Feeling Down.....

[Curly]

I have been flaring all week and had a UTI. I am new here so this is my first flare in 7 months and it is putting me into a panic. One minute I am anxious and scared and then next I feel depressed because I am scared I will never feel normal again. My family must be tired of my complaints. My husband is great but he just doesn't understand. So I feel myself pushing them all away because they are different than me. They are normal and happy. And I will never be. So it's just me and my hurting bladder in this big world of happy people. Well, I just needed to get that out and know if there is anyone else who ever feels this way and how you deal with it.

[ICNDonna]

It's very easy to push people away when we don't feel good --- in fact it's something many people do. But it's probably the worst thing we can do because it's when we need support most.

Many of us have been helped by seeing a counselor to help us to deal with having IC --- it sounds like a good option for you right now.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[tigger_gal]

(((((((hugs))))))) so sorry you aare down... I do hope you feel better soon.

[SharonA]

Whenever I have a flare, I get very quiet. I think that is a natural response to the pain of IC.

I agree with Donna. Please think about seeing a counselor. Someone who is not connected to you or anyone you know. Maybe your doctor can suggest someone. You can then feel safe to talk about how you are feeling about what is happening to you.

I hope you begin to feel better very soon. :)

[dg2901]

Your response to dealing with IC seems quite normal. We all have our own way of dealing, and most seem to push away those that we feel are living a "normal" life, be that family or friends.
Rest assured that how you're feeling is not abnormal. Everyone -here-while its not the same as having your close friends and family--understands and are more than willing to help you cope.
I too have been in a flare for 5 days now. I'm miserable, and while I'm trying not to, I'm sure I've made those around me miserable as well simply by my actions of wanting/needing quiet and peaceful surroundings; you know, not wanting to be bothered with anything. My husband is, for the most part, supportive. Saying that though, I'm sure he's just as tired of hearing my cmplaints as I am having/needing to complain. When I'm not feeling well and needing my space, I take time to lock myself in the room with my pc and check out whats going on here at the ICN.
Regarding your anxiety--I too get a bit anxious when not feeling well. Just 2 nights ago I was in such a state that I ended up calling a long-distance 'friend' (who also suffers with IC) at 4:30am just so I'd have someone 'with me' who'd listen to my whining w/o passing any judgement. Perhaps you could enlist someone to be your 'outlet' in times of need....? Just a thought...:)

Know you're not alone.
take care
diana

[Curly]

My uro has suggested seeing a Psychologist who specializes in medical psychology. He has many IC patients. My health insurance only will cover half so it would be pretty expensive still. But I have made an appointment. I figure I could atleast try it a few times. This Psyhc. also is very knowledgeable in pain management. I do agree I need someone to help, I feel more and more depressed with each passing day. Thank you all for the support you have given.

[Curly]

To dg2901 - I would love to have an IC friend to call. I do not know how to be in contact with any in my area. Thank you for your post. It really gave me comfort to find understanding. I pray so hard for a cure for this disease to be found.

[SandyRN]

I can understand how you are feeling. I know that most of us go through those times when we push people away when we need them the most. It's very hard to deal with seeing 'healthy, normal, happy' people out in this big world when we seem to be stuck in our own tiny little place, in pain, and sad. The others have given you great advice. BTW, I used to live in Ga, most of my life, and was born and raised there....sometimes I miss it very much. I lived in Gwinnett County for a very long time. What part of GA do you live in?