How do you know if it's a flare up?

[beachnut]

Hi
I am new to all of this IC stuff ,since being diagnosed 2 weeks ago, and need walking through alot of stuff. I have had extreme pain for over a week and the past two days much less pain. So far the last 2 months have been one week of pain.....one week of not so much pain. The past 3 days I have stuck to the "safe foods" I plan to add one food at a time , but will a flare up last for a week because of one food or will it just be pain that day?? I am soooooo scared to mess with anything right now because the last week was hell!!! But everything on the don't eat list are all my favourite's
I have to find out what I can get away with. I need to get the handbook , I know, but for now I need your help.
Sandy

[Lisa_S]

It was easier for me to figure out what a "flare" is after I had been on the diet for a few weeks. My pain level went down, and I was able to tell when something I had eaten was causing a flare. Everyone is different, but my flares usually last for no more than a day when caused by one single thing. If I do a bunch of bad things in one day, the flare might be worse and could last longer.

[beachnut]

Hi
Thanks for the quick reply. What diet were you on? I am only going by the list of bad foods vs safe foods, listed on this web site. Is there a book on a diet to follow? How do you know it's food causing the flare up and not stress or hormones? I am going to buy the IC survival guide today online. So far I am really bored with the food choices.... I love gravy, coffee, tea, chocolate and ketchup and tomato sauces...... I am soooooo bummed out!
Sandy

[kadi]

Hi Sandy,

The Confident Choices book for sale in the ICN store is a great place to start, if you're looking for a book & more structured approach.

Some people start out with the diet by eating only the foods in the left hand column (the "usually ok") column for several weeks. When the pain level drops (it might go away altogether or might just reduce), then you can try a half serving of a middle column ("sometimes ok") food & see how you feel (if your pain level spikes). If you're ok, try a full serving the next day & see if you're ok. Then give your bladder a rest & try another food several days later. It is a slow process, but one of the best ways to let your body heal & figure things out.

And yes, the diet takes adjusting to. I live in one of the most culturally diverse areas of the US and I really really miss ethnic dining. But, for me, my IC is very diet sensitive, and I've had to make adjustments...

About your favorite foods: homemade gravy might be still ok depending on what's in it. There are some herbal teas more IC friendly than others, you might try those first. Look in the ICN store for ideas. The carob malt balls are actually a pretty good substitute for chocolate (ICN store or health food store near you) and a lot of us can tolerate White Chocolate KitKats (I get them at Longs, Walgreens, Albertsons).

You might also get some Prelief (available at Walgreens--look near the Beano, or the ICN store). It is a dietary supplement that takes acid out of food. I can get away with a small amount of ketchup on my fries if they are a part of a meal & I take Prelief with it.

But do go on the diet for a few weeks, staying in the usually ok column. Reducing your pain level is priority #1, discovering your full range of foods can come in a little bit.

As to how long flares last, it really depends on the person. I've had food flares that have lasted a few hours up to a few days. In general, you are best off starting your "experiments" slowly, after a period of healing & gentleness with food.

Once you find treatments that work, you will be more comfortable, these things will become clearer, and you will find foods you like again.
Sending an encouraging hug--

[beachnut]

Hi Kadi
Thanks for all of the great advice. I guess yesterday I was having a real downer of a day. My husband and kids were enjoying tomato's, pickles, ketchup and mustard on their homemade hamburgers and french fries, and there was me wallowing in self pity, eating just a plain homemade burger with french fries...plain plain.....BORING. I never realized what a condiment junkie I was until I have to live without it all.
Thanks again for the support.
Sandy