect clorine and other chemicals in my water before it ever reaches my mouth. I have fould I am very sensitive to smells. I always have a bottle with me where ever I go. I save money by refilling from my filter.

I also drink milk. I know some people do not like it, but I love it. I drink it sometimes with Ovaltine, hot and cold. I also drink herbal tea. I didn’t before, when you first change your diet, try to stick with water or milk they are bladder friendly.

By just changing what I was eating and drinking, I saw an improvement.

At the time I was going through this diet adjustment, I saw a TV comercial on coral calcium and about the bodies acid levels being off causing problems with your immunity system. I kind of though about it a bit and moved on. Later that week my Mom came over and said she ordered something for me to try. It was the same coral calcium I had seen. I am not going to mention any brands, because I have nothing to do with the company and do not want this statement dismissed as an advertisement.

When they arrived, they came with PH test strips to test your bodies alkalinity. When I first tested mine, the strip did not change colors at all. My acid level was so high it did not register. Well, no wonder I had sores in my mouth, my urine and my stools burned and my body was breaking down piece by piece. After taking the test, I called the company and asked how much I should take. They recommended the same dosage as for cancer patients, concidering my situation. I followed their directions and kept testing my PH. Calcium does not stay in your body very long, so I spread out my dossages throughout the day to keep my body alkaline.

It takes a long time to heal all the damage done to the bladder by IC. It didn’t happen overnight. But, by keeping my body alkaline and not putting any chemicals or acid into it, my bladder slowly started to heal. I noticed less trips to bathroom and less burning and pain.

I did stop taking the calcium for awhile because of the cost. My symptoms returned. I restarted taking them and will never stop. My daily dosage is less than when I started, so my cost is lower now. Plus, I do not pay for any expencive IC perscription drugs anymore. I cannot remember the last time I saw my urologist or took any IC related medications. I just pulled a bottle of Urimax out of the frig, I kept them just incase. The expiration date is 04/16/01; I guess I have been doing better than I thought.

The only time I have problems is when I go on vacation. I tend to forget to take my calcium and I eat whatever I want (generally) and tend to have a few spirits, rum and cokes or Strawberry margaritas. Major NO-NO’s. I can tell when I have strayed a bit too much when my frequency in urination increases, no burning or anything. I can catch it right away and up my calcium intake until I am back to normal.

If you are going to try this, just make sure the coral calcium you take is good quality. Compare the amount of calcium that actually comes from coral.

My three steps to healing: