New user

[rachrene]

Hello to all my name is Rachel and I have been finally diagnossed as of 8-11-05
I have more than likely been living with this for about five years. I also have IBS and it can cause even more pain then normal. I hope to learn so much from you all. Right now I am having a hard time keeping a work schedule and maintaining that schedule and working....I work for SBC and am on the phone all day (it is hell). I am on meds and go once a week for a drug cocktail in the ole bladder!! Glad to meet you all best of luck to all! I forgot a few details...one am happly married and we thank God for the Military insurance!! He is Air Force and we have a cute lil 2 and a half year old boy...I am not partial hoping for number two after we make a move at the first of year. That will be when we start trying.
Anyways went for about two months off of work being passed from dr. to dr. was being told had bladder infection at every dr. I saw. The OBGYN opened me up and took a look at the female organs. Then also took out the apendix and then finally got referred to a uro-gynocologist!! :woohoo: Took two more months of pain before I got into see him as he is the only one in the state. But between my poor family dr. who I was seeing one to two times a week and my new uro/gyno dr. we have a diagnosis and a treatment plan!!!
Rachel :)

[Sarojini]

:welcome: We're glad you found us!

I understand about the work thing; there are some days where I just don't feel like going to work, or I just don't feel like staying once I get there! As you can see from my signature, I have IC and IBS like you, and fibromyalgia, so when all that acts up it's miserable, as I'm sure you know!!!

Anyway, welcome to the boards and feel free to ask us any questions you may have. If you haven't seen it already, our Patient Handbook is at http://www.ic-network.com/handbook and contains lots of self help stuff (like the IC Diet) and also information on different treatments you can try.

Good luck, and welcome again!!!

[SandyRN]

Glad you found your way to these boards. The people here are wonderful, kind, and knowlegeable about IC and all things related to it.

I'm sorry you went through so much before finally getting a diagnosis, but now that you do maybe things will start getting better for you.

I look forward to getting to know you!

Sandy

[callie0767]

welcome rachel to the icn boards

[traceann]

Hi Rachel and :welcome: to the gang!! You have found the greatest place for support, info -- you name it!! Everyone is so great, I have no idea what I would have done in the weeks leading up to diagnosis and the months after diagnosis!! ;)

Well, once again, welcome and looking forward to chatting with you!!

[Amyinagony]

:welcome: Rachel!!!!
I agree with the others here, you have come to the best place for support and information. Most of us share in your story in that we have been to multiple Drs and had years of suffering before even getting a diagnosis. Thank God you are on the road to a much happier way of living. Wish you the best with the instillations. For me they are a huge help.
Again, Welcome and will look forward to your posts.
Hugs,

[SharonA]

Hi Rachel and :welcome: to the ICN. I am going to agree with all the others and tell you that I think these people who come here to reach out and support everyone are super. They are the best. I have been diagnosed for over 4 years and have learned so much from reading the posts. I don't know what I would have done in the beginning without the help from the people of the ICN.

Glad you found us... :) :) :)

[manicgrammy]

I'm new too. Just diagnosed yesterday.

[SharonA]

:welcome: to the ICN...manicgrammy. Glad you joined us on this journey. Hope we can be a place of help and support for you.

So tell me...are you really a manic grammy? :)

[manicgrammy]

Hi, yes, I am a grammy of two! And I can be manic,but only on a full moon! Lots of info here!!

[VickiB]

Just wanted to add another welcome to both You, Rachel, and Manicgrammy.
Hmmm, when's the next full moon anyhow? -Could be interesting from here on in!

Vicki

[~*~Christine~*~]

:welcome:
I hope something starts helping you with the pain now that you know you have IC.
btw, I heard in the US that Military insurance is one of the best, if not the best, medical insurance down there so you're one of the lucky ones :)

[traceann]

Hi manicgrammy!! Weclome to the site!! Look forward to seeing you on the boards and chatting!! ;)

Hugs!!!