Do You have other diseases than IC?

[Katrina]

There are many sister diseases that often go along with IC...as many of us know. For me all of multiple diseases together are the biggest bother. Some of the common sister diseases are IBS, Endometriosis, Fibromylagia, Vulvodynia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lupus, Allergies, Myofacial Pain Syndrome, Pudendal Nerve Entrapment, GERD, sjogrens stdome, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Inflammotory Bowel Disease, and possibly others.

If you have something other than I mentioned please let me know what. I really appreciate it.

I have Epilepsy, Crohns, rapid heart beat, low blood pressure, and I am sure I am forgetting something ....out of the things I got that don't fit the sister illnesses.

[kadi]

What are the sister diseases?

[Katrina]

Kadi....as I said in the post IBS, Endometriosis, Fibromylagia, Vulvodynia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lupus, Allergies, Myofacial Pain Syndrome, Pudendal Nerve Entrapment, GERD, sjogrens stdome, and possibly others.
Sorry...I didn't think there was room to put them in the poll

[kadi]

Oops, sorry, somehow didn't see the post...

[Dixiefireball]

Kidney Cystitis.

[lhmm]

I have GERD(I had surgery to fix it)and I have HASHIMOTOS Thyroid and multiple allergies...

[daydreamer]

I have asthma and allergies which I've had all my life, and extreme fatigue and tiredness which I feel is another condition, but they feel it's from the IC and the meds.

[kadi]

I have an outrageous amount of allergies, particularly to medicines.. (So many they won't all fit in hospital or pharmacy computers--so I wear a MedicAlert).

[Imustpee]

Asthma, allergies, GERD,

[Katrina]

Thanks everyone....this is very interesting...I really appreciate your participation!

[holles]

endometrioisis
graves disease (autoimmune hyperthyroid)
non-specific colitis

[jrowley]

I have arthritis and restless leg syndrome and headaches

[kelly McC]

I have Pfd, VV,ALLERGIES,ASTHMA,GERD,EPILEPSY,ROSEACEA,MIGRAINES,PRONE TO KIDNEY STONES,CHRONIC YEAST INFECTION ,TMJ AND POSSIBLE FIBRO/LUPUS OR MS.

[mary124]

I have besides IC, I also GERD and IBS

[fireflicker285]

allergies, IBS, chronic fatique, Fibromylagia, endometriosis, GERD, Eczema. And Pelvic floor dysfunction.

[hoping4acure]

GERD, IBS, Thyroid disorder, (just recently went HYPOTHYROID) enviornment allergies, & I had endometriosis.

This is a great idea. I'm always wondering what the thread is between all of us.

[Katrina]

I am glad so many are participating in this. I think I should have included Pelvic Floor diysfunction in the sister diseases...and prone to Yeast infection....I am very interested in how many of us have hyper or hypo thyroid....I filled in a questionaire online that believes I have hyper throid....thank you a lot for participating.

[hoping4acure]

Katrina, I forgot to tell you that I to, have Pelvic Floor dysfunction.

[poetgirl]

I have IBS, Vulvodynia and OAB.

[elsie3205]

I have GERD, VV, IBS, Fibro, and TMJ.

[DanaW]

I have: Fibyromyalgia (since age 22)(now 38) arthritis, IC, PFD, Hypothyroidism, depression, rosacia (sp?), heel spurs, eczema

Dana

[lindy lou]

I read that hypothyroid is more common in ICers than the normal population. I have IC, PFD, hypothyroid, asthma and allergies

Linda

[VickiB]

I only have IC and occasional vertigo.

Vicki

[ldgb4]

I have asthma,endometriosis,chronic fatigue,athritis,migraines,and possibly fibromylagia.

Lisa

[Morgan Stone]

Besides IC, I have Fibromyagia and IBS that have been diagnosed.. Also Migraines, Chronic Pelvic Pain and Chronic Pain Syndrome was what my gyno dx'd me with. I think I may be developing some other conditions too.

[jrowley]

what is tmj

[kelly McC]

TMJ" stands for temporomandibular joint, or the jaw joint. The TMJs are the small joints in front of each ear that attach the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. They allow you to perform such functions as opening and closing your mouth, chewing, speaking, swallowing, etc.

[Katrina]

I am sooo happy with the amount that participated in this. I am especially greatful for all the sharing in responses and for those that participated that had few or just IC....Thanks a bunch....I am not closing the poll but I do think this is amazing. :hmm: Why so many with so many sister diseases....there is something going on....and with more diseases that seem to be similar than before...there are some questions doctors need to answer!

[CourtneyY]

What is GERD?

[Imustpee]

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Acid reflux...

[Katrina]

it is also called hiatus hernia. It is when a portion of the stomach herniates through the diaphragm into the esophagus...causing more frequent heartburn and pain.

Thank you everyone for your participation in this poll.

[Indy]

I have just found out I have microtoxins from mold exposure that could be causing my IC and all my other sister diseases. I am going through a medical detox program and will be very interested to see how much was caused by this mold exposure.

I am now trying to figure out how and when I was exposed. It could be an Erin Brockovich type thing.

[CourtneyY]

How were you diagnosed with the mold exposer? I lived in an apartment in college that had mold growing on the walls. After 7 months of complaining to the landlord with no response, I moved out. I had a sinus infection the whole time!

[Indy]

I went to a toxicologist. I thought it was far fetched but 5 different mold toxins showed up and they all have an effect on the immune system and are poisonous to me. I have to go through a strict regimen and hopefully will feel better all around. My friend who swam in the same public pool with me at the same time has also been sick for a year. She is getting tested next week.

[CourtneyY]

I have never heard of a toxicologist. Thanks for the information! I hope you feel better!

[Amyinagony]

Ok, I already know that I have multiple allergies, severe GERD, IBS, and PFD. I do get migraines (didn't know that could be a 'sister' thing with IC), I also have headaches (that aren't migraines) nearly all the time. I also have an irregular heart beat (not sure if that is also associated w/IC).

Now doctors think that I may have Fibromyalgia. I thought that I got injured at work (from heavy lifting, pushing and/or pulling). I have mild pain in my neck (top part at the base of my skull in the back and around the top of the thoracic spine/bottom of the cervical spine area), shoulder and shoulder blade. I also have some numbness and tingling in those areas at times. I have been to the Comp. doctor, have been going through PT, had an MRI and now the Comp doctor has mentioned that he may have to send me to my PCP or someone else, mentioning the possibility of Fibromyalgia. Said it could be a coincident (and not work related) that this has flared up after doing the work that I did that seemed to bring this on. Now I see that this can be a sister disease to IC....."yikes"!!!! Just what I DON'T need, ANOTHER ailment!!!! "UGHHH"!! :headbang: :mad: :mad:

Could someone please tell me what Fibromyalgia is? Does it slowly develope? Does it get worse/better? And where I can find more information on this. I did find some information on the ICA website, but there must be more out there. From what I have read, it IS a possiblity of this. I have tons of questions and concerns for this.

Thanks to all of you, and Thanks again Katrina for these polls (I think that they are very interesting) and everything you do.

Wishing you all a Happy :bunny: Easter :bunny:

[Imustpee]

- FIBROMYALGIA BASICS -

Below is a description of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), but because of its substantial symptom overlap with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), it can be viewed as applying to chronic fatigue syndrome patients as well.
WHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME?

FMS (fibromyalgia syndrome) is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown. Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons – the soft fibrous tissues in the body.

Most patients with FMS say that they ache all over. Their muscles may feel like they have been pulled or overworked. Sometimes the muscles twitch and at other times they burn. More women than men are afflicted with FMS, and it shows up in people of all ages.

To help your family and friends relate to your condition, have them think back to the last time they had a bad flu. Every muscle in their body shouted out in pain. In addition, they felt devoid of energy as though someone had unplugged their power supply. While the severity of symptoms fluctuate from person to person, FMS may resemble a post-viral state. This similarity is the reason experts in the field of FMS and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) believe that these two syndromes may be one and the same. Gulf War syndrome also overlaps with FMS/CFS.



SYMPTOMS AND ASSOCIATED SYNDROMES

Pain - The pain of FMS has no boundaries. People describe the pain as deep muscular aching, throbbing, shooting, and stabbing. Intense burning may also be present. Quite often, the pain and stiffness are worse in the morning and you may hurt more in muscle groups that are used repetitively.

Fatigue - This symptom can be mild in some patients and yet incapacitating in others. The fatigue has been described as "brain fatigue" in which patients feel totally drained of energy. Many patients depict this situation by saying that they feel as though their arms and legs are tied to concrete blocks, and they have difficulty concentrating, e.g., brain fog.

Sleep disorder - Most FMS patients have an associated sleep disorder called the alpha-EEG anomaly. This condition was uncovered in a sleep lab with the aid of a machine which recorded the brain waves of patients during sleep. Researchers found that most FMS patients could fall asleep without much trouble, but their deep level (or stage 4) sleep was constantly interrupted by bursts of awake-like brain activity. Patients appeared to spend the night with one foot in sleep and the other one out of it.

Sleep lab tests may not be necessary to determine if you have disturbed sleep. If you wake up feeling as though you've just been run over by a Mack truck – what doctors refer to as unrefreshing sleep – it is reasonable for your physician to assume that you have a sleep disorder. Many FMS patients have been found to have other sleep disorders in addition to the alpha-EEG, such as sleep apnea, sleep myoclonus (nighttime jerking of the arms and legs), and restless legs syndrome. A newly discovered sleep disorder, upper-airway resistance syndrome, is also being evaluated for its association with FMS.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Constipation, diarrhea, frequent abdominal pain, abdominal gas, and nausea represent symptoms frequently found in roughly 40 to 70% of FMS patients.

Chronic headaches - Recurrent migraine or tension-type headaches are seen in about 50% of FMS patients and can pose a major problem in coping for this patient group.

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome - This syndrome, sometimes referred to as TMJ or TMD, causes tremendous jaw-related face and head pain in one quarter of FMS patients. However, a 1997 published report indicated that close to 75% of FMS patients have a varying degree of jaw discomfort. Typically, the problems are related to the muscles and ligaments surrounding the jaw joint and not necessarily the joint itself.

Other common symptoms - Premenstrual syndrome and painful periods, chest pain, morning stiffness, cognitive or memory impairment, numbness and tingling sensations, muscle twitching, irritable bladder, the feeling of swollen extremities, skin sensitivities, dry eyes and mouth, dizziness, and impaired coordination can occur. Patients are often sensitive to odors, loud noises, bright lights, and sometimes even the medications that they are prescribed.

Aggravating factors - Changes in weather, cold or drafty environments, infections, allergies, hormonal fluctuations (premenstrual and menopausal states), stress, depression, anxiety and over-exertion may all contribute to symptom flare-ups.


POSSIBLE CAUSES

The cause of FMS remains elusive, but there are many triggering events thought to precipitate its onset. A few examples would be an infection (viral or bacterial), an automobile accident or the development of another disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or hypothyroidism. These triggering events probably don't cause FMS, but rather, they may awaken an underlying physiological abnormality that is already present.

What could this abnormality be? Theories pertaining to alterations in pain-related chemical transmitters (particularly substance P, nerve growth factor, serotonin, and norepinephrine), immune system function (e.g. abnormally elevated levels of cytokines that form the communications link between your immunologic and neurologic systems), sleep physiology, and hormonal irregularities are under investigation. In addition, modern brain imaging techniques are being used to explore various aspects of brain function. The body's response to exercise, stress, and alterations in the operation of your autonomic nervous system (the one that operates in your peripheral tissues) are also being evaluated. Substance P and nerve growth factor are increased threefold and fourfold (respectively) in the spinal fluid of people with FMS, but researchers are working to figure out why these elevations exist. With regards to genetics, its role in FMS is also the focus of many investigations.


COMMON TREATMENTS

Traditional treatments are geared toward improving the quality of sleep and reducing pain. Deep level (stage 4) sleep is crucial for many body functions (such as tissue repair, antibody production, and the regulation of various neurotransmitters, hormones and immune system chemicals). Therefore, the sleep disorders that frequently occur in FMS patients are treated first because they may be a strong contributing factor to the symptoms of this condition. Medications that boost your body's level of serotonin and norepinephrine (neurotransmitters that modulate sleep, pain, and immune system function) are commonly prescribed in low doses, such as amitriptyline, cyclobenzaprine and Celexa. Ambien, clonazepam, and trazodone are just a few of the medications that may be used to aid sleep. Ultram may help with the pain, although stronger opioids may be needed for treating moderate to severe pain. Muscle relaxants and other drug categories may be prescribed as well. Each issue of the Fibromyalgia Network newsletter contains information about new drug therapy options, as well as advice about how to make use of existing medications to minimize FMS symptoms.

In addition to medications, most patients will need to use other treatment methods as well, such as trigger point injections with lidocaine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, relaxation/biofeedback techniques, osteopathic manipulation, chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, or a gentle exercise program.

Want to learn about new treatments, as well as how to receive optimal care from existing medications? Get the Fibromyalgia Network newsletter! It is the most up-to-date, patient-friendly publication available. For details, click here. To order by phone, call our toll-free number at (800) 853-2929.



WHAT IS THE PROGNOSIS?

Long term follow-up studies on FMS have shown that it is chronic, but the symptoms may wax and wane. The impact that FMS has on daily living activities, including the ability to work a full-time job, differs among patients. Overall, studies show that FMS may be equally as disabling as rheumatoid arthritis.

(Back to top)

SELF-HELP STRATEGIES

Lifestyle modifications may help you conserve energy and minimize pain. Learn what factors aggravate your symptoms and avoid them, if possible. Become informed about your condition by subscribing to the Fibromyalgia Network newsletter. In this 16-page newsletter you will read about research findings as well as advice on coping with FMS. Most importantly, this professional publication contains regular input from the experts to keep you informed about new and novel treatment methods, as well as recommendations about how to incorporate them into your care. What you won't find are advertisements or fluff that only serve to detract from the information you need! To subscribe click here, or call our toll-free number, (800) 853-2929. A one year subscription is only $25/year in the U.S. This price includes shipping, handling and taxes. Other educational materials may be ordered from Fibromyalgia Network as well.

[Amyinagony]

Thanks, that was a FAST response!! I'm not surprised either. This is the best place to receive information!!
This was more information than what I read on the ICA's website. This is a bit depressing. It looks to me like it is possible for me to have this Fibromyalgia. Some of the possible symptoms I have had for a long time. (The sleep problems, chronic headaches, photosensitivity, achiness in other muscles, IBS, and others I mentioned in my other post) Some of them I have assumed were part of having IC and/or the other health issues or part of aging. The pain, numbness and tingling feeling in my neck/shoulder blade area are fairly new (almost 3mos now).
I don't know? I sure hope not. I hope PT can work this out for me. I have to hope. I don't want or need anything else (no one does).
Thanks again for the information.

[jeanann2]

I have thyroid disease, Fibro and arthritis......might have cf but refuse to acknowledge it LOL.....

interesting pole....

[jeanann2]

I also have IBS

[Judith56]

I have a pituitary adenoma, mitral valve prolapse, history of ulcers, history of bowel obstructions, migraines, superior vena cava syndrome,and problems with my legs. I guess that is enough, huh? Judith

[Silverfox]

I also have migraines, IBS, fibromyalgia muscle and joint pains, dry eyes, dizziness and vertigo, breathing difficulties like asthma, allergies and food sensitivities, hearing problems, heavy menstrual bleeding and pains followed by early menopause, extreme chronic fatigue, cold hands and feet like raynauds, unmyelinated sensory nerve damage in hands and feet, and autonomic nerve damage (sometimes called disautonomia) And last but not least Hypothyroidism that causes so much of my sufferings... :hmm:

[nss]

Apart from having IC, I have endometriosis (had that before anything else), Vulvodynia, IBS, possible Fibromyalgia. Sinus infections at least every 6 - 10 weeks. Keep having bloodtests every 6 - 12 months for Lupus and Thyroid levels. Migraines, Sore joints.

I am sure there is something else but I cant think of it.

Oh yeah I remember now. Vertigo.

[TheresaK]

This is very interesting. I have Hypothyroidism, Depression, IBS, Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome, high cholestrol, allergies, sleeping problems....I thinks that's it...WOW...I'm a mess!

[minnie_min99]

hi gals,

I have low blood pressure, endometriosis, fully developed IBS, and a whole lots of new allergies since all of this. But like it all ive learned ot live with it and do my best with every day that i have.

[emilyrose197377]

I have Ic,neurogenic bladder,endometerosis, recurrent ovarian cysts,Peripheral and systemic neuropathy, pernicous anemia. High blood pressure. gastric bleeding ulcer.

[emilyrose197377]

I have Ic,neurogenic bladder,endometerosis, recurrent ovarian cysts,Peripheral and systemic neuropathy, pernicous anemia. High blood pressure. gastric bleeding ulcer. I also been recently diagnosed with Mild degernative facet arthritis and I have also gerd. allergies.

[dminton]

Okay, here goes: I have IC, IBS, migraines, allergies, history of asthma but not currently, restless leg syndrome, fibromyalgia, Hashimoto's.

[tbokay]

I've had asthma for 10 yrs -- allergy-induced, exercise-induced and stress-induced.
Have migraines since auto accident in June 2002.
Diagnosed with ovarian cysts in July 2004.
Diagnosed with IC in Oct 2004.
Ruled out endometriosis in April 2005.
Diagnosed with possible GERD in June 2005 (still have to have scope done to confirm - but dont want to be scoped anywhere anymore!!!)

See new uro/gyn who specializes in IC on June17th ... hopefully he can help me answer some questions and get off some of my meds!

Tara

[kygirltaytay]

i have ibs, back probleems and sometimes this intense itching of the vulva, the itching intensifies after sex? any ideas on that? i;ve tried several over the counter meds and creams, nothing helps. god bless you all.

[Katrina]

http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/vulvodynia.html Wish I could help more... maybe do a search on the vulvodynia board.

[gnsmom]

I was diagnosed a year and a half ago with IC. I have had terrible low back pain since my diagnosis. My husband say's it's my bum, I say low back. For the past six months I have had stiffness in my fingers but not in my thumbs. I also have a terrible general feeling of malaise.
Are these other things associated with IC? My doc tested me for RA, and it came back negative. I'm 41. Does anyone out there have this combo of symptoms? I don't know where to turn. My back is just killing me. Any ideas?

[Katrina]

gnsmom, :welcome: to the ICN!! low back pain is very common with IC and I had joint pain when I was really bad too.....I think you should talk to your doctor about things things though. There are many possible reasons for these symptoms.
http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/ this is an essential link for everyone with IC. It is very informative on meds, living with IC, and self help....take a look!!!

http://www.ic-network.com/forum/sho...90935#post90935 Newbie kit from the oldies to the
newbies

http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7562 this link is a pain managment post.
The second page has 4 attachments...the last one is a list of ideas for IC pain.....take a look if pain is problem for you

[anniepie1976]

I have TMJ, Sleep Apnea, allergies, IBS, chronic fatigue, depression and anxiety, rapid heartbeat, headaches and dizziness, frequent vaginal infections

[anniepie1976]

oh and i forgot- scoliosis too!

[Judy777]

I have IC and Endo. I have had ovarian cysts. I get migraine headaches. I have not been diagnosed with IBS, but I think I have that as well and TMJ. Does anyone else grind there teeth at night?

[Silverfox]

Hey gnsmom, I noticed this is your first post. Welcome, hello! Yes I have had the very painful low back pain with IC, and also the stiffness in the fingers. The stiffness in the fingers turned out to be carpal tunnel syndrome and this was caused by an undiagnosed low-thyroid. When I was given thyroid hormones in only a few weeks, I think about 3 months my stiffness and numbness and aches and pains in my hands went away. This can be the most common nerve damage caused by having a low thyroid. The fatigue also improved greatly and yet my low back pains still comes and goes. I learned that some exercise and gentle stretching has helped but when I stop it returns a little. I now think that it is in the sacroilliac joint in the hips. Its either the nerves getting pinched or I do injury to by straining to much as I work.(Like pushing the vacuum around the house, that will trigger it to return)

Hey, be sure to ask the Dr. about the carpal tunnel and the low thyroid.

I have a funny story to share with you about that. When I was at my worst and very ill for years, bladder and urethra were horrible pain and my hands were so stiff and achy, I had almost given up after trying everything. Then a relative calls and tells me that she thinks I have the "family disease" low thyroid. So my hubby and I run to the neighborhood Dr. and ask him to help and could it be my thyroid. He said yes, better that a surgery or all the stuff they were doing to me. Well, I'm sitting there feeling like I'm holding on to life by just a prayer and my husband behind me starts telling my Dr. how tired he is. So, the Dr. says I'll do the thyroid blood tests on both of you.(I was the patient that day) So to the Drs. great surprise when the thyroid blood tests come back and we come back to get the results, Oh guess what...my poor dear hubby is the patient now who has a very low thyroid test results...
Arrrrrrrrgh!....my tests are in the low normal range. We both started our thyroid hormone the same day, and I began to feel and look better. My hubby well it was so hard to notice since he had so few symptoms. My Dr. saw a great change in me. Oh, thought I'd mention that I was found to have a genetic type of hypothyroidism that some others in my family have and I need to take the T4 and T3 hormones, I like Armour thyroid the best!

Make a list of all your symptoms and then ask the Dr. about them, who knows in time you maybe might feel better, back, hands and bladder. It happened to me! Sincerely

[Silverfox]

hey gnsmom,

I am sending you a private message, I hope you read it. It is in answer to your symptoms of severe back pain and stiff fingers! :woohoo:

[TheresaK]

I have hypothyroidism, IBS, adrenal fatigue, hypoglycemia, overgrowth of yeast, and recently found out I have allergies to milk, soy and eggs. I'm wondering if my food allergies contribute to my IBS which may contribute to my IC. I also have sesonal allergies.

[sacausa]

I am 17yrs old and I have the following diseases besides IC:

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, fluctuating between hyper and hypo
Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia
Asthma
Migraines
Allergies which make me break out in hives, cause is unknown
Possible endometriosis or adenomyoisis, I am not officially diagnosed because I do not want a laparoscopy at this time; I do have a definite family history of adenomyoisis though.

For these diseases I am on the following medications:
Levothroid
Allegra
Atarax
Elmiron
Menest
Depo Provera
Toprol
Tramadol
Neurontin
An Inhaler as needed

[neal1044]

IBS, TMJ, GERD, hiatal hernia, chronic low back pain, ovarian cysts, hives (none for about a year now) no known cause, vulvodynia think that's about it. :bonk:

[ldgb4]

I have asthma,migranes, joint pain,back pain,fibrocystic disease,extreme fatigue,anxiety,depression,dizziness,scoliosis,endometriosis until hysterectomy,bladder spasms,hip pain,arthritis.I have all of this and am only 25 yrs old keep thinking what's next. I also have diahrea on and off everyday and sometimes it feels like my fingers almost lock in place but not sure if these are due to anything.

Lisa

[hdrenzyk]

I have Endo, IBS, Hayfever and Panic Disorder

[LeahLove]

I have IBS, TMJ, Migraines, Chronic back and neck pain, Fatigue

[treesputers]

I have IBS, Allergies, Diverticulosis, endometriosis, arthritis, restless leg syndrome, migraines, hypoglycemia, back pain, gerd, cycts on overies, sinus trouble, low blood pressure (extremely), poor circulation and other symptoms they haven't figured out yet :headbang:

[Katrina]

:grouphug::grouphug::kiss: Much love and prayers to all of the suffering that so many of us have...that goes on a long list. MUCH LOVE TO US ALL!!!!

[Katrina]

Repost

[Mel53H]

See below.

[kuntrygurl78]

I have some seasonal allergies that I treat myself. Never been do a doc for them. Im also allergic to cigarette smoke.

Im currently being tested for possibly endo or an ovarian cyst. Gotta call doc in the morning to see what the results of my ultrasound are.

Ive been to the doctor more in the last 6-8 months than I have for the last 5 years! (minus surgery and recuperation for broken hand)

[ShePurzz]

How frustrating this is to read all of this for one person! I am sorry for each and everyone who suffers from all of this stuff.

I have/have had IC, Vulvodynia, PFD, Anxiety/Panic, Depression, Fibromyalgia, Migraines, CFS, GERD, Yeast (systemic rather than vaginal), Multiple drug allergies, other common allergies, IBS, chronic back pain and muscle spasms in neck, back and shoulders, (this is depressing!), rapid heart beat, did I mention depression, TMJ, and I suppose if I sat here long enough I would think of others. :confused:

For me, a lot of these symptoms have now gone away with the use of JuicePlus+ and a good diet. Lots of water and good treatment for the depression and anxiety.

I am left with mainly IC (most of the time under control), Anxiety, Fibromyalgia is my WORST issue right now, Vulvodynia which comes with my period on occasion, PVD again comes with the use of pads during my cycle, muscle spasms in neck and shoulders -- related to the fibromyalgia.

My yeast problems are now gone,
My GERD is history!!! Praise the Lord!!! I attribute that to dietary changes.
Depression is under control,
Allergies are much better,
CFS is much better -- I attribute that to the JP+ and better diet.
IBS - GONE!!! what a relief -- again I attribute that to the better diet.
Migraines are gone -- I still get headaches on occasion, but not migraine with the visual disturbances and intense pain -- I believe from my last appointment that the headaches are related to the muscle spasms in my neck.

Man, we are a sick group of people!!!:cussing: Wouldn't it be nice to find a cure for this disease????????

:mad: All I can say is this is really frustrating to read...

[blondie45]

Fibromyalgia
IBS
Asthma
Allergies

[green_the_fish]

My only other official daignosis is "Bipolar Affective Disorder, Type One". It makes sense; they say my father's whole side of the family is nuts, not excluding my father :bonk:

But, I have other problems are not quite official, so to speak. I occasionally get random allergic reactions that I have never gotten tested on. Once or twice a year, I tend to break out in a rash, or hives, or maybe my eyes swell halfway shut. Nobody seems to know why. First, the doctors said it was it fifth disease, then, for a long while, they said it was mold, and now I suspect they never really knew at all. I guess it's not so bad, since I just have to stay home for a few days and it goes away on it's own; so unlike IC! They have attributed the last few allergic reactions to sunscreen, which I find really ironic, because I have a family history of skin cancer.... what are the odds, right? :lmao:

Also, I have messed up periods that I think might be endo, but I don't really know. They usually involve severe pain for several days, diarrhea, and nausea. But again, I guess it's not so terrible, since it does go away after a few days.

[Katrina]

((((green))))) I love how you look at things......on the Endo though I so hope you talk to your gyno soon about it since like everything the sooner you know what is going on and what the best thing you can do for yourself is the better.

[callie0767]

allergies
hypothyroidism since age of 18
ic since age of 19-20
ibs 2002
endometriosis 2005 and two surgeries
hypercalcemia/hyperparathyroidism
intestional problem

[Kara29]

Celiac Disease

Kara:angel:

[Angeles]

I have IBS since 2002
Allergies, bad since 2003
UTIs since 2004
Frequent and stubborn yeast infections since 2005
IC since January 2006

Wow, now that I actually took the time to write it in chronological order I can see how I got here!

[PlainJane]

I haven't officially been diagnosed with IC. Still trying to figure out what's going on with me. I've been trying to figure this out for over 2 and 1/2 years now. Anyway, here are the symptoms I have besides IC:

-very low cortisol readings = adrenal fatigue
-low thyroid
-severe sleep disturbances (ongoing for 12 years now but been at its worst for last 2.5 years. Sleep lab that revealed 56 awakenings in 4 hours of sleep with no obvious sleep disorder).
-TMJ
-vitamin and mineral deficiencies (vitamin c, b12, vit. e etc etc)
-chronic fatigue
-heart palpitations/heart arrhythmia

Those are the main ones I can think of right now. I am currently being investigated for Chronic Lyme disease right now. I'll be seeing a Lyme disease expert in a few days. Lyme can cause all of the symptoms I have including IC symptoms.

I read through this whole thread and I have to say after doing a lot of reading about Lyme it looks like a lot of people in this thread have symptoms of it but I noticed no one mentioned it. The symptoms of fibromyalgia especially overlap with symptoms of Lyme disease.

I also noticed that no one mentioned mycoplasma infections (but one person did mention Gulf War syndrome). Mycoplasma can cause a lot of problems including horrible fatigue. Anyway just thought I would throw these ideas out there.

Katrina, what a good idea for a thread/poll. I'm glad you came up with this it's a lot easier to look for common ailments with a poll/thread like this.