Need help!

[angel08]

Hi, I am new here and am at my wits end.

Have been diagnosed since October last year but was ill for over a year before that until they knew what was wrong with me.

Have just moved to Sydney from th UK and am feeling so lonely. My doc could not help direct me towards any Australia based support groups & all I need is someone to talk to about this disease.

Are there any support groups here in oz?

Many thanks :)

[Babs RN]

Angel,
I don't know about support groups, but there are a lovely group of Aussies that post. Of course the rest of us are here to help, just let us know.

Hugs,
Barb :grouphug:

[deviation72]

Hi Angel,

:welcome: to our little Aussie boards. I'm from Melbourne, but am sure some of our Sydney sisters and brothers will come and say hi and may be able to help you out with support groups. Our Melbourne support group meets intermittently: I haven't been able to make it as I work full time, but have found these boards a constant source of support over the last 3 years I've been diagnosed.

If you have a look at the posts on this board going back over the last year (or so) you may find lots of useful discussions - particularly about meds and treatments available here. There may even be stuff about support groups...?

But in the meantime, feel free to ask questions, have a rant/rave, etc - that's what we are here for. As Barb said, we are quite a nice bunch (and Barb is also an 'honorary' Australian, now that Rosalie has introduced her to some of the Australian vernacular.) In fact, everyone on the whole forum is nice, regardless of where they come from. I wouldn't have survived the last 3 years if it wasn't for this place (luv ya's all....) :grouphug:

[Rosalie]

:welcome: :angel:
Great to see another on the Aussie boards. Like Kirsten, I'm from Melbourne and have only made it to one support group meeting so far. However, it was wonderful to see so many friendly faces and such informative guests. I don't have IC but suffer with chronic urethritis but whatever works for IC works for me and mostly whatever hurts ICers hurts me. So I'm allowed to stay :bow:

Hopefully Sara and Nadia will answer you soon. They are both in the Syndey area ( I think George is too?) and should be able to help you with a support group. Although Sara has a brand new baby and doesn't get to pop onto the boards as often at the moment. Where in Sydney are you? Have you hooked up with a new urologist as yet?
How about telling us a bit more about yourself. Everyone on the boards, especially the Aussies are very helpful and friendly. So you will get loads of support here.
Check out some of the other threads and jump right in. Are you into arts and crafts? Martha (AKA Sheebah from Brisbane) and I have a ball over there. Its nice to also have threads that can take our minds off the nasty pain that gets us all at times.

[angel08]

Hello to you all, you are so kind to welcome me. I am new to the forums thing so am unsure where exactly I tell you a bit about myself? I would love to begin chatting with you, this sure seems like a friendly place & it will do me good to get my mind off the illness :)

[nss]

Hi & :welcome:

I have some info on support groups in Sydney, if you could tell me where you are. There are two I think (from memory). I know of one on the northern suburbs, the other one I will search through the newsletters.

I will look for the info and send you a pm.

[ChrissySunshine]

Hi there & glad to see that you found these boards. I can't offer you any info on Australia, but I just wanted to let you know I have also just moved to a new area and have no support groups anywhere near me. I had only heard of IC (was not even familiar with what it was), when I was recently diagnosed in Dec 2005. These boards are a wealth of information and support that have meant the world to me! Thank God for computers, huh?