My story.

[skieofnight]

Wow! I'm very excited to have found this message board. I am astounded at the lack of familiarity with IC in the medical community. I guess if you can't throw an antibiotic at it, it isn't worth the time? :hmm: Okay, I guess I'm letting my frustration surface. Sorry. :ignore:

I've always known there was something that just wasn't quite right. But, it didn't all come together until about two months ago when I came down with a real UTI. I had maybe gotten a UTI about once a year (but thought I had one a lot of the time). And each time the Dr. told me Cranberry Juice, antiobiotics..you know the drill. Well, I had always wondered why taking the antibiotics and drowning myself in Cranberry Juice didn't seem to be working wonders. The painful burning upon voiding was gone but the burning in my bladder and frequency were still very much alive. Then, it finally dawned on me..stop drinking the Cranberry Juice and see what happens. Presto, within a couple days I was feeling much better. Unfortunately I think I aggravated my bladder so much with the Cranberry OD that I cannot now tolerate Orange Juice. Or maybe that is just coincidence and my flares are becoming more pronounced with age?

It also makes sense why all those Urinalysis's through the years came back with traces of blood in urine but no bacteria.

I just want to thank God for pointing me in the right direction, and thank the creator of this message board as well as each and every one of you that have shared your stories.

Knowing that you aren't alone makes a world of difference.

[ICNDonna]

Have you seen a urologist to find out for sure you have IC? If you haven't, I suggest you make an appointment. Orange juice and other acids are also huge IC triggers for most ICers. I doubt the cranberry juice did any lasting damage. You'll find the IC diet in the Patient Handbook at http://www.ic-network.com/handbook --- even if you aren't yet diagnosed, I do think trying the diet is a good idea.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[skieofnight]

Hi Donna. :) I have read over the IC diet in the handbook and believe it is a very good tool. :)

As for seeing a urologist...my Gyn told me she thinks I have IC and suggested I see a urologist but I just don't think I want to put myself through any more pain. If there was a "cure" I would be first in line to see a urologist but there isn't so for now I'm just going to try what seems to work...heat/cold, relaxation, and so far..watching my diet.

Bottom line...I'm afraid of doctors. :(

[vm]

:welcome: If you can find a good doctor it will be worth pushing through the fear. I have a very nice uro who has found a treatment regimen that has helped me feel fairly normal for the last couple of years. :)

Glad you found us! :)

[JenG]

:welcome: to the IC boards!
I agree that it may be worth it to find the right doctor. I also thought that I could just control my IC with my diet, but when I found a good doctor and he got me on the right meds there was a big improvement. Even though there is no cure there is management of the symptoms.
Good luck and if you need help finding a doctor both the ICN and the ICA have good doctor searches.
:grouphug: Jenny

[kelly McC]

Hi,
I understand not wanting to go to doctors. Yes there is no cure but there are amny treatments available and many find ones that help them.I have a wonderful doctor I got off the list and were working on getting me on the right treatment plan. I am not 100% but definately better off than I was 3 years ago.. Good luck and glad you found us..
Kelly

[skieofnight]

Thanks for all the support! :) I guess seeing a uro is what I know I should do. And I never thought of actually doing any research on which uro would be a good choice. I guess I was just afraid of going to one blindly.

Thanks for the good advice. :)