Confused :S

[Kate01]

I'm Kate
Just turned 16
Recently diagnosed with IC
Don't really understand it.
All I know is it hurts like hell!
Don't know where to start with dealing with it?
Can't quite get my head round things at the moment...
Glad to have found this site :D
Giving me something to look at at midnight when the pain has kept me up these past few nights.
Suffering with exhaustion.
Anyone for chat? x x x

[ngazerro]

Hi Kate and :welcome:! I am glad you found this sight also. You can get alot of information about IC. I know it must be hard to be only 16 and have to go though this. Learn as much as you can and find out what works for you.:smile tee

Nina

[Roxie2007]

HI Kate! I'm glad you found us too. There's a world of info here....probably some that's hard to understand at 16 yrs of age.......but I wish I'd found this site when I started having IC pain at 19 yrs old.
Diet is a big culprit with IC. Read though the pages on here about what to eat and not to eat.....that will help you a lot. AND ask us questions about anything you've got questions about.
Hopefully your doctor can give you suggestions also. I wish you luck......and write anytime....on here or PM me, I'm here often. (((HUGS))) Roxie

[**Angie**]

I'm so sorry you have to deal with this disease at such a young age. This sight is full of information--check out the handbook for ideas on how to cope with IC. Diet also makes a difference. You might also check to see if there is a local support group--having people who understand what your are going thru is vey helpful. Take care~angie

[miz_sunshine87]

Hey Kate,

I was dx with IC when I ws 15, so I know how you must feel.
I know it seems hard, but try not to freak out too much about your situation. For me at least, stress is a bigger trigger than diet or anything else. I've tried to slow down a bit, start painting again, reading books etc to try and chill out.

IC is a really weird disease, but there are lots of treatmetns avilable that can help or even put you in remission from symptoms.
Mine went away for 4 years, then came back in November, but I still have hope that if it happened once it can happen again.

Feel free to message me if you want :D

[ICNDonna]

I'm glad you found us. I encourage you to read the information in the Patient Handbook --- it will really help you to understand interstitial cystitis. I suggest you begin by reading the diet section so you can begin the diet as soon as possible.

And feel free to post questions. We aren't doctors and can't give direct medical advice, but are happy to share our own experiences.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[catherineallen]

Hello Kate, I am also new to this whole thing.I guess the more info you get the better you will feel. I am also trying to figure out how to live with this on a daily bais.I believe diet does play a huge factor.I am sure that doesn't sound exciting at your age.Well I wish you the best and let me know of any info you get please .catherine

[mary124]

Hi and welcome to the boards! I can't imagine having this at 16. Hopefully, you will find lots of answers to your questions here. Like others have said, we are not doctors so we can't give out medical advise, so hoping your doctor can answer your questions for you. The IC diet is the first thing to start with. (when I was first dx with this at age 32 my doctor didn't know anything about this and when I mentioned it to him about 8 years later- when I found this board, he said hogwash! diet doesn't help sure in the meantime, I was put on different meds. - Since then Luckily he has retired and I have a really good doctor he isn't an expert but he knows quite a bit about IC and I trust him and I'm quite comfortable with him, which is important (he recently sent me to an expert and I didn't feel all that comfortable with him so I went back to my regular Uro and told him so and he said fine).
Come to the boards day/or night, you'll find someone here all the time. Take care.
Mary

[ICKIRSTI]

:hi: and a BIG :smile tee and :welcome: to you!!

I hope you find all the :help: you seek here! I am so glad you found us! I know how hard this all must be for you! But I must say this! I am 23 years old and just recently found about my I.C. although, I have had it for likely my whole life! So, on the plus side, in a way, you are lucky for finding this out quick enough before, perhaps things got much worse you know?! There really is a whoolle worlld of info on this site!! Do all the research you can... start with the elimination of trigger foods first. I know it can be hard. But it really will help in every way!! Also, keep in touch with your doctor's about everything! (It is very helpful to keep your own walking medical journal). You must always be your best advocate for your health and well being! You seem to be heading very well in all the right directions.. and I commend you.. and wish you all the best in the world.. and then some!! Feel free to contact me, or chat anytime... my myspace link can be found on here as well!! :smile tee warmest regards....

[KathrynPInk]

Hi Kate,
I bet you are dealing with a lot right now! But Welcome dear, and you will get support and kind hearts here! You might heal up better, and I bet at times will feel fairly well; it could happen, just like it happens with many of us! Be sure and follow Dr.s orders, make sure you have a good Dr. and try the diet becauses that has helped many of us. It all takes time, but stay connected and your hardship will have a chance to be lifted by the many good spirits on this board.
So many folks and many ages and we all have at least a tiny something in common with this illness.
Take care and remember, you have sisters here to support you in the good and the bad.

Love,
katheryn

[RAS6]

Hi Kate and :welcome: ! I was SO overwhelmed when IC was first brought up as a possiblity for me! I felt like I was getting too much info at first! But I was able to sort it out and start working on getting better. Please know that there are wonderful people here who really do care! If you have questions about treatments, diet, etc, chances are someone here will be able to help you out!
Glad you found the ICN and hope you get some relief soon!
:angel: