how am i going to do this?

[rant]

Deal with IC for the rest of my life?

I can't stomach the thought of it sometimes.. which I know must sound horribly self-involved for all of you out there who have had IC for much longer than I can fathom...

But lately I can't get over it... this disease and its life-changing pain.

[tigger_gal]

you have come to the right place for support, therre is a bunch of great gals that can help you deal woth your IC. glad you found us, welcome to our home,

[Sunflower2]

I know how frustrating it is to deal with IC. We all here know that. There are times when I feel so low and just want to cry. I think we all have gone through the stage of being a " Victim of IC " one point in our lives. However,don't let this IC control your life. You have to take control of IC. Not the other way around. You know what I mean??? Yes, it's not easy thing to do. But if you decided to do so, you'll learn to see so many good things around you in a different way. I believe that there is a reason for everything. You just have to find it in your way. Don't try to look wayyyyyyyyyyyy ahead of your future. Just take one day at time.

[dancemomof2]

:welcome: to the ICN, you will make it through. We have all been we you are at one point in our life with IC. Let any one of us know if we can help.

[aprilmae]

I can totally relate to how you are feeling. I still have days that it bothers me - especially when I want to fix something new for dinner and have to think about all of the ingredients first! However, IC has taught me a lot of things. For one, I have learned that I am important and that I have to take care of me. I used to be constantly on the go and always took care of me last. Well, I don't have the luxury of ignoring my body as it lets me know immediately if it feels neglected!

One day at a time is how most of us live our lives with IC. Some days will be good and others will be not so good. However, you will eventually reach point where you have a lot of good days.

Hang in there. When you are in the process of learning more about IC and start feeling overwhelmed, take a break. This whole thing is easier to digest in small doses.

Ask lots of questions and reach out to us for support. We are here to help.

April

[leelee88]

Hello and :welcome: To the ICN

I have found with IC you have to take one day at a time as Sunflower2 mentioned. And you have to be your on advocate about this disease. There are many treatments out there for people who have IC, just finding the right one for you is the key. It took me awhile to get where I am at. So I know there is hope!

This forum has alot of very good tips and info that can help you. The one thing I highly recommend would be starting the IC diet. This has really helped me and alot others.

Also the Patient Handbook has alot of helpful information in it.. I will give you the link:

http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/

Hang in there.. Things will get better!

[rant]

Thank you, ladies. Self-care is the most important thing, I know. Thanks for giving me that little kick in the butt.

[ICNDonna]

:welcome: to the IC Network. I'm very glad you found us. When I was diagnosed with IC early in 1975, I had many of the same feelings you are experiencing right now. But what I found is that once I accepted that I would have to make some life changes, it became much easier.

Just remember that nearly everyone with IC does find effective treatments and most of us feel good most of the time.

Hang in there --- you'll make it!

Hugs,
Donna

[Claredale]

Rant, it is alot to deal with. Right when I feel that I have things "under control" and that people understand, I will get frustrated and have been dealing with this disease a long time.

I am sitting here at work with my heating pad on my lap and drinking hot water because i am just so cold here in the office. One of my co-workers. She is really a sweet lady and she has her share of issues including a mom with more problems than I can even type out plus dementia. Anyway, she was asking me if I was cramping. I guess people think that with a heating pad on your lap...I told her that because I have IC, I just can't handle being cold so the heating pad helps me stay warm or I would be hurting which would cause pain and I would be at home in bed. She said can't you take something for it. I gave her a brief history of what IC was and that there isn't a cure, I just have to make the right choices about my food, not get stressed, get as much rest as possible, etc. She said you look so healthy, I would never know you were sick. I told her I will probably always be "sick", but for the most part, I function normally most every day. When I first was diagnosed with IC, I used to miss alot of days, but now that I am on the right combo of meds, I very seldom miss work anymore.

[rant]

It's weird.. but.. it's comforting (is that awful?) to hear you say those things, Tracey83. For the first time ever, I kinda understand WHY people go to support groups and things. It's almost a treatment in and of itself -- knowing that there's someone under the same sky as you who knows exactly what you are feeling, and more.

Merci.