Introduction and a few ?'s

[Justalamp]

I have posted a few times but have not yet introduced myself. My name is Tiffany. I was diagnosed with IC in Aug 05. In addition to pelvic congestion syndrome. I have been taking Elmiron and Vistaril since then. It seemed to be helping a little until Christmas, at which time I really strayed from my diet, and now I feel like I am back to square one. I just ordered the Survuval guide. I've only gotten through the first few chapters.(I have 3 kids so not alot of time to read)
So here are my questions:
Does anyone else feel like they are always on their period? (crampy and achey)
Is deppression common for IC patients?
What other books have you found really helpful?

[emilyrose197377]

:welcome: to the ICN. you will find alot of info about ic and support from other members also.

[Janie Miranda]

Hi Tiffany,
Just wanted to welcome you to the ICN and say I got a kick out of your user name, Justalamp! Good one!

Have you gotten back on the IC diet? Hopefully it will make a difference again for you soon along with the elmiron and vistiril.

I think depression is probably very common among any group of folks who suffer from a chronic disease. Constant pain has a way of making a person depressed in my humble opinion. Sometimes depression drugs can also ease some of the pain of IC also. A lot of us are on Elavil and although it is prescribed at lower doses for IC patients to treat pain, it was originally an antidepresant.
Hope you start feeling better again soon.

[Morgana]

Hi Tiffany

Yes, I feel as if I am on my period 99 times out of a 100. Even after I had the Mirena coil fitted in August 2004 I still feel this way.

As to depression... I can say with certainty that the answer is YES. I went for what some of us call "a walk on the dark side" in 2003. I had IC, I had awful period problems, my skin looked like a giant pizza, and I had a condition that they couldn't seem to diagnose. Add to that I worked in Hell's Cesspit and I was sure life couldn't get any worse.

I kept thinking how easy it would be to let go of the steering wheel of the car, or just take myself off somewhere.

I didn't. I took everything I was feeling and wrote it down. By the end of the experience I felt a hell of a lot better. (And I didn't get diagnosed with Fibromyalgia until the end of 2005!)

I'm not saying it will be that easy for you but I promise you that things WILL improve. There may be days when you feel down, but sooner they will be less and less.

If you want to talk then PM me,

Take care

Mo
xxx

[Kara Isabel]

Hi Tiffany!

:welcome:

To answer your question, yes...I feel like I'm "always on my period"...some days are bearable and other days I want to throw myself in front of a train. I am newly diagnosed as well, but I think I was one of those unfortunate ones that went to a SLEW of doctors and never properly diagnosed...They would always test me for diabetes, which always came back negative, so for many years I thought my endometriosis was the main culprit for the pain. I'm relieved to have found this website and finally KNOW what ails me.

I also have been reading the Survival Guide and it answers SO many questions on treatment options. I've noticed that we are all so different in the way we respond to medicines and procedures. It has been a HUGE help in my education of IC.

I know for me, diet is crucial!! I'm noticing so many things that make me feel worse, I'm beginning to wonder if I'm going to have to live off of pears and oatmeal for the rest of my life or seek some type of Pain management doctor if I want to eat like a regular person. I think alot of IC'rs don't have as many problems with food as I seem to.

And YES it is depressing. I think just the realization that your life has changed the moment you hear you have a chronic disease that isn't always cureable and often very painful, is depressing. :headbang:

BUT, there are lots of people here that know exactly how you are feeling and what you are going through. I just hope that you find a treatment plan that helps you!!

Hugs,
Kara

[Katrina]

:hi: Tiffany, :welcome: to the ICN!
Depression is not uncommon.
Any time you move less your musscles may ache...and if you are gassy or highly acidic it can make you crampy...and if you are referring to an ache at your lower abdomen...that is bladder pain which is a very common symptom of IC.
I like "Confident Choices" by Julie...it has recipes, IC advise on flare triggers, finding your flares, lots of self help, ways to keep yourself eating good while following the diet...it is a good choice.
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

[Justalamp]

Ok I don't feel so bad now. I was beginning to think I was losing it. I battled depression in my early 20's but since being saved I have been a very happy person, but the past few months I feel like I just want to crawl in a hole. Thanks for the encouragement.

[Morgana]

Please please don't think you are losing it. You are just reacting normally. I am sure you will feel happy again, it may just take a little time.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like to.

Mo
xxx

[SharonA]

:welcome: Tiffany...

On top of learning you have a chronic pain condition, there is the unknown, also. How will I feel in an hour, how will I feel tomorrow, how will I feel the next day, etc.? With everything our bodies are going through, it is no wonder that we can suffer with depression. I know that when I was first diagnosed, I thought my life was over. I thought I would never be able to have fun ever again. Talk about a major depression just waiting to happen.

That was in August 2001. Today, I feel good most of the time. In time, it is very possible that you will be able to say the same. Continue reading everything you can about this disease. Knowledge is power...that's what I say. The more you know and understand about IC, the better you can participate in your health care.

:) :) :)

[Justalamp]

So since I am feeling depressed, how do I go about asking for help. Do I just go to my doc and tell him I am losing it? I don't like feeling helpless and I darn sure don't like admitting it.

[wicked]

Yes, go to your doctor. Just explain how you are feeling. Your doctor will decide what to do based on what you tell them is going on.

[ICNDonna]

I have always described my IC pain as being like severe menstrual cramps.

Donna

[creatingkarma]

Just wanted to say :welcome: !

[Morgana]

I agree with wicked. Maybe your doctor can suggest something, you certainly have nothing to lose by asking

Mo
xxx

[Kimchi]

Welcome to the board. Lots of good advice in here. :welcome: :welcome: I too have the period pain, it also extends into my upper thighs and around my low back. Along w/ that, I have the never ending UTI sxs. More fun!!! And no matter how much I stick to my IC diet, I still have pain as I think many of us do. It's just worse if I stray. :biglaugh:

[Justalamp]

Thanks to you all for very helpful insight. It's wonderful to know that I am not alone. :woohoo: