Getting worse

[Pmichelle]

I was diagnosed with IC only a month ago but I have been experiencing it for over 8 years. In the last few months I feel as though it is getting much worse. I am constantly in discomfort and losing a lot of sleep from getting up so often. I watch what I eat and avoid all sexual contact with my significant other, but I seriously can't go on like this forever. No one seems to understand the annoyance of this problem unless they have experienced it. I just need some comfort and consoling from those who understand. My doctor says he's going to take a conservative approach with me and start me on a diet, but it doesn't seem to be making much of a difference. The next step is Elmiron and I just pray that it helps. It is difficult to be thankful for things when this effects my entire life in every way.

[icnmgrjill]

Well.... many doctors do prefer to start patients less aggressively and, we know, diet modification is critical to IC. Make sure you rule out our top five list of forbidden foods... which you can find in our online patient handbook. Don't forget that vitamins, herbal supplements, teas, coffees, etc... are very well know to cause MORE pain. If you're doing even one cup of decaf coffee or green tea a day... then that explains your increase in pain. If not, keep being a detective.

Make sure, as well, that you purchase the IC Survival Guide so that you can read up on the available therapies. Trying hydroxyzine, an antihistamine, may be a possible next step... either alone or in combination with the bladder coating, elmiron. Check out the guest lectures by Dr. Parsons and Dr. Moldwin and Dr. Kahn for a good idea on how many docs approach this less invasively. http://www.ic-network.com/guestlectures/

You can find the book at: http://www.icnshop.com

Jill :)

[vm]

No one seems to understand the annoyance of this problem unless they have experienced it.

That is so very true. :( I am glad you found us b/c everyone here certainly does and we have lots of support and hugs to offer you. :kissing:

Please hang in there - there are lots of things to try. It can take some time (that was the worst part for me - knowing it would take time), but MOST of us do find treatments that help us feel MUCH better. Really.

Do lots of your own research and reading, as Jill suggested, and that will enable you to work even better with your urologist.

Hang in there - all you are feeling is so normal. :kissing: I felt exactly the same way - I thought I'd go crazy and could not fathom living life in that way. It got better - a lot better.