Ways to Cope

[Teresa Stokes]

How can I cope with pain everyday while working a full time, and currently trying to obtain my Master's degree. The pain is so bad that I feel like giving up but of course I know I can't and I will not let IC win my life. Does anyone else have pain everyday at work? If so, what do you do for the pain?

[Briza]

hi
I am sorry for your current struggles....have been there, too. :grouphug: There was a time where I dealt with pain daily at work and this is what helped me:
Pain med
Pyridium
Lidocaine gel and patches
Drinking lots of water
Diet
Placing a cold can of soda on my lower belly and/ or holding one between my legs
Stick on heating pads worn under clothing
Regular plug-in heating pad when working at desk
IC chair cushion (can be bought here in the ICN shop)
Antidepressant daily
Anti-anxiety med as needed
Trying to be proactive about using the RR b/c when I have to hold it problems begin...drinking plenty of water helps keep my urine diluted and wards off urgency and burning...and if do that I have less pain and less frequency
Coming straight home from work when possible to my meds and doing self help stuff and lying down on the couch with cold pack on belly and between legs and heating pad on back
Resting as much as possible on the weekends.
Hope this helps. I have taken Tylenol at times when I didn't have pain meds...did not completely relieve pain but took a bit of the edge off, especially when taken at first sign of pain, burning.
Hang in there...good luck with your master's!! That is something I should've started on long time ago! Take care....

[ICNDonna]

You have already taken a great coping step by deciding that you will not allow IC to rule your life! Just remember that there will be better days ahead.

Sending encouraging hugs,
Donna

[NancyB]

Dear Teresa -

How about going to see a pain management physician. If pain is your main problem, that should help you.

NancyB:)

[sickofmybladder]

I should buy stock on the stick-on heating things - they are wonderful! I always keep one with me - I also drink only spring water at work and try to drink throughout the day to keep my urine diluted. I wear comfortable clothes and shoes as often as possible. If you have a desk job - I highly recommend the IC cushion for your office chair.

Some days are harder than others - so take care of yourself at home and make sure you allow your body to rest as much as possible.

I hope you feel better soon.