Ending isolation - meetup site

[kadi]

Hi all,

This isn't exactly dating stuff, BUT for those of us who have become isolated due to the IC and are ready to get back out into the world, this might be a good option. And hey, if you meet someone here, so much the better, you've already got something in common!

I just "discovered" this very cool website www.meetup.com
It has listings for meetups/clubs by zipcode for just about every interest imaginable: hiking, crafts, movies, faith, music, etc.

I was thrilled to find a local hiking group where the leader said, "We don't try to give anyone heart attacks, we wait for people to catch up & there are ample restrooms on our routes." Hooray! I can't wait to try it out:)
I also found a group for picnicking (everyone brings own lunch) & visiting museums! On Friday I tried out a group that met for language practice at a local Starbucks - great fun, nice people, and no IC food issue to deal with! (Got a vanilla bean creme, but most people didn't order anything.)

I'm so excited. When I got IC, I was too sick to do anything for 3 years. Basically just went to work & came home to rest.
And now that I'm feeling better, most of my friends have toddlers & don't have time to go out. And, visiting & being Auntie Kadi is great, but not all the time.

Check it out! Maybe there's something nearby you that is low key & could work out fine, even if you're not up to the more adventurous stuff right now...

Let me know if you try it out:) Cheers,
Kadi :cat:

[Berkshire Road]

Meetup is actually the sponsor for my French speakers group. I love them! I'd never have found all these other Francophones on my own! And meetup.com sends me a listing of all the meetups in my area (about once a month); there are more than 500. There must be something for everyone.

If you're feeling bored or isolated (I know I was), I also highly recommend looking into a meetup group.

[lttlewun]

I'm confused. Do all the people no this site have IC or is it just a way of helping us get out there and meet new people? Thanks!

[sailawaygrl]

I just found this while looking for beginner yoga classes in my area. Looks interesting. I too have become very isolated and experience a lot of anxiety in new environments. I hope it works out for you. Let us know.

lttlewun: there are meetups for all sorts of things, someone else will hopefully explain how to find them on the net, I stumbled upon the ones I found while looking for local yoga classes

Sandra

[SharonA]

From the way I understand it...No, these people do not necessarily have IC. It is a way to meet people who have common interests.

[VCNJ84]

When I moved to a new area, I met a lot of friends (now some of my best friends) through meetup. I even met my current boyfriend in one of the groups.

[Julie B]

I am so glad that I saw this thread! As a (nearly) empty nester, I really need to get something to DO! lol

I would like to hear about other people's experiences!

[Packy]

Hi again everyone,

I also have connected to others on meetup.com. In my understanding if "we" wanted to start a local I.C.meetup.com in our local area we are welcomed to do that too.:)

Just like these people are doing http://ic.meetup.com/


Isolation is a killer!

[kadi]

I had a really nice year going to American Sign Language meetups, met great people in a very relaxed setting.

Yes, an IC meetup would work fine. I'd also recommend letting local urologists know about it so they can mention it to their patients.

[sailawaygrl]

I am dissappointed, IC meetups all around NC but none close enough to me. Hopefully more will become interested. If I can make myself do it, maybe I will see if some local urologists will allow a small message in their offices to alert people of the possibility. Right now I am working so hard on my own health and healing, I am too worn out to think of anything else. I am using all the self help techniques and they are helping, but are also a lot of work.