recently diagnosed

[laska1129]

Hi. I was diagnosed back in December. I have always had problems with my bladder and just found out why. I just want to know if there are ways to cope with having IC and working. I have a very physical job. I do alot of running around and when I have a flare up, I can not work. My job is nice enough to let me work only four days a week now but it's a very demanding company i work for. I am in retail, but I am a manager and things are not easy there. I also have lyme's disease, which lowered my immune system. I would just like to know if there are ways to help me get by at work when I have flare ups. I just had a recent flare up that lasted three weeks. Would like all the advice I can get. Thanks alot. Brandy

[jrowley]

Brandy when I am at work and I start to flare I use ThermaCare heat wraps for menstral cramp. Using those allows me to be able to move around yet still get the comfort of having a heating pad which helps alot with the pain of a flare. The heat wraps stick to the inside of your underware. If you have to potty alot during a flare theres really nothing you can do except be acussed and go. When you got to go you got to go, Like the commercial for ditropan or detrol I can't remember which, :biglaugh: got to go got to go.

[ICNDonna]

Are you following an IC diet? That can be a huge help. And things as simple as wearing comfortable, supportive shoes can help me. When I was working and had to dress in "business" attire, shoes were a challenge, but I was able to ditch the heels at least and I wore pant suits a lot so I could wear more casual looking shoes.

It can also help to just sit for two or three minutes whenever you can --- and it's amazing how much that can help.

Donna

[traceann]

Oh yeah, the thermacare heat patches are a lifesaver!! They are great for sleeping too! And the diet definitely can be a huge help. Have you also thought about trying either the Rx Pyridium or the OTC versions, Uristat or AZO Standard when flaring? I use the OTC's and they can be great help for a day or two till I get past the worst part of the flare (usually frequency and urgency AND feeling like someone is painfully standing on my bladder, lol). They are an analgesic for your bladder, numbs things up, but makes you pee orange - ack. But they work in a pinch, short term - they make me much more comfortable by decreasing the frequency/urgency feel and my bladder ache. Just a thought!!

Take care
Hugs,
Tracey

[Katrina]

:hi: Brandy, Well my best advise to get by at work would be to where an adhisive heat pad, sit on a pillow, and take extra prelief and baking soda. Beyond that there are herbs in my pain list that may help with out the strong side effects (but I recommend trying them out on a day you don't work first...and start with just a little first) Also, the more you can rest your pelvis the better.

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
http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7562 this link is a pain managment post.