Diagnosed 2 weeks ago...

[mydimples6]

Hello, I was just diagnosed 2 weeks ago. I had bladder infection after bladder infection. But like so many other stories that I have read after the antibotics were gone the pain was still there. I couldn't believe how intense the pain was. Anyway, I have been feeling so overwhelmed and frankly quite depressed about all of this. I didn't realize when I was diagnosed that this was a "chronic" disease. Mainly because I was told that I would be on meds for at least a year...I guess I just didn't realize that I was going to have to change so much for all of this. It is so hard giving up coffee, tea, sugar etc. And I just wanted to let you all know that I am so thankful that for this website and message board. I actually have a little hope now and would appreciate any advise and support that you all could give. Thanks... :rolleyes:

[vm]

:welcome: So glad you found us. :)

One of the best places to start is the ICN's online Patient Handbook at this link: www.ic-network.com/handbook Sounds like maybe you've already looked through it as you know of the dietary suggestions. It has lots of useful tips and information.

You have every reason to have hope. Many people with IC do go on to find treatments that help get them back to a normal life. I've been very fortunate that my current combination of medicines has let me live without discomfort for quite some time now. I hope that happens for you soon! Hang in there - it can take time to find what will work for you, but most of us get there. :)

[mydimples6]

Thanks Kim, I just started back to work yesterday. I would really like to get back to leading a normal life. I do have a question though, My job is very physically demanding, I work at a hospital as a Ob Tech and it requires me to constantly be on the move, lifting, and bending over and so forth. I find that when I bend over a lot I have flare ups, is this normal, has anyone else experienced this. Also, I am very concerned that I will have to take another position, one that requires much less physically. I don't mind doing that for a while, but I have been working on getting my nursing degree and I am so afraid that I will not be able to follow through with that now. Which is very upseting since I have worked so hard and wanted it for so long.

[SharonA]

:welcome: to the ICN. We are glad you are here.

Don't give up on your dreams just because you have IC. You can learn to live around the problems this disease causes. Seek out ways to lift and bend so you are not putting extra pressure on your bladder. Maybe talking with a PT could help. They should know different methods to produce the same results. It might take a lot of experimenting, but I am sure you will find what works best for you. There are so many meds/treatments out there. Most of us have found the ones that allow us to live pretty much as we were before being diagnosed. Again, it might take a lot of experimenting with the different things. Don't give up on yourself. You deserve to have a happy, productive, and wonderful life. Grab for that brass ring and don't let go. :woohoo:

[tigger_gal]

welcome to the icn, I am glad you found us.. You will find a wealth of info, support, and friends here on the icn.... please read all you can and educate yourself, that is the best way to learn what ic is all about..
again welcome to our boards.

[glassd18]

Welcome Mydimples6 (love the name)!! I came here in Feb 06, and am doing so much better than I was so try not to despair. The gals/guys here are great!! They've pulled me through over and over again!! You are not alone!!

[mydimples6]

Thank you so much for your encouragement. This can be so overwhelming at times and your words of encouragement mean a lot to me especially since you all have been there.

I started back to work and I did okay last night. I am learning more of the foods that can trigger an flare up and boy does that help. The doc put me on Elmiron, Hydroxyz, and Amitriptyline. I think that the Amitriptyline is starting to work, I have been on them for 2 1/2 weeks now, and seem to get some relief. :smile tee Have any of you all tried these meds?

[kelly McC]

Hello and welcome ,
Glad your getting some relief hope it continues for you !:smile tee
I take Hydroxyz, and Amitriptyline at night both have been helpful in my treatment.
Kelly

[glassd18]

Those are pretty much the IC standard issue meds to try. I take Cystoprotek which does similar to the Elmiron.

[vm]

Yep - I'm on all of those meds. They have helped me a TON. :)

[mydimples6]

How long did it take you before you started to feel better? I have had a flare up that has lasted almost a week. I am feeling a bit better today though. This is so hard to get used to, I really miss chocolate and pepsi...I cannot believe how much I miss just having a pepsi. How did you all cope with that. I am not tempted mind you...the pain is still very fresh in my mind.

[Lisa_S]

Amitriptyline helped me right away. The IC diet took a few weeks to notice real improvement... I was still hurting even though I wasn't having bad flares, and after a few weeks my overall pain level went down. I'm still waiting for Elmiron to work.