help-dazed and confused!

[kittykitty]

Hello. I have been reading these posts for weeks and finally got the courage to add my question!
I am in my early 30's and have been experiencing extreme pelvic pain for about 3 months. I have been to minimum 10 docs - have had two laproscopic procedures for suspected endometriosis, two colonoscopies for suspected colitis, (yes, all this in 3 months!) and doctors are still disagreeing on what is wrong with me.

I have seen two uro's - one says I have IC (did not do cysto/hydro though), the other says I don't but have endo on my bladder. This is driving me nuts!

On top of it all, prior to this I had an invitro-fertilization course scheduled for this month because of fertility issues is the only way for me to get pregnant...
(am about half way through but can still pull out)

Finally, my question(s) -
a-am I insane for continuing down the pregnancy path when I am in discomfort? Due to insurance restrictions, etc. I may never get this chance again...I am betting that if this is IC it may go in remission....same if it is just endometriosis...?

b-what does IC pain feel like? Mine feels like general abdominal crampiness but there is also one spot on my lower left side that almost feels like I"m getting pinched on the inside...is that type of specific pain consistent with what you all know as IC?

c-If this is IC, whether I get pregnant or not, I am worried that I will never have my old life back. I am always in pain and even dream about it at night sometimes. I miss working out and doing all the stuff I used to physically --
Trying not to start a pity party here but I'm afraid......

[Lise]

Well, I've just been diagnosed a few months ago and I just got my diag confirmed with a second opinion. But like you I've gone through the other dx first. Actually I've had this pain for almost 12 years and they just finally said it was the bladder and not endometriosis anymore. I do have endo proven by laparoscopy but the urologist feels its not even that causing me all the really bad pain but it's the IC. In answer to your questions. About getting pregnant. I don't know too much about what IC does with pregnancy, but if I were you I'd research as much as possible. I know if I wanted a child and it was the right time in my life I would do everything I could to have one -because sometimes to opportunity doesn't always present itself. For the pain question. Yes I feel it all over the pelvic area. Sometimes it's a pinching pain, sometimes burning, sometimes just ongoing dull pain, some sharp; for me it's always different depending on the time of monthe. The urologist I just saw said that IC can cause any pain between your nipples and your knees. I just looked at her in shock when she told me that one. I know how you feel about the old life. This urologist as well as the last one gave me the "diet" pamplet. She said if I want the pain to go away then I have to eliminate everything that causes it and then slowly add one food at a time to see what bothers me. But I can't stand this diet!!!!!! (that will probably be a whole nother posting for me-I really need to vent!!!!! I can't stand this bland eating business. And drinking--I hate coffee and tea, so what good will low acid coffee and tea do me anyways. I can't do fruit juice or soda. So I have water, water, water, Pear juice, and Blueberry juice (if you can find them). HELP!!!! Sorry to vent on you, I was trying to just answer your questions but it turned into me venting. Later....

[Dixiefireball]

:welcome: to both our new member you can find a lot of information at www.ic-network.com/handbook this has the ic diet there and treatment op. you can take a look at and much much more wonderful helpful infromation
hope you all get the answer you need soon
sending you hugs and prayers
Rhonda

[SharonA]

:welcome: Kitty.... :welcome: Lise...

I am so glad you both have joined this great group of people. Please do as Rhonda has suggested and read the information available in the IC Handbook.

Kitty...There are several people who have or who are now going through pregnancy with IC. Hopefully some of them will join in and help to answer some of your questions. Whatever you decide, I hope the best for you.

Lise...I know the IC Diet can seem very restrictive at first. I would encourage you to try it. There are many who have found relief learning what foods and drinks trigger IC problems. Sorry to say, the only way to learn that is to experiment with the diet. It will be worth it in the end.

Hugs to you both...



:grouphug:

[ICNDonna]

I hope you have found a doctor who will work with you towards finding a specific diagnosis. I know it can be very frustrating to not know what's wrong. My children were born before I developed IC, but I do know we have lots of IC new moms who post regularly --- hopefully some will respond.

Sending healing thoughts,
Donna

[kittykitty]

Thank you all for your guidance. It has meant the world to me! I feel like I am not totally alone in this anymore -! I will definetly try the diet.
Lise, I know how you feel - but if it is that vs. the pain I think that eventually we'll learn to live with it and maybe find that all the stuff that we're used to won't "trigger" us!

How long before the diet will make a difference in the way I feel? And does prelief really work? I bought two bottles yesterday...
THANK YOU!

[ICNDonna]

Diet can help fairly quickly, especially if you've been eating alots of acid foods.

I think Prelief is great stuff, but I still am careful about what I eat.

Donna