Hi...

[Crysa]

Hi. I think as far as most IC patients go I have been fairly lucky with doctors. When I initially went to my gen practictioner... she said there's some possibilities but lets start at the ob/gyn. My ob gyn said.. well I am going to run a couple tests, but I don't think it's me you need. Within a couple months I was off to a urologist with a faxed note from the ob/gyn to her already in her file. It said simply .. Looks like IC. So after a million more tests.. and a mere year from symptom onset. I was on medication and doing better. That was 18 months ago... I never posted before because I was always in this "I can handle it" frame of mind. Now the symptoms are worse.. not more flareups.. just more intense ones... I am getting pain spreading into my legs... I am getting soooo tired. I have an appt with my urologist in a couple weeks... I am sure it will be fine again... but it's two weeks and it's a really long time right now... I know that sounds lame... but it just is. I am a graduate student the time between now and my appt I have 4 papers due. I also have 6 kids.. and well it's the holidays. So I guess I posted now just to get myself through the short term... I don't mean to be all depressing! I just needed somewhere to rant where someone would understand.. so Hello and thanks

[tigger_gal]

:welcome: :welcome: your not depressing, your human.. ~~welcome to our family~~ I am glad you got dx'ed so fast.. in college and 6 kids.. wow You are doing great. rant away.. we are here for your support..

[Katrina]

:welcome::welcome::welcome: Well you came to the right place! What mediations are you on?
I angry with tigger...your doing great with six kids and papers do...and IC :grouphug::grouphug: None the less let us know how we can help you do even better ;) :hi:
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?t=7562 this is thread of pain relief the second page has attachments I believe the last attachment is the list of pain relief ideas.

http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11535 This is newbie kit from the oldies to the newbies
__________________

[Rosalie]

:welcome: Crysa. You are in the right place now for support. Everyone here has felt the way you do more times than we would wish to count.
You will get lots of information and friendship here from people who understand. Keep posting, I know it has helped me in more than just medical ways. When I need a laugh or a sob...I logon!

[Crysa]

In response to Katrina... I am on Elmiron and Elavil with occassional use of Atarax. It's nice to see the replies... nice to feel welcomed. Thanks to you all !!! Some days it's just overwhelming....

[PatL]

Hi Crysa,

I'm also new on ths website and just learning how it works. My IC went undiagnosed for over 25 years because I have a high pain tolerance (and I'm nuts for accepting all the pain without trying to figure out where it came from). On the other hand, I'm almost 59 and have enough life experience to give you some advice. Stress makes everything worse--6 children are STRESS even if you are a health goddess. Plus you have to work on your school stuff. Forget the "holiday" trap we all put ourselves into. That is, shopping, baking, cooking, etc. Do what you feel you must regarding your school work, don't make your house the center for the holidays, there are probably plenty of bossy relatives and friends who would like to take over that responsibility, there must be some half or full grown kids in that group of 6 (I'm one of 6 kids). Give them some money for gifts or craft projects and send them out to do your holiday shopping. Put your happy face on, put your feet up, take a chill pill and study. Have everyone write letters to each other as presents, telling how much they love and enjoy being part of the circle of family and friends (intangible gifts are best--and cheapest monetarily). They are the most expensive and rewarding emotionally and spiritually. You are so much more than your illness--sounds like your dinner plate needs to expand to a serving dish! When you are pooped out--STOP. No excuses. The past 3 years I've done Christmas shopping online. I rarely go to malls anymore--too much trouble peeing in the parking lots. Hate to look for bathrooms in the malls, by the time you get there and back to shopping, you have to go again. Anyway, underdo, don't overdo and you will be okay. Of course, this is advice I have mostly just thought up and it sounds so good I'm going to follow it myself. Happy low-key holidays.

PatL

[traceann]

Hi Crysa and :welcome: to the gang!! Nah, I agree, when you feel rotten 2 weeks can feel like 2 years!!! :cussing:

Very glad you found us, you have come to the right place for support, info, etc.!!!


Hugs!!!!

[ICNDonna]

:welcome: I don't have much to add, but wanted to welcome you to the IC Network.

Warm healing thoughts,
Donna