Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation

Thanks to my friends, family and fellow IC sufferers that continue to ask about my progress after 3 years. I am still persevering with vigor in my quest to try to find new treatments that may help cure (dare I say it) my IC. I am not currently taking any prescription medications anymore. Throughout my IC history, I have tried several different things, all to no avail. I seemed to suffer significant side effects from almost everything I tried. The may treatment that has continued to help me is the Urgent PC. To date, my nighttime urinary frequency has decreased to an average of 2 times/night. I feel as though this is one small victory for me in my fight against IC.

Feeling as though my urogynecologist had little more to offer me, I turned to a new doctor yet again. This particular doctor, Dr. F. , specializes in preventative and diagnostic medicine. He measures things such as Vitamin D and magnesium levels in the body as well as several other vitamins and minerals important in maintaining healthy cells, tissues and nerves in the body. Although many physicians do not feel as though they sufficiently understand the function of many of these important nutrients, Dr. F. believes deficiencies in vital vitamins and minerals can contribute to the disease processes of the body. Since Dr. F. had expressed a perspective that I had not yet encountered, I decided I would give his treatment ideas a try. A blood test revealed a severe vitamin D deficiency, a deficiency that is often present in autoimmune diseases, and a magnesium deficiency, a mineral that among other things helps to regulate muscle contractions. The treatment for these deficiencies is with supplementation. I have been fortunate to have found a few supplements that do not irritate the bladder. I currently take vitamin A, vitamin D and iodine orally. Since I was not tolerating an oral dose of magnesium or any of the B vitamins well, Dr. F. suggested trying a vitamin IV bag weekly for the next 4 weeks. I have had 3 IV's in the doctor's office so far. The IV takes about 45 minutes during which I usually bring a magazine to read. I am noticing an increase in energy during the day and an improvement in my sleep. However, I have not yet noticed a decrease in day time urinary frequency or decrease in food sensitivities. Dr. F. believes that it will take time for the body to begin to heal itself and that I need to continue to be patient. During my last visit he commented that he has other ideas to try if I don't seem to make any improvement from the IV bags. Although I wish these treatments would produce some quicker results, I am grateful for finding a doctor that is willing to think beyond just the bladder and really try to assess the whole body. As I approach the end of my third year of chronic pelvic pain in the form of IC, I try to remain hopeful that 2009 can be a year of healing for my body. Best Wishes to everyone in the new year!