New IC Patient here!

[missmichele]

Hi Everyone,

I am 24 years old, from British Columbia, Canada. I have recently been diagnosed with IC. I was diagnosed a few months ago actually, and am very slowly beginning to accept that IC is what I actually have. I have been told I have so many different things for so long, while my symptoms got worse. My boyfriend's dad is a doctor, and because of recurring trips to various doctors, without successful diagnoses, my boyfriend labeled me a hypochondriac. He is now my EX-boyfriend! We all need to have supportive people around us! I wanted to just ignore IC and get better, as the reality of it is frightening, but facing this head on will probably generate better results. My urologist is difficult to talk to and is not fond of internet research, as few doctors seem to be, so I am finding myself in the dark, beyond the basics that my urologist covered. Sifting through the information seems like so much work. Does anyone have basic tips that can help that don't require going to a doctor for approval or medication. I recently found out from a different doctor that both glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally found within the bladder lining and may be lacking in IC patients so it can help to take those. I'm really not sure who to trust though. I am especially interested in the correlation of stress and anxiety to IC and if a lot of people find reduced stress leads to reduced symptoms. Sorry for such a long message!

Thanks for providing this space to post.

Michele

[stef000]

where are you from??
i am in victoria....
heres a good site to find a good urologist....
http://www.ratemds.com/social/?q=node/28882&sid=53&orderby=DSpecialty&letter=Urology
yeah its hard to know who to trust and what to do....
its the hard thing about IC since we all react to everything differently and all have different triggers and different symptoms and side effects....
if you need any help just message me and i can give you my e-mail address...
i can try and help ya out....
its hard but you have found the right place...
and since we are in the same province i can help ya out with the local stuff...
well remember you are not alone k??
remember that....
and i can try and help ya out or any of the other nice people on here can help ya too.....
take care
and remember you are not alone AND there is such a thing as IC....:smile tee
:welcome::pray::pray::grouphug::grouphug:

[statesboro]

I just want to let you know that I was noticing you were saying sorry for such a long message. Ok. It is ok to vent as much as you feel the need to on here. (or so I will say) Besides, we have been there and done that. (or some individuals)Yep! It's not good that we have got IC, but It is still good you have been properly diagnosed by now. It is good that someone from the same province chimed in. I am in Statesboro, GA., by the way. I can say I did not have a computer when I got diagnosed over 11 years ago. Of course, there is much more information about IC by now. Some of us probably know more than many doctors do. Yep! Oh! You may feel lost like I did at first.(or however long) (like I must be the only one) Oh! You get rid of the boyfriend. Ok, then. You will probably get some stress here and there, but I don't know how to talk about the correlation too good. It won't help IC any. (hmmm) Some will probably chime in and tell you to try following what some call the"IC diet". Of course, you can get CystaQ with going to a doctor. (and took one a little bit ago) Yep! You can find information on the home page or other websites if interested in it. It obviously won't work right away. We all hope so. Some of us don't do good on certian medications to begin with. I think I have gone on long enough. I happen to work 6:00pm-2:00am and just realized it is 3:23 by now. Geez! I did not realize. I am about ready to fallout now. Take care and be good.

[ICNDonna]

I'm glad you found the IC Network. The Patient Handbook should be a huge help to you --- and it contains the IC Diet information. If you aren't already on an IC diet, I suggest you begin now. That single step can help more than any other.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[glassd18]

Hi there!!! Welcome to the ICN. This website saved my butt when I was first diagnosed, and very scared. Everyone is so helpful!!! You've come to the right place!!

[SharonA]

:welcome: to the ICN...:):):)

You can find the link to the Patient Handbook in my signature. :) I really an glad that you found your way here. :)

[kbunker@att.net]

Hello Miss Michelle !

I also am newly diagnosed and learning that the urology nurses do not like my questions or that i have found this Network and cannot understand why my urethrea and bladder were angry for days after the instills. That is frustrating and it helps to come here and read!!

It is also so hard to know who to trust. The fact that there are thousands of others here struggling with this who can offer time tested advice is priceless!! THANK YOU to Jill and all those who have built this wonderful website.

For me, there are many other health things going on and several other chronic pain conditions ( some resulting from numerous injuries). I like to see ( below people's signatures") what other things folks are dealing with in addition to IC ( but I don't know how to do it yet) . It helps me hang on during days when I'd really rather not be inside this body at all anymore. Imagining myself crawlin up in Jesus' lap helps. I also have my mantra, "When I'm in Heaven, I won't care!":pray:

I have never posted on a site like this before so I need to learn how to use the posting and signature features etc. Bear with me folks and thanks ! Kat :pray:

[leelee88]

Hello and :welcome: Glad you found us!!!

[VickiB]

I wanted to just ignore IC and get better, as the reality of it is frightening, but facing this head on will probably generate better results.

Yep, it's hard but you'll be way better off if you just face it. Because then you will start 'doing'. In my situation I found it wasn't until I became proactive, diet, meds, lifestyle changes, etc, that I became better. Most people do find their way to a much better place after diagnosis and treatment, and you're likely to be one of them!

Glad to have you join us!

Vicki