Need a little support from my friends....

[ChrissySunshine]

things are real bad right now....my pain is out of control. I just need a little encouragement as don't have anyone that I would can or want to share my misery with. (Not that I WANT to share it with you guys, but I know you KNOW WHAT I MEAN!)

My ex b/f who I've always relied on for support has his own severe troubles right now...still wants me to call if I'm crying in pain, but I just can't do it! I called my doctor last week in desperation, and they called the police on me and tried to have me committed under a "Baker Act", I have an appt for counseling Oct 13, and I went to a women's group yesterday, which I could barely sit thru, now I have my period and am absolutely dying in pain, can barely sit here long enough to type this!!!! I have a neighbor that lives nearby who has offered his assistance, and I just keep telling him that I cannot spread my misery.

Like I said, I KNOW you guys KNOW what I'm talkin about....any encouraging words are greatly appreciated!!!

Hugs and prayers to you all as always!

[ShePurzz]

:grouphug: Hi Chrissy -- I am so sorry you are in so much pain. I am sorry too that you have to deal with your period in the midst of it -- if it is any consolation, I have mine too right now -- UGH! and I also have an outbreak of my shingles which I tend to get just before my periods -- one blister is on the back of my thigh right where my undies touch and makes it very hard to find a comfortable position -- then the burning and itching and pain it causes -- ugh!

You are right -- sometimes we are just happier to know that someone else is truly able to understand. Right now, I don't feel YOUR pain, but I understand that it is awful hard when people around us aren't able to understand -- so please know that I do understand and feel deeply what you are going through.

I don't know your neighbor friend -- but it is it a guy, I just (unsolicited advise) would ask you to be very careful -- I think when we are in pain, we are very vulnerable and can easily allow ourselves to be taken advantange of or to open ourselves up too much to someone we wouldn't normally expose too much to. If you have a female friend you would reduce the risk of that problem -- hopefully you have a female friend who can at least sit and have tea with you and let you feel sad -- without getting upset that you are sad.. it is OKAY to be sad and to be upset and just allowing yourself that priviledge from time to time is good tender care of YOURSELF!

HUGS, and I do hope that you will feel better soon...

Please, contact your doctor (or your URO) about your pain and if the doctor you normally call is the one that turned you in -- I would ask for an explanation of why they felt they needed to do that -- if there is merit in what they did - get the help you need to take care of yourself -- it what they did was unwarranted, seek a new doctor as soon as you are able.

Do the things you CAN do to help reduce your pain -- eat and sleep right, drink lots of fresh water, rest, rest, rest, and do something enjoyable -- don't just sit and think about this situation -- try to 'go away' in your mind with a book, a DVD or some music you can really relax and 'escape' for a while... Also, you know the other things by now -- a warm bath, heat/cold packs, BIG PILLOWS that are soft and comforting and a warm blanket!

Snuggle up and give yourself the day off to recouperate and get through this... God Bless you --- :pray:

Mary

[ShePurzz]

..... a "Baker Act",

Chrissy, I found this information on the Baker Act for Florida residents. It may be something you already are familiar with, but thought if not, it would help you understand what it is about.

What are the criteria for involuntary psychiatric exams in Florida?

Florida law permits a mental health professional, law enforcement officer, or judge who issues an ex parte order to initiate an involuntary examination only when a person meets the following criteria:

[I]f there is reason to believe that he or she is mentally ill and because of his or her mental illness:

(a) 1. The person has refused voluntary examination after conscientious explanation and (a) disclosure of the purpose of the examination; or

(a) 2. The person is unable to determine for himself or herself whether the examination is (a) necessary; and

(b) 1. Without care or treatment, the person is likely to suffer from neglect or refuse to care for himself or herself; such neglect or refusal poses a real and present threat of substantial harm to his or her well-being; and it is not apparent that such harm may be avoided through the help of willing family members or friends or the provision of other services; or

(a) 2. There is a substantial likelihood that without care or treatment the person will cause serious bodily harm to himself or herself or others in the near future, as evidenced by recent behavior.

What happens after the examination?

If the person examined does not meet the criteria for either involuntary inpatient treatment or involuntary outpatient placement, he or she must be discharged from the receiving facility.

If the person needs treatment and meets the criteria for involuntary inpatient placement, a petition can be filed with the court. The court holds a hearing; if it determines that the person meets the criteria for involuntary inpatient placement, it can order inpatient placement for up to six months.

If, after an examination or a period of inpatient placement, a person is determined to need involuntary treatment in the community, a petition can be filed for involuntary outpatient placement. The court holds a hearing; if it determines that the person meets the nine-part criteria for involuntary outpatient placement, it can order outpatient placement for up to six months. This lesser restrictive alternative to involuntary inpatient placement became available in Florida on January 1, 2005 as a result of the Baker Act reform.

Be safe and be well -- if you feel that you need to have some help getting your feet on the ground -- I went through one of these day programs on my own accord when my anxiety was really out of control -- it was the best thing I ever did -- there was so much to learn there and they were so kind and helpful... I hope if you have such an opportunity and need the help, you will go too. It may also help you to find other ways to deal with the pain -- there are lots of sleep and health related groups that you participate in and learning the breathing techniques, the sleeping hygeine, etc... is very beneficial, not just when you are at wits end, but on a regular daily basis.

Blessings!
Mary

[readingmom]

I am so sorry about all that you are going through. I can understand your pain. Shepurzz had some very good advice. Take the day off. You deserve a good book or something you enjoy. Hope this day goes well for you!!:pray: :pray: :pray:

[armslee]

Ugh Chris- I am sooooooo sorry!!!!!:pray:
I took off work yesterday, just hurt too bad and was too tired to come in and deal. I too have my period right now. Geez, what is the deal? Did the bleeding fairy go nuts on us or what????? She totally needs to get her wand fixed before we cram it up her !#@!$
wOW, That felt better!

Take care of yourself and try to take it easy. Soothe yourself however you can. If all else fails, go to the ER.
:kissing:

[ihurttoo]

Dear Chris,

I am SOOO sorry you are hurting. As you know, I have been dealing with that myself this week. I wish to God that you lived nearby so I could come over and look after you, now that I am starting to feel better!

I am also shocked and outraged that your Dr called and tried to get you locked up just because you called crying and upset since you are in so much pain! Yes, you DO have a problem! The problem is Drs like him who only want to "help" by getting you mental treatment instead of physcial treatment for the problems you have! I mean of course you were crying and upset! When we hurt, and call our Drs, we are emotionally invested in that call, and lots of times it is the only we hope we have! Then, once we tell them what is wrong and get it all out, it such a release that maybe they will help and put an end to the pain and hopelessness, that we cry. Or else we cry out of the frustration, desparation, and pain when we realize that we have counted on them to be helpful and compassionate and yet even though they KNOW we are hurting, they will not help! :cussing: This makes me SOOOOO angry!!

At this point, though I need to try to put aside my anger to try to help, so lets brainstorm!

Okay, since you are flaring badly, try to think of what might of caused this flare. Lots of times the key to treating it is knowing what caused it. For example, if you overdid at the gym or whatever, a muscle relaxor would help. If it was caused by eating or drinking something, then the baking soda/water drink might help. Do you have any idea what might have caused this one?

Whatever the cause, we know that forcing water helps, because it flushes out your system and gets things cleared up quicker, so dont forget to drink, drink, drink!

I am sure you are already trying heat and ice, and even alternating, but just want to remind you just in case. (Sometimes, when I hurt so bad, I am hurting so badly I cant even remember the obvious!) If you have pain meds, take them and call your Dr to see if you can double them up for the next few doses to get you thru this.

I wish so much that I was nearby so I could come over and rub your back and brush your hair to try to soothe you. :( If any of your local friends could do this, that would really help to relax you.)

If you want to talk, please call me. I want to help so bad, but I dont know how, but if you want to vent, talk or cry, I will be glad to lend an understanding ear.

You are in my prayers and I will be thinking of you until I know that you are okay.

Love,
Amy

[sandramac]

:grouphug: :grouphug: :kiss: Sending hugs and kisses! Sandra:cat: :cat: :cat:

[ICNDonna]

If you are still in severe pain this afternoon, I suggest you make a trip to either ER or an emergency clinic, whichever is closest to you, for help.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[ShePurzz]

Geez, what is the deal? Did the bleeding fairy go nuts on us or what????? She totally needs to get her wand fixed before we cram it up her !#@!$
wOW, That felt better!

Double Dittos!!! What a hoot!!!

[Tracey5399]

Chrissy,

I am also praying for you, geez i have my period also UGH LOL! and you know when we have our periods its even more emotional.
I am also outraged about what your doctor did, i am not sure how long your going there or any backround but if you ever want to find an IC friendly doc in your area id be more than happy to help.

I really hope you feel better soon,
Hugs,
Tracey :)

[ICLori]

Oh, Chris, I'm so very sorry. I could just feel your pain - and then to have people just try to make trouble for you instead of helping you - that's awful. You are in my prayers and I hope so much that the pain will lift and better days will come for you.

Blessings,
Lori

[ChrissySunshine]

I knew I could count on you all to understand.

Mary, you gave me alot of great advice and the info on the Baker Act was right on....I think that's why they called the doctor in to "lift" it. I never refused any treatment, in fact, I was ASKING for it!!! I was awaiting a call back to schedule a counceling appt when the police and paramedics arrived here (on my initial call to my doc, I was told to look in the yellow pages for counceling places)!!! And I told the NURSE that too.....I'm so upset about that whole situation, I may just "sit on it" til my visit with my doc in early Oct, or I may just find another doc, I'm not too sure right now........... I'm following thru with the appt I have set up, and DO plan on going back to the Women's Group. Several years ago, I attended a day program that sounds alot like the one you did...the focus was on DBT training....Dialectical Behavioral Training...I still have the materials (Thanx also for the reminder!), and I'm gonna get them out and start reviewing them. That type of therapy has helped me tremendously in the past.

Tracey, thank you so much for your thoughts and I'm gonna PM you for some names of some IC friendly (is there reallly such a thing :confused: )??

Readingmom, Sandramac, Donna, Lori and ALL OF YOU..... Thank you for your words thoughts and prayers......Unfortunately, Donna, I cannot go to the ER for several reasons.....#1 NO INSURANCE; #2, THEY CAN'T HELP ME (I'm allergic to Morphine, Dilaudid, and Fentanyl, the only thing they can give me really is Demeral IM or IV, but EVEN THAT DOES NOT TOUCH THIS PAIN)-been there done that; #3, I AM UNABLE TO GO THRU ALL THAT ADDITIONAL TRAUMA OF THEM NOT BEING ABLE TO HELP ME; and finally #4 I'M AFRAID THEY TOO WILL TRY TO "BAKER ACT" ME........Don't get me wrong, if I start bleeding profusely or this is something ACUTE that they may be able to help me with....I'll go. My past experiences have ALL shown that they just can't help me. This is a chronic problem and they just cannot handle that there. And before you say it will connect me with "services" that I may need quicker....no way.....that's why I went with the police the other day, and I STILL have to wait til October 13!!!! I'm so very frustrated with the way the medical community deals with IC, that I could just BURST :cussing: !!!!!!

Wendi, you really made me (and I think all of us) laugh a bit at the notion of a "bleeding fairy" and fixing here wand and sticking it where the sun don't shine! LOL I needed that laugh!!! Sounds like that crappy fairy has alot of us right now!!!

Amy, I can always count on you too (as well as ALL OF YOU!!!) to understand. I know you're going through so much yourself, but I'm glad to hear that you're doing a bit better. I'm doing the brainstorming (it is a constant BLIZZARD there in my head (:rant:) of what is going on NOW for THIS FLARE....ARGH!!! I HAVE been going off my diet, that's part of it, and also stress is a HUGE part of it too. I've been in serious denial about my being able to return to work & it just hit me in the last couple of weeks (my kids came to see me & my son is now living here!)....I can't even walk for long, sit for long, drive for long......I've been saying for 1 1/2 years now that I'll be better next week, after THIS treatment, or THIS rest or whatever.....It's hitting me REAL HARD!!! And lastly my sweet son knows his Mama's sick, and he's even reading up a bit on it, trying to learn about it.....but he still doesn't really get it. He sees that I do have a good day once in a huge while, so thinks I should maybe just go to work to get my mind off of it. I just now had a long conversation with him about it, and he is trying to understand......It just sucks for him that he has to see his Mama so sick!!!

Sooooooo, A VERY BIG, HUGE THANK YOU to you all.....your support means so very, very much to me.......It really sucks that we're all so far apart and that so many of us are so disabled with this. What I really wish we could do somehow is BAND TOGETHER, go lobby for research $ somewhere....ANYTHING!!! But I for one, can't make it much past my front door!!!

I Thank God daily for you all and praying has helped me tremendously, I'm Thanking HIM now for being blessed to have access to all you wonderful people who can relate to what I'm going thru!

AS ALWAYS....HUGS :grouphug: and PRAYERS :pray: and MANY THANX for all of you!

[L. Thomas]

Life is short Sometimes our lives seem moving at jet speed and sometimes it just seems to move in a snail's pace. Now may be one of those snail days, but don't foget the jet is coming.

Make a "tado" list. Make it a long one but it must be things that you don't have to share..get a pedicure.. new "hairdo"..a make-over at the cosmetic department..go to the most expensive store you can find, don't take money and try on party dresses.:dance: :kiss:

If your list is long enough maybe you will find something that you can do even when you don't feel like doing anything. Me? I like to read cookbooks and "redo my kitchen and bath" surffing the net.:rolleyes:
________
Live Sex Webshows (http://livesexwebshows.com/)

[Kara Isabel]

Ahh, Chrissy!
:grouphug:

I missed this post yesterday, but I am SO sorry that you are going through this! :( It just isn't fair that the people that are supposed to be helping you are hurting you! Stay strong! I know it is tough when you are in so much pain, but hang in there sweetie!

Kara

[George]

Dear Chrissy,

I'm just sending you some positive thoughts from Australia. This disease is a real ****. But what I know helps is to know your sisters and brothers here understand what you are going through. I really wish I could do something to help, but you know I can only just send you some positive thoughts and to let you know I understand exactly what you are going through. This day just needs to pass and then maybe tomorrow will be a little better. I'm not a great example of how to live with IC and pain, but I just want you to know that I understand how you feel. Some days I just cry and don't know how I'm going to get through another day/night. But I come here for support and it is so good to know that people know exactly what it is like to have a screaming bladder. To me that is such a help to have people understand. I'm just so tired of pain and peeing, but guess we just keep going on. Well my dear, there will be a brighter tomorrow sometime and we just have to hold out for that.

Take care Chrissy,

Sincerely,

George

[ShePurzz]

Chrissy, you are sounding stronger in your second post --- keep it up girl!!! I am proud of the way you are handling this -- and yes, if you went through the day program and have your materials -- this is a GREAT TIME to pull 'em back out and do a little 'at home intervention'. Also, it seems that Amy hit another nail on the head -- your diet is off a bit -- may have caused or may be feeding the flare a bit -- check it out and see if you can find what it is that is triggering it -- it in fact it is anything specific. Seems that this crazy disease doesn't really care if it has a reason to flare sometimes -- but just in case you are eating or doing something that is triggering it (you also mentioned a lot of stress -- so the deep breathing and sleep hygiene will both help with that) figure out what it is and try to eliminate it.

Continued hugs and prayers to you!!!
Proud of your good attitude in the midst of it too!
Mary