newbie has questions

[lori jo]

hi, I'm new to this thing, not having IC, just to knowing what it was that I have been suffering from all these years. Anyway, I am doing the elimanation thing to try and find out if or what foods could be triggering this misery. I started flaring on sat. Started the diet on Sun. It is now fri and I'm STILL flaringing like mad. this is a long flare for me. So my question is, is this just a long flare or could something I'm consuming be keeping me in it?

[jaime15]

That's the mysterious 1,000,000 question about a flare. Really there is no way of knowing how long a flare will last. We are all very different. I wish I could just tell you what you're eating or drinking that's doing this to you, but I can't.
Are you on any medications yet?
Hopefully your flare won't last much longer.

Welcome to the ICN!! Just by scanning around on here can answer alot of your questions. Hope to see you around soon!
Feel better!

[momw/ic]

Have you read about the IC diet in the patient handbook? That would be me first suggestion and if you are eating or drinking anything suspicious try cutting it out. Flares can go on for a while. I think sometimes a small flare is triggered by our diets or our environment and that may trigger a bigger longer flare. Another idea could be your laundery detergent or other wash agents. Do you use fabric softener or bleach in you personal load? OR do you wear only white, cotton crotch undies? That's personal and you don't have to answer it - my doc said tidy whities are the only thing for me and wash them in a dye free, unscented detergent. He said using fabric softener in your clothes is the same as pouring motor oil in them. Just some ideas! Good luck! It can take a while to identify triggers and even then you can be taken by surprise. I can drink 1 Dr.Pepper with no problems but I can't drink ANY milk or eat ice cream without a terrible flare! Who would have thought??

Pam

[Iris]

Hi, and welcome, just wish I could give you answer. We are all so different with our triggers, and the length of our flares, meds,and how we are affected. One of the gals posts was good advice, just by going around the different information on the network, can be a tremendous help. I know I was totally new to the diagnosis, and the network helped a great deal with some of my questions. let us know how you are doing, always here to help you out, hugs Iris.

[ICNDonna]

Welcome to the IC Network. I'm very glad you found us.

It's hard to know about flares and how long they will last. Have you had infection ruled out? If not, that might be a good idea for you.

Also --- if you're drinking city water, you might consider drinking bottled spring water for a few days to see if that helps. I know I don't tolerate chlorinated water.

I live outside of Eugene and we have visited Oregon City many times --- it's a totally charming city --- before his death, my brother lived outside of Oregon City.

I believe there's an IC support group in Portland. If you'd like I'll try to find out if they're still active.

Sending a welcoming hug,
Donna

[lori jo]

thanks to all who sent a reply. I should have said that I am in the washout phase of the diet and am only eating the small list of safe foods. I am waiting for this flare to end so I can start adding foods. this website is very helpful, I am reading everything! yes I'm sure it's not an infection. I am 46 years old and have had bladder infections since I was 6 mo. I suspect that about 15 years ago they actually started being IC flares. Donna, if you can find out about a supporr group here in the Portland area I would much apperciate it.