Helping loved ones help me

[teenageICgirl]

Hey every one I was just wondering how you guys deal with family, friends, and boy friends. Any one got any ideas how to help them deal with it easier and try to understand that I am the one going through the pain and I am not intentionaly trying to make their lives miserable? I want them to have good lives and I want to be understanding about their problems but its hard.

[ICNDonna]

First of all, show your parents what you have written in this message. That should be a good starting point for a conversation. I know they are upset and concerned about your having IC --- and it may seem like they are over protective and controlling at times. The first step to understanding is communication --- if you can't tell them how you feel verbally, write it down.

Sending gentle hugs,
Donna

[XoChelsey03Xo]

Well for one thing my Mom is a nurse so that has helped a little bit. Although we still get into fights. She is always telling me there are two types of people with problems...ones that go on disability and get addicted to pain pills and then the ones that just sux it up and go on with life. It's hard because others are never going to be able to feel the pain you are having. For my boyfriend whenever I run accross a good web site about IC I send it to him. He has done a lot of reading and that has seemed to help. For your parents I would just sit down and talk about how you are feeling. Chelsey

[Hollydoll85]

Hey, I just moved out of my mom's house 2 months before I was diagnosed. I think one of the best things to do is not to be embarassed and be honest and up front with anyone, family, friends, or boyfriends. One thing that was really helpful to me was to sit down and go over some brochures with my mom and watch a video about IC with my boyfriend. After he saw the video, he said "I'm so sorry you have to go through this." and has been really supportive (as in going to wal mart at three AM to get me a heating pad supportive.) As for my mom, I'm still working on it, but keep me posted and if you ever want to talk, email me at bratpackprincess@hotmail.com