Newbie

[Lost_Sock]

:help: I am so glad I found this site! :)
Just a little background about my IC- I am newly diagnosed. 2 days actually.
I've had IC for 8 years and I didn't even know it. I still can't even pronounce what its called. I was just told that I had a small bladder and that I needed to retrain myself to go to the bathroom and hold it in. I would love to tell nurses and doctors that made me feel ashamed and embarrassed that I knew there was something. I have mixed emotions about finally figuring out what is wrong with me. On one side I am thrilled that I know its something real and not just in my "head." On the other, I am sad that I will have to give up my pop and chocolate. I've been on the diet for 2 days now and I can already tell a difference. I know its going to be some hard work and tough roads ahead but I'm ready for the ride!
Thanks for the support and I hope to hear from all of you in the future! :grouphug:

[ICNDonna]

:welcome: to the IC Network. You'll find a wealth of information and support here.

Have you found the Patient Handbook? It's at http://www.ic-network.com/handbook and contains lots of information about the various treatment options.

Sending warm welcoming hugs,
Donna

[VickiB]

Hi Lost Sock (?), glad to have you join us!

It is a funny feeling when you finally have that answer, and know for certain that you weren't crazy after all! Living with my crazy bladder was tough enough, but then to have doctors not believe, or take me seriously almost hurt worse!

Sounds like you have a great attitude! That'll help you a lot in beating IC!

Welcome!

Vicki

[traceann]

Hi Lost Sock and :welcome: to the family! I love the screen-name too by the way, very clever!!! :biglaugh:

Oh yes, you have come to the right place! This place and these boards are a great source of information and support. The people here amazing!! Ask anything you like, as well, there's not much we don't talk about here, lol. Don't be shy, and don't worry about what you might think/feel is too embarrassing to ask, you'd be surprised at what we talk about, :biglaugh:

Vicki is right, you sound like you have a fabulous attitude, that is wonderful!! Keep it up as it will serve you well when dealing with the aggrivation that this IC brings along, :woohoo: I am also quite happy to hear the diet is helping already, that's fantastic for you!! I know it's boring and tough in the beginning, but that phase doesn't last forever, and in a few weeks you can start adding things back in, if that's how you've chosen to go about it.

Once again, it's a pleasure to meet you, and hope to see you around the boards!!! ;)

Hugs!!!

[MarthaB]

:welcome: martha

[~*~Christine~*~]

:welcome:

lol, I couldn't pronounce it for the longest time either ;)

It's pronounced In-ter-stish-al Sis-ti-tis

[green_the_fish]

Hey Sockie!
Hehe, IC is kinda hard to pronounce, though I'm so used to saying it that it just rolls off my tounge now.

Here's a page from the Kid's Guide to IC (http://www.ic-network.com/coloringbook) :

http://www.ic-network.com/coloringbook/interst3.gif
http://www.ic-network.com/coloringbook/cystitis.gif

Isn't that cute?! :D

Anyway, welcome to the ICN. You'll find a lot of support and stuff here :)

[Sarojini]

:welcome: to the site :)

The ladies have already given good advice for a newbie, so I'm just going to say "hi"!

[cass2376]

:welcome:
Keep up that GREAT aditude and you will go far!!! If you need anything, we are all here for you!! PM us or write a post w/ questions, concerns, or to just vent :) Good luck and God Bless, Cassandra :angel: