Hi everyone!

[Hollydoll85]

Hi everyone,
My name is Holly, I'm nineteen, and I was diagnosed with IC about a month ago by a cystoscopy. I'm so glad this board exists....I kinda feel like nobody gets me. My doctor told me there's a support group in my town (I live in Mississippi) so I plan on attending it. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you!

[Sarojini]

:hi: Holly and :welcome: to the ICN! I'm so glad you found these boards. This is an absolutely wonderful online community where you will find a lot of support and love -- they were a lifesaver to me when I was first diagnosed and full of questions!

I'm sorry to hear you have IC, but I want you to know that there are LOTS of treatments available for you to try... and most IC patients find one or a combination of them that help them feel much, much better. You may want to take a look at our Patient Handbook, if you haven't already... it's at http://www.ic-network.com/handbook, and it's full of information about treatment options and also some simple self-help strategies that can really help you out a lot.

One of these is the IC Diet -- I suggest you take a look at that diet and put yourself on it for a while (it involves avoiding acidic foods like sodas, coffee, citrus fruit, etc and other irritating foods) to see how it works for you. This type of diet has helped many many IC patients feel better, and believe it or not, there are patients who find they can control their symptoms through diet alone!! :)

Finally, where do you live in Mississippi? I live in Memphis, TN, so I'm very close to your state :)

Glad to have you aboard... keep posting :)

[work it]

Hello Holly, So glad that you found this website, It has been a true saver for me just knowing that I am not alone and I have learned so much from reading everyones stories.

[ICNDonna]

I'd just like to add another :welcome: to the IC Network. I don't have a lot to add, but would like to encourage you to attend the support meetings. It really makes it easier to be able to sit down and talk with others with IC.

The diet can seem overwhelming when you first read it, but it's really worth the effort.

Sending warm healing thoughts,
Donna

[Imustpee]

Holly, welcome to the board! :)

[ICNJess]

Hi Holly! I'm 22, and just wanted to add my welcome, also! :)

[Hollydoll85]

Thanks everybody..oh and to Jen, I'm from Starkville. (feels weird saying "from", I've only lived here 4 yrs, originally from TX.) My boyfriend has aunts and uncles in Memphis and my cousin recently got married in Collierville. I think it's a beautiful area. I'm starting (slowly) to do the diet and was prescribed Elmiron and....oh some antidepressant that starts with an I. I think you're all incredibly strong to be dealing with this and I look forward to learning with you.

[this_sucks]

Hey Holly! Im katie and 16, i just got diagnosed with ic a month ago too. This board helps me out so much so I bet it will help you out too!
:welcome: *katie*

[VickiB]

Hi Holly, and welcome to the board! Sorry to hear you have IC! I'm glad you have a support group nearby, and are planning to attend. I sure wish I had one near me!

Vicki

[Betsie]

:welcome:

Hey Holly!

This "mom" just posted to you on your other thread. I do hope you see it.

[Myli]

:welcome: Glad you found us!! Sounds like you have a good doctor there who is getting treatment under way quickly. And it sounds like you are taking a very proactive approach to getting IC under control. The diet does help a lot of us and helps to put you in control again.

Feel free to ask any questions and rant or cry as needed. We've all been there and are happy to offer information or support any time.

:grouphug:
Myli

[Dixiefireball]

:hi: and :welcome: holly to the icn family i'm sorry you have ic but you will get a lot of support from us to I think the support group would be a great idea to and please check out the ic diet and the link they gave you www.ic-network.com/handbook its very helpful.
sending you hugs and prayers
Rhonda
:grouphug: :pray:

[Katrina]

:hi: Holly! :welcome: to the ICN!!
I am so glad you found us...makes having IC so much better :grouphug: I hope you get a lot from your doc and your support group. Please keep us informed on how you are and feel free to come to us with anything. :welcome: to the club!
:kiss:

[stacey79]

Hi, Holly! Having IC isn't the most fun thing in the world, but these boards certainly help. :welcome:

I am 25 and have dealt with IC off and on my whole life. It can be difficult and frustrating, but you will find the support online and at your group to be helpful. Having support around you makes everything much easier! :grouphug: