New ICer: Wanted to introduce myself

[draia512]

Hi everyone, this is my first post, although I read all of your messages quite frequently and find them very helpful. Alittle about myself: I'm 25 years old and was diagnosed a few months ago. I currently take elmiron and detrol LA. When I have really bad flares I sometimes take allergy medicine with antihistamines. It works really well even though it is only temporary relief. My story starts out pretty much the same as a lot of others. I was on and off antibiotics for a long time because doctors assumed I had a UTI. Finally after numerous tests, IC was the diagnosis. I would like to say that my case is pretty mild, although I don't want to jinx myself. I try really hard to stay positive when I'm having a flare and even when I'm not having a flare but I'm dwelling over the fact that I have this "condition." (I don't like to say "disease" or "illness.") I try to exercise as much as possible (even though it can be hard) and just try to live as normal a life as possible. I have a lot of trouble with the IC diet because my reactions to certain foods are very inconsistent. Sometimes certain foods bother me and sometimes they don't. Also, I tend to love all of the foods that are harmful to my condition and I have the worst will-power. So that is enough about me.

**I wanted to ask you guys if any of you feel better around the time of menstruation. I'm always reading that everyone's symptoms get much worse around the time of their period but mine practically go away around that time. My urologist says that it has to do with hormones. Any feedback would be great.

Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone :)

[vm]

:welcome: I am glad you came out of lurking mode. ;) I lurked for a month or two before I ever posted. :) It's amazing how much it can boost our spirits to post and then read the warm responses back.

My symptoms always seemed to get worse around menstruation, but I have heard others say their symptoms got better then. It varies so much person to person.

Again, welcome - it's nice to meet you. :)

[SharonA]

Hello and :welcome: to the ICN.

I no longer have periods...thank God for menopause :) but I am sure there will be plenty of replies to your question.

So sorry that IC is a part of your life, but glad that the ICN is. :)

[diane57]

My symptoms really flare about a week before my period (as well as around ovulation), but once my period starts I usually get total symptom relief for a few days.

[Dixiefireball]

:welcome: to the boards glad you decided to post.

during that time of mth. Oh heavens i just want to crawl somewhere lock the doors and sleep all the way threw it. i have it real bad that time of the mth and the systoms start for me like the week before.

that is one reason i'm going to go ahead and have a hy. May 17 05...
I would love it if i could get some relief during that time of the mth.

sending you hugs and prayers
Rhonda

[Sarojini]

Hi and :welcome: to the ICN!! :)

My symptoms also get worse the week of my period... even though I'm on birth control pills, it still happens that week, probably due to the drop in hormones during the week of placebo pills. However I have heard others on the boards say that their IC gets better around their menstrual period -- so you're not alone. I think it probably has to do with how each individual responds to changes in hormones. One thing is for sure --hormones really do make a difference in IC, for better or worse!

[Babs RN]

I don't have a period anymore :woohoo: so I can't answer the flare around the period thing...but just wanted to say hi and welcome!

Hugs,
Barb :welcome:

[Katrina]

:welcome:

Well for me when things were first beginning I would look forward to my period because PMS was so bad but I only had one bad day with my period and than I was better! Once I got worse....my period became the bad days....not sure why they huge change! :grouphug:

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.
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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/showthread.php?p=90935#post90935 Newbie kit from the oldies to the newbies

Well, I sure hope you have luck with your treatment. Please keep in touch!!