Please help.... stomach not leaving

[dhoffer]

Hi I just started reading things on the site. I have had problems with my bladder since I was pregnant with my son. Its been 18 years. I wasnt diagnosed with IC until much later.

I have in the last year been trying to diet and exercise to get rid of alot of excess weight. I have lost some weight but am still very frustrated that my stomach has gone no where. I look at it and I see this big pregnant looking stomach. It really depresses me. I was wondering if anyone has found an exercise to help deminish their stomach. I want to look and feel better and seeing this stomach in the way all the time is not helping me. thanks

Dawn

[ICNDonna]

When we have irritation with IC, we do have some swelling --- we fondly, or not so fondly, call it an IC belly --- If anyone finds a way to get rid of it, I'd sure like to have them share with me.

Donna

[PenguinK]

I notice my tummy swelling when I'm in pain too. As for loosing the "mommy belly" after a baby, I did 200 situps a day after my son was born (11 years ago) and it comes back as soon as I stop. I've pretty much given up on the flat teenage stomach, but walking seems to tone it up for me.
I use Leslie Sansone's - Walk Away the Pounds DVD. I can do as much as I want and pause it if I gotta go :)
Try it!!
KK

[windwalker]

I have ic belly too, and when flaring, it gets puffier. I also use the same dvds (mine are tapes tho) that penguin speaks of, they are real nice, I have a one mile, two and three mile tape and yes, its sure nice to pause when its time to goooo! ;)

[songbird7]

I have IC belly too though smaller when not flaring. A good way to help with it is to lie down on your back with pillows under your knees. Keep breathing and hold stomach in starting with 4 seconds and repeating 5 times and if you can increasing it to 20 seconds 5 times or more. A physical therapist gave this to me and it doesn't hurt my back. Everyone is different but I've noticed a difference in my belly between symptoms and flares. The other night my friend was here and I showed her what my belly looks like when flaring and she could hardly believe her eyes! 9 months pregnant look, She saw that and said, "Poor thing, that must really hurt." Because of the unpredictability of IC I am stuck wearing clothes that are not really flattering to the weight I lost. Oh well, that should be the worst thing that ever happens to me in my life, LOL!
hugs,