Handling Pain in Class

[Cortana-mana]

So right now, most of my IC symptoms are well under control; however, I have huge pelvic floor problems and recently started physical therapy. I have appointments every MWF, but I have a night class on Mondays.

I tend to have an IC flare after PT appointments and my muscles are sore. Does anyone have any tricks they try to feel better in those awful desks?

[vm]

Maybe a special cushion (they sell some in the ICN Shop) and one of those adhesive heating pads?

[ICNDonna]

I was going to suggest an IC pillow, but Kim beat me to it :). They are designed to avoid pressure on the perineum so they can make sitting much more comfortable.

Another thought; when I'm tired or uncomfortable, I have a tendency to slouch --- which makes it worse. I find that if I sit straight with feet flat on the floor, I do much better.

Donna

[kadi]

When I had a back injury, I often would stand during at least part of each class. I just told the instructors my back hurt & no one ever minded if I stood at the back of the room. So many people have back injuries, it's kinda common...

[Kara Isabel]

I suggest a little pillow to sit on and maybe even one for your lower back so you aren't sitting funny, I know at times I can make something worse by straining one part of my body to accomodate the pain of another part.

[katie87]

Sitting for long time in class really tenses my pelvic muscles bad and even causes spasms. I really agree with the others, an IC or even back cushion would help make you more comfortable! I know my muscles are still contracted bad but I also try to go for at least one bathroom break to stretch out a little and of course pee!

[stacyoigirl]

Maybe if you are able to put your feet up on a chair or another desk while in class. You can situate your self differently too. I sometimes have my feet up and kinda sit to the side on my hip, almost like lying on your side. It can become uncomfortable but can give you a little 'relief'.

Hope you figure it out!

[genepluseva]

if you dont want to bring a pillow/cushion to class even just sitting on a sweatshirt (which acts as a cushion) helps me out. And people do this all the time at my school, just because the seats are cold/uncomfortable so maybe you would feel more comfortable trying this and see if it helps- not that you should care what other people think. hope this helps!

[Cortana-mana]

Hey thanks for all of the ideas guys! The cushion is really helpful!

[Briza]

Sitting for long periods of time causes me discomfort, pain, burning, too! The IC cushion is great, and you can cover it with a nice pillow case so it doesn't look "special." BUt really ANY kind of chair cushion is helpful...all the suggestions above are very good, even the sweathshirt suggestion I have used whether it be my jacket or sweater or whatever, as is the one about having an empty seat in front of you to prop your feet up to change postions occasionally. Also having a towel to roll up and put behind lower back is helpful in keeping posture in good position as slouching we often tend to do...like Kara Isabel said often we sit improperly to compensate for the pain or irritation in one place or another.
Another thing that really helps me in these situations is a cold can or cold bottle of soda....placing it between the legs in our already there natural and convenient "cupholder" gives me much relief from burning between my legs, urethral burning and I can occasionally roll can on my belly inconspicously to help calm the pressure or burning in my bladder. Is much less conspicuous than having an ice pack on my belly in public!!! Also it works good for cooling those areas on drives to and from school or work or anywhere...cuz you can always stop at any corner store and buy a can of cold soda. It has saved me in many situations. A lot of times I put cans of soda in freezer before I go anywhere in the car so that they get to be about half frozen...completely frozen just seems to cold. Anyway, just an idea if cold therapy isn't something you have tried....I'm an odd one it seems and I rarely use a heating pad because I respond so much better to cold therapy!
Take care!