New and advice

[Raven2wolf29341]

Hi I was dx with I.C In Aug 2004. I have a friend that has bad I.C with hunner which has helped me a lot. but yet im still confused and scared.
Im taking the bladder cocktail of heparin and Marcaine i'm taking Elimron antiatriptaline (sp?)and atrax. My friend told me about this website. She said you all could help me a lot with information.

I'm a single mother of two recently divorced Lost my Job because of I.C having to live with my sister and her husband for the time being.
Doctor said i haven't had IC long enough to sign up for my ssd.
I don't know what i'm going to do. with no money being dx with this painful disease I feel like i'm going to lose my mind.
Thank You.
Raven.

[ICNJess]

Hi there,

I am not sure I understand what your doctor meant about not having IC long enough to apply for SSD. Bottom line is, IC is a disease that there is no cure for. Maybe he just wants to see if the treatments work first? I guess I answered my own question LOL.

Anyway, I just wanted to say welcome, and direct you to the Patient Handbook. You will find lots of useful info, as well as a diet to follow that will help eliminate flares.

Welcome!!

Hugs,
Jess

[ICNDonna]

I think what he probably means is that you need to be unable to work due to disability for six months before you qualify for Social Security disability. In the meantime, you should qualify for some public assistance since you do have children. I encourage you to apply. The income isn't great, but you should be able to find a place to live and be able to buy groceries. You should be eligible for some state aid with medical expenses as well.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[Katrina]

:welcome: I agree with Donna there is assistance out there!
http://www.ic-network.com/lowincome/ If it were me I would look at this site and private message Dixiefireball......good luck! I hope you feel better and get all the help you need.

:grouphug:

[Dixiefireball]

Hi michelle,
Glad you finally made it to the boards hon you know i'm here if you need me.
Rhonda

[Sarojini]

:welcome: to the boards!!

I bet Rhonda already told you to take a look at the Patient Handbook (http://www.ic-network.com/handbook).... it's a great resource and is filled with all types of self help tips you can use at home to help yourself :)

Anyway, you will find lots of love and support on the boards here; I know that they were a lifesaver when I was first diagnosed... and they STILL are some days when I'm feeling awful and need some support from people who know exactly what I'm going through!

:welcome: :grouphug:

[ibtracy]

:welcome: :grouphug: Welcome to the ICN boards. You'll find a wealth of knowledge and always lots of support when you need it. I hope things get straightened out for you. Like Sarojini said, make sure you read through the hand book on the ICN and I highly recommend the book, The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide. Even tho I've had IC since February of this year, I refer to it almost daily. Good read! I hope things get easier. Sometimes just dealing with the shock of having IC is overwhelming, take it easy and take this advice....TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Much love and concern;
Tracy K.