Probiotics

[Scrawly]

I suspect minor gastrointestinal problems are a contributing factor in my interstitial cystitis. Would a probiotic supplement help? It couldn't hurt, right?

Go on - play doctor.

[Truthseeker]

You should go to a doctor who can help you find the cause. If that, then he should be able to prescribe treatment. Probiotics may not work if you don't know the cause.

[Scrawly]

You should go to a doctor who can help you find the cause. If that, then he should be able to prescribe treatment. Probiotics may not work if you don't know the cause.

I've been around the block when it comes to doctors/specialists - treatments are based on guesswork as there is no standard cure for IC. I'll give a probiotic supplement a shot...I'm just wondering if a probiotic supplement can ever be a harmful thing? I'll ask my doctor, but comments based on experience are welcome here.

[Zymologist]

I've been taking probiotics for a while for my own digestive problem, and I've never noticed any negatives.

[Adrift]

My experience has been that probiotics are not harmful. Everything in moderation of course. Water will kill you if you drink enough. But for the most part, I believe probiotics are pretty safe. Just speaking from personal experience.

Also (and I think I've mentioned this on the forum before) turmeric is really great for inflammation. It's been used for years for stomach issues and even for external cysts (I've used it for the latter to great results). It's kind of a new agey whole health/natural remedy type website, but Earth Clinic recommends it for cystitis. Best way to prepare it for ingestion is to make a drink out of it using a liquid comprised of fatty acids. Mixing it with water is a no go since it doesn't bond well, and washes right through your body. So, what I do is take a warm cup of milk (microwave or heat up a bit on the stove, just don't let it boil), then take a teaspoon of turmeric, and if you want, some honey and cinnamon if you don't like the taste. People also recommend adding a bit of black pepper which supposedly helps the turmeric to be absorbed by your system. Drink it nightly, and wait for the results.

[Sparko]

eating active yogurt is also a help.

[Catholicity]

Iterstitial Cystitis is Painful!!!!! Probiotics are great, so is lots of fresh vegetables, fruit, and a Lacto-Ovo vegetarian diet. Just make sure to get iron fortified foods.

[Truthseeker]

I've been around the block when it comes to doctors/specialists - treatments are based on guesswork as there is no standard cure for IC. I'll give a probiotic supplement a shot...I'm just wondering if a probiotic supplement can ever be a harmful thing? I'll ask my doctor, but comments based on experience are welcome here.

Sometimes the way to finding the cause is to try one kind of treatment. If that doesn't work, then try another kind, and so on. You need a doctor who can run through a range of treatments, starting with the one that seems to be the most likely to succeed.

[Scrawly]

Sometimes the way to finding the cause is to try one kind of treatment. If that doesn't work, then try another kind, and so on. You need a doctor who can run through a range of treatments, starting with the one that seems to be the most likely to succeed.

Been there, done that.

[Truthseeker]

Been there, done that.

Was each round of treatment given sufficient time to work? Often even cures take months--?--to work.

[Scrawly]

Was each round of treatment given sufficient time to work? Often even cures take months--?--to work.

Yep!

[Catholicity]

I second Adrift on the Turmeric too

[Scrawly]

I second Adrift on the Turmeric too

I'll make sure to pick some up and give it a shot, thanks friends!

[Truthseeker]

Yep!

Your replies led me to study the Mayo Clinic entry for interstitial cystitis. Probably in most cases, bad gene or genes are chief factors. A cure needs to fix them. I am sorry I could not be any more helpful.