Chicagoland and Northshore support group

[dlw]

Hello,

I am only seven months into the world of IC, and have not found a support group in the Chicagoland or Northshore area. I can think of so many benafits this would have to myself and other people who need ideas, thoughts, and support on real life dealings with family, friends, and work, etc. I am interested in starting and running a group if there is an interest. Please reply if you are interested and if you have any ideas on places to meet. Even the local bookstore or Starbucks would be fine. I would truely appericate haveing a support group and look forward to hearing from you!

[Veronica]

Hi there! I feel it's important that we all support each other. I'm about 3 hours away from Chicago, so sadly I could not attend your group. But I hope there are others in your area who can. I think having a public meeting place is a good, safe choice to meet people you don't know. I wish you the best of luck starting a support group. It's so nice to read about people helping others.

Take care!

ICN Veronica

[dlw]

Veronica,
Thak you so much for your reply and vote of support, that means a great deal to me to know that someone read my message and took a minute to respond. Thank you!

[Jen_Cole]

Hi dlw!

I'd love to attend. Hopefully my being from Indiana won't matter. How's about having it at Navy Pier? (I'm sure it would be way too expensive to rent that banquet room-but it sure is fun to think about!)

[C-Doll]

Hey, I am interested if something does get going. i am chicagoland too.

[dlw]

I'm so happy to hear that someone is interested in a suport group! Navy piers ball room sounds like a blast! My husband has his prom there :) There is another person that is interested too, maybe the three of us could meet somewhere in the middle soon and just chat and share experiences??? At least it would be a start. What do you think? You can post a reply and I wont be a looser and check it more often, or you can email me at diane@foggi.org Looking forward to hearing from you or anyone else that might be interested!!

[dlw]

Hi Jen-Cole and others!

I am thrilled that I have gotten such a great response for a IC support group in the Chicagoland area. Some of you have emailed me and I think the next step os for me to set a date and a place and get this thing rolling. Let me tell you how grateful I will be to meet others with IC and know that I am not alone. So as far as a date: Thursday July 31st for our first informal meeting. If people who would like to come can let me know where they are from I will find a bookstore, starbucks, something of the sort, any suggestions? where to meet. Let me know what you all think!

[Jen_Cole]

Hey dlw!

I just read this (it's been awhile since I looked) and unfortunately, I have a new job that I start next week-I do work on Thursday. I don't want you to change anything on my account-lemme give this some more thought. Is the 31st a definate? I can't remember what you wrote. If it's not, I can always get days off in advance. Let me know! Thanks.

[dlw]

Hi Jen (and Gaby, and others)

No the 31st does not have to be THE day, I am flexiable and actually have not been feeling well lately, so finding a day for all that works is fine. Congrats on the new job! Can I ask what you are doing? Might give me some insight on the job front :)

Take care all!
dlw

[garypggg]

I am relocating to the Downers Grove, Il. area August 18th. Looking to meet fellow I.C. patients and join your support group.

Thanks,

Gary

[Jen_Cole]

As far as days go for me, I think a weekday would probably be better for me-seems like most people with kids are always busy on the weekends. As long as it's not late and I have 2 weeks notice, I'm good to go.
As far as the job-it's Papa Murphy's. I was very flattered when I went in for my interview-they gave me the impression that they wanted to give me my own store. If I was not ill I would havegladly taken it! But I'm just a part-time manager. Definately not big bucks, but it gets me out of the house!
Does anyone else have suggestions as to when/where to meet?

[dlw]

Hi All,

Well, i guess it sounds like haveing a meeting after the 18th, so at least two weeks notice can be given to those that need it and we can include Gary sounds like a plan. Depending on how many are interested, will depend on what kind of place we will meet. Any suggestions?

[Jen_Cole]

Hard to day where everyone is..I'd think something centrally located would be best. Maybe we could all let dlw know where we are coming from and then she can figure a meeting place? As far as where, I'm leaving that up to you chicagoans-I couldn't begin to think of just one place.

[Kelli]

I don't think there are any IC support groups in IL at all. I'm currently trying to start a group in the Quad City area.


Kelli

[ICNJess]

Hey all--
Yes, it says I live in Wisconsin, but I am originally from the Alsip/Oak Lawn/Palos Heights area. I come down several times a year to visit family...can I join in on your group on one of my visits? Unfortunately, no one in the northern half of Wisconsin has IC lol.

Hugs,
Jess

[dlw]

Hi Everyone,

I'm sorry I havent been around this week, havent been feeling well, but now that it is Sunday, maybe the new week will look better. I am going to talk to my IC Dr and the Hospital that has been treating me, to see if I can get a meeting room and any support, speakers, info, etc from them. I understand how important a support group is to many people, it being important enough to me to want to start one...its just going rather slowly as my health slows me down at times. But hang in there, I AM working on it! A quote that I came acrosss a few weeks ago, might be of interest to some....."Do the best you can, with what you have right now", not sure if that is the direct correct quote, but its close enough to give some thoguht over when times are tough. Hang in there everyone! Take care!

[Jen_Cole]

Hey, that's great, dlw! Thanks for all the effort! Hope you get back up to speed!

[dlw]

Hi All,

Well today I had a few Dr appts, and I was in so much pain that I COMPETELY forgot to ask about the support group stuff, as I walked out of the office with tears running down my face. I feel so much like I dotn have control over my body...hence dont have control over my life. UGH! Anyway, Next week I have another fun filled Dr day, so hopefully I will be more sucessful. By the way, has anyone had the treatment where they implant a pacemaker near your tailbone that hits a nerve that will kill the pain? My Dr mentioned it, (he also mentioned the $25,000 it would cost, but insurance would cover it) anyway has anyone heard of it?

[garypggg]

Hi,
I'm Gary, a Pelvic Pain sufferer who just recently relocated to suburban Chicago(currently in a hotel until I can find a place to live) for treatment.

I'm looking for other local Pelvic Pain patients to communicate with.

I can be reached at garypggg@yahoo.com

Thanks for your support.

[Gaby7]

Hi everyone (Diane, etc.),

I haven't been around much this summer but I'm back. Prior posts indicate that some of you may have gotten together already. Or is it still in the works?

Let me know.

I live in the Naperville area and can travel to a support group anywhere in the Chicagoland area. I still think, at least initially with just a small group, that it would be most fun to meet in the more intimate setting of a coffee shop as opposed to a hospital. Does anyone agree?

Gaby

[Gaby7]

Gary,

Your posts indicate that you moved to Downer's Grove for treatment for your pelvic disorder. I live in your area (Naperville). Where are you going for treatment, and what type of treatment are you having?

Gaby e-mail: gemc7@sbcglobal.net