I have been diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. This is a very debilitating condition. Pain becomes the new norm. Luckily for me, I have a great urologist. He prescribed this medication for me about eight years ago. I was told at the time that once I was on it, I would be for the rest of my life. This is the only medication on the market for this condition. It is extremely expensive even with insurance and there are no generics available. There is also no choice. The pain takes that choice away. I am so very appreciative that this medicine has been effective for my condition. There is no cure for this condition but it can be effectively managed if you have a caring urologist. My symptoms have subsided over the past few months and I have been able to stop taking this medicine. Although I can't venture to say why I am better, I am grateful. Still, it is a comfort to know that this medicine is available if my symptoms return. This medicine is highly recommended by me.

dawna0123

SmallTown, TX

Hi; I am a woman of many health issues--I'm not sure why these random syndromes/afflictions decide to become part of me (particularly because I'm only 28), but for one reason or another they have.  The syndrome that I'm on Elmiron for is called Interstitial Cystitis (or IC); this syndrome is different for every person, so I cannot speak for anyone else.  However, Elmiron Bladder Control Product is the ONLY FDA approved medication for IC.  I am not going to lie, Elmiron is expensive (without insurance the amount is insane, with insurance it falls into my second tier for prescription pay), and it takes quite a while to start working (think 3-6 months instead of 3-6 weeks).  I had put off trying Elmiron for quite a while (despite having IC for 10 years), because the rate of success for IC patients is still somewhat low (last I heard it was about 35%).  Last year though, after my 3rd bladder surgery in 3 years, I decided to try out Elmiron at my urologist's urging.  Even though I knew that it would take a while for the medicine to get started, I had high hopes that I would be on the earlier than later, but I was not.  But then, before I even really noticed it, my bladder spasms started to slow down and become less frequent, my pain level lowered, and I started having a few less flares.  Overall, if you're a patient with IC and you're wondering whether or not you should give Elmiron a try, I would say do it!  If you are hurting like i was, you have absolutely nothing to lose!

tylersgirl

Indianapolis, IN

          Elmiron, is a product my Urologist has recommended for me. I used to have Bladder Spasms constantly. It always felt like I had "to go". Even one drop of urine in my bladder would make it start to spasm, so I was always uncomfortable, always felt the need to relieve myself, even when there was no more than 1 drop of urine in my bladder. I could not get more than 15 minutes of sleep at a time, because my bladder would always be spasing. I literally started sleeping on the bathroom floor, my husband would wake in the morning and find me sleeping on the rug. I was miserable. I finally went to see my Urologist who told my I had Chronic Interstitial Cystitis. The condition is not curable, it is something I will have for the rest of my life. But with the usually use of Elmiron, everyday, I get relief from my spasms.  I would and have recommended it to anyone who has similiar problem. It is a wonder to be able to sleep through the night again. Thanks to Elmiron.

LindaStewart

Saint Joseph, MO