Dr. Smitherman offers integrative and alternative treatment for interstitial cystitis (IC). These treatments are evidence based, and have shown great success in bringing relief to patients suffering with IC.
Treatments
What is it?
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma. PRP for bladder instillation is made in the following manner:
- Collect 200mL of your blood.
- Processing 200mL of blood in a centrifuge to separate out the components of the blood.
- Collect the concentrated platelet portion of the blood
- This PRP solution is then placed into the patients bladder through a catheter.
- Approximately 10-20 minutes the patient will urinate out the PRP solution.
This process results in a 10mL plasma solution that has the majority of the platelets from the 200mL of whole blood within it. Hence, platelet rich plasma.
How does it work?
The platelets within the PRP are full of growth factors, and other healing components. When you take highly concentrated PRP and introduce it into a damaged area such as the bladder, the platelets will release their growth factors and healing components for absorption by the lining of the bladder.
Is there research on this?
Yes! Research has shown an 70% success rate in IC patients with a series of PRP bladder instillations once per month for 4 months. There is a direct link to this research HERE. The 70% success rate can be further improved by introducing more therapies that work together towards, as listed on this page. Additionally, in the research the PRP that was made was only 2.5x concentrated, Dr. Smitherman is an expert in the processing of PRP, and will make a PRP solution that is between 10x-20x concentrated.
What are the side effects of PRP bladder instillation?
PRP is made from your own blood, and is extremely safe to your body. The only side effects from PRP bladder instillation are the the normal risks with catheterization.
Jiang, YH., Kuo, YC., Jhang, JF. et al. Repeated intravesical injections of platelet-rich plasma improve symptoms and alter urinary functional proteins in patients with refractory interstitial cystitis. Sci Rep 10, 15218 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-72292-0
What is it?
Ozone is a 3 oxygen molecule gas that people will often recognize from the “ozone layer” in the atmosphere. What many people do not know, is that ozone has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-microbial properties.
Medical Ozone is made by passing medical grade oxygen through an electrical box that converts the oxygen (O2) to a mixture of ozone (O3), and oxygen (O2)
How does it work?
Ozone works by supplying its anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties to the inner wall of the bladder. Helping to soothe and regenerate the lining.
Is there research on this?
Yes! Research has shown a 67% success rate in IC patients with a series of ozone bladder instillations. There is a direct link to this research HERE. The 67% success rate can be further improved by introducing more therapies that work together towards, as listed on this page. Dr. Smitherman may recommend an additional ozone BI between your PRP BI.
What are the side effects of Ozone bladder instillation?
Ozone is considered extremely safe to your body. The majority of side effects from ozone bladder instillation are the the normal risks with catheterization.
Ripoll, Emilia & M.D., Dr. (2013). The role of ozone bladder instillations (BIs) in patients who have failed traditional bladder instillations in the treatment of recalcitrant Interstitial cystitis (IC)/Painful bladder syndrome (PBS).
There are common foods that will aggravate interstitial cystitis symptoms. Avoiding these common foods, while not effective in all cases, can have a significant impact on the symptoms of some patients.
Avoid List:
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- Citrus Fruit
- Night Shades
- Carbonated Drinks
- Foods you are allergic to
- Other food sensitivities
Dr. Smitherman has put together a supplement protocol available through his online store with specific supplements, specific brands, and specific dosages that may be helpful in interstitial cystitis. Supplementation is part of a broader approach to IC, and supplementation by itself is not recommended as a viable option for treatment.
Supplements commonly recommended include: Vitamin A, quercetin, vitamin c, arginine, and NAG.
Dr. Smitherman makes custom tinctures that address the following components of IC:
- Pain Control
- Soothing the irritated lining of the bladder/urethra
- Reducing Inflammation
- Reducing Spasm
- Reducing Anxiety
Botanical Medicine is a component of a broader approach to IC. This is not meant to be a solo therapy in IC.
Pharmaceutical medications are best administered by your urologist or other allopathic provider. While Dr. Smitherman has the scope of practice and ability to manage these medications, it is best to utilize Dr. Smitherman for his knowledge and treatments in the realm of integrative care.
Common pharmaceutical medications are Elmiron, antispasmodics, antihistamines, analgesics, and antidepressants.
Dr. Smitherman does not perform cystoscopy. This imaging technique is performed by your urologist.
Dr. Smitherman’s role in IC treatment is as part of your integrative care team. These treatments are in addition to the standard therapies you are receiving from your urologist, or other allopathic provider.
Dr. Smitherman will create a complimentary plan for the integrative treatment of your IC symptoms. IC treatment plans work best when multiple types of treatments are administered.