I'm new, but not...

[mferrero1]

Hi to whoever is out there reading, :)

I just want to introduce myself. I'm new, but not new. I've had IC for 10 years (35 years old). I have been purchasing products from this network for 6 years. My condition is chronic, but controlled enough that I am able to work, go to school...bladder holding capacity is limited, pain is present, but manageable. Medications: Hydroxyzine (anti-histamine) GABA for chronic pain, anxiety and sleep, prelief, Csytoprotec (Algonot for 6 years), Aloe Vera, Omega's, Vit. B. Thinking about adding bladder instills, but not sure yet.

Anyway, it's getting to a point in my life where I've developed a pattern of breaking down emotionally about every 6 months. I have a quick break down, end up releasing all of the pain that I've been managing...then I'm good to go for another 6 months. I have a wonderful supportive family, that has never been an issue. Over the years I have read the threads, but haven't participated in them. Maybe it's time that I do? Maybe it would do me some good or maybe even others for me to talk more about it :) Share my own experiences with IC :) I am an incredibly positive person and despite this mean silent disease, I always have a smile on my face...:):):)

Michelle

[L. Thomas]

:welcome:

I have been reading regularly for more than a year but I have only recently started to post. I don't have much information to share, but I hope I can support you.:pray:
________
Herbal vaporizers (http://johan-luis.tumblr.com/)

[theclownster]

Welcome to the ICN! Thanks for posting a little bit about you. I'm sure there are others out there who will benefit from you being here. Keep sharing when you can and know that others are here to support you if you need it. And if you decide not to post regularly - that's okay too.

I just wanted to send you my warm welcome. I hope you continue to find comfort by being here.

Warm welcoming hugs,
Jennifer

[ICNDonna]

:welcome: to the boards! I'm glad you decided to post. It sounds like you have an excellent outlook that I'm sure makes life easier for you.

You live in a beautiful city. When I was a child, I had an uncle in Colorado Springs and visiting his family was like traveling to a fairyland it was so gorgeous.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[mferrero1]

:hi: Thanks so much for the warm welcome!

I hope that all of you are feeling good...I hope that I may be able to give support to others too...

Lately, I've become more aware of the energy it is taking to manage my chronic pain, I have interesting ways of dealing with my pain that I have developed and it helps, but sometiimes it comes down to scared feelings and thinking I'm the only one out there suffering like this. That is when I would turn to the boards, then I wouldn't feel so alone (not that I want anyone else to suffer like me). It just helps to know I'm not alone.

And to Donna: You must've visited Garden of the Gods when you traveled to Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs (a magical small town at the foot of Pikes Peak-looks like a fairyland). I visited C.S. as a child too and had similar memories that prompted me to move here as an adult. :)

So thanks for the welcome all of you :) :) :)
Michelle

[Sarojini]

Welcome :welcome:

Just wanted to say hi... :)

[SharonA]

:welcome: Glad you joined in and posted. :) :) :)

[mary124]

:welcome:

[Claredale]

I have those breakdowns at times too. These boards are so helpful.
What advise can ya'll give me to try to build my energy up. I am sleeping better, but I am still exhausted when I get home and just have no energy. I have started taking the Aloe Vera capsules and have been on iron forever. Any other ideas. I would love to live in a clean house again.

There are times that I panic and think "oh my goodness...What if something happened to me and my house is so "untidy".

[VickiB]

Hi Michelle, glad to have you join us!

I feel the same way, -It's a relief to know there are others out there who have to deal with this IC business too. Not that I wish it on anyone! But, God, I felt so alone for such a long time! This board is almost like a psychological healing for me.

Tracey, right off I don't have any energy building advice for you outside of things you probably already know & do,..sleep, eat well, etc. Sometimes we have to find a way to accept that we can only do what we can do, and not beat ourselves up for what goes unfinished. If it helps, you should see my house! I'm thinking of naming my dust bunnies! :lmao:

Vicki

[Claredale]

That is a great idea. I am always reminded of what Phyllis Diller (spelling) used to say when she had company. She would put out her get well soon cards. I keep telling myself that we know longer live in the June Cleaver generation. The game I play with myself right now is everytime I go to a room in my house, I take something that belongs there. That doesn't mean that I put it away, but it has made it back to the right room!