Support – Patient

Bladder conditions can be debilitating and you might feel isolated and like you are the only one suffering, but it’s important to remember you are not. It is estimated that 14 million¹ people in the UK are living with bladder problems , so you are not alone and there is a wealth of information and support available.

Bladder conditions

Further information on IC/BPS and recurrent UTIs.

Self-administration help

Videos and information to support you with self-administration.

Tips and patient stories

Self-management tips and stories from fellow sufferers.

Blog and downloads

In-depth articles, and helpful guides and diaries available to download and print.

Bladder Matters

Join our social media community

Further support

Links to charities and further information.

Self-administration videos

Use our nurse-led training videos to help you perform intermittent self-catheterisation safely, or to effectively use the iAluadapter for catheter free administration of your iAluRil.

Self-administration video for women  

Self-administration video for men  

Direct nurse support
Call 01730 231148, quoting “iAluRil” and your call will be transferred to a Registered Nurse who can help talk you through the self-administration procedure.
Sharing Stories

Most people suffering from BPS/IC can feel isolated and alone, especially when the people surrounding them don’t realise how life-changing this condition can be.

Whilst support from your friends, family and work colleagues is vital, support from fellow sufferers can really help you manage. It is important to feel connected and to share experiences of treatment and tips, so here, we are sharing some.

Samantha has been diagnosed with IC/BPS and retention

“…push and demand better health care if you are struggling to be listened to... no-one knows your body better than yourself.”

Anita suffers from IC/BPS and chronic cystitis

“Find a good urologist - someone that you can communicate well with and someone that allows you to be part of the decision-making process around your treatment.”

We would love to hear from you to share your story and any tips that you find to be invaluable.
You might be a patient who has suffered from a bladder condition for a long time, and are keen to pass on your tips and advice to help others or, you might have been recently diagnosed and feel overwhelmed and alone.

BPS/IC self-management tips

Whilst formal treatment for BPS may take the form of bladder instillations, oral medication, surgery or nerve stimulation, there are some things you can do yourself to help control the symptoms.

It is well known that diet can help in the management of BPS. Spicy food and caffeine should be avoided, as should acidic foods, as these can increase the acidity of your urine which can cause irritation. Whilst you may need to eliminate certain foods, it is still important to try and maintain a healthy, well balanced diet.

Foods to avoid: alcohol, carbonated drinks, caffeine, fruit juice, aged cheese, tomatoes, yogurt, pickles, spices, sugar and sweeteners.

Not all foods will have the same affect for BPS patients so try keeping a food diary to see which foods cause flare-ups, and try eliminating one thing at a time.

Coping with BPS can be stressful, and reducing this stress has helped some BPS sufferers manage their condition better. This can be achieved in a number of ways including meditation, breathing exercises or simply seeing friends and family or having a warm bath. Find the best way that works for you and that fits into your lifestyle and routine; that way, you’re more likely to keep it up. 

Planning ahead is a big part of coping with BPS. If you’re heading out and about, check where the nearest loos will be and find a route (either on foot or in a car) which has plenty of suitable toilet stops if needed, or places just to sit and rest. Take into account any extra time this may take too. Check the menu options if you’re eating out, and if you’re seeing friends, make sure they are aware of any dietary requirements.

Keeping active is vital if you suffer from BPS and gentle exercise such as walking, tai chi, yoga and pilates can be beneficial for some BPS patients. Nowadays, there are plenty of online classes if you would prefer to be in the comfort of your own home. Yoga and pilates will also help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles which might provide some symptom relief.

Blog

GAG therapy research

 

Learn how research into GAG therapies is undertaken and how past and present studies help to explain the efficient, reliable nature of iAluRil and its logical use in the treatment and management of IC/BPS and rUTIs.

Click here to view

Ask a nurse about…

GAG replacement therapy

Nurse and Clinical Nurse Lead at Wellspect Healthcare, Bev Collins, answers questions from patients about GAG layer replacement therapy.

Click here to view

Survey into bladder conditions on social media: the results

Aspire Pharma carried out a survey into how bladder conditions are portrayed on social media. Read the results here and how they helped shape our Bladder Matters social media pages.

Click here to view

Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS) – a partnership in care

Learn about the science behind the condition as well as understanding how important it is that doctors and nurses explain your treatment choices and make sure your opinion is asked about them.

Click here to view

The GAG Layer- by Maike Eylert, Consultant Urologist

Maike Eylert, Consultant Urologist at Aneurin Bevin University Health Board, explains what the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer is and how GAG replenishing therapy can help when it becomes damaged.

Click here to view

Self-administration support 

Learn about what resources are available to you, to support your self-administration of iAluRil at home. This article includes useful tips, help and guidance. 

Click here to view

Downloads

The resources below are available for your information and record keeping. Click on them to download. 

Patient information leaflet – this leaflet will provide you with all the information you need to understand what iAluRil is, how it is administered, how long treatment would typically last and what to expect in terms of potential side effects.

Please speak to your Healthcare Professional if you would like a copy.
Patient Diary – Use this to keep a record of your instillations while not attending your usual clinic. The information you record will be of use to your clinician.

Please speak to your Healthcare Professional if you would like a copy.
A supportive community for patients suffering from bladder conditions
  • Useful tips
  • Relatable stories
  • Background science
  • iAluRil info
Join the Bladder Matters community
Click the links below to leave iAluRil.co.uk and find out more information about IC/BPS,
rUTIs and the support and help available to you.
By using the link below you will leave the iAluRil website and be re-directed to an external site;
Aspire Pharma is not responsible for the content on external websites.

Patient. Painful bladder Syndrome (interstitial cystitis) https://patient.info/health/painful-bladder-syndrome-interstitial-cystitis (accessed March 2023)

London Urology Specialists: https://www.londonurologyspecialists.co.uk/urinary-tract-infection/ (Accessed March 2023) 

iAluRil should only be used after careful consultation with a trained healthcare professional. If you are unsure about your diagnosis, please speak to your Urologist,
Urology Nurse or another Health Care Professional.
Always read the label.
Reporting of Side Effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed
in the product’s package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at:

By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard

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