Nervous about grad. school

[Cara03]

I am newly diagnosed with IC and I was hoping to talk with some others who have been going to grad. school or plan to. I graduated from college a few years ago and I have a master's in public health. But I started taking classes after work to get all of my science pre-recs. done so I can apply to a physician assistant program this fall. The faculty of the program said that it is the hardest thing we will ever do and it involves long hours every day, lots of stress, and lots of clinical work at hospitals and travel. I was completely ready to go until all of this started (mainly bladder pressure and constant urgency). I have good days and bad, and I just started a medication (hydroxyzine) so I am not sure how I am going to feel from the medication yet. I also started PFD therapy which I'm hoping will help me. I am jsut nervous that I will not feel better and won't be able to get through the program. This is what I really want to do, but I was wondering if any others out there have very demanding jobs or school programs and how they cope. Am I crazy for thinking I can go on to more school in a difficult program? It makes me sad to think that I might not feel good enough to do this. If I get in I will have a year and a half from now to get things under control- is that possible? Any info. or guidance would be greatly appreciated!

:toilet: <--This little toilet guy cracks me up

[needsrelief]

Hello, I have had IC for about 4 years now. I was diagnosed last year through bladder biopsy. I have my Bachelor's in Business Finance. Im applying this year for my Master's in Social Work. Im stressed out too. I got rejected from one school and I have 2 more schools to hear from now. Give atarax time to work like a month. but you need to try to stick to the IC diet to get the best results. If that doesnt work there are other ones you can try. I have had bad luck with the prescriptions but that is because I was being stubborn and eating spicy foods and citrus fruits. Now I realize the only way Im going to heal is to get rid of this stuff or eat much less of it. Dont give up hope.I wish you luck

[michyh]

I just finished a placement for a masters in Learning/Beh Disorders where I had to be in t he classroom four hours a day and then write all afternoon and attend classes at night. I learned that I likely have IC and was in much pain.
In the beginning it was difficult. I had great support to go to the bathroom when I needed to and we worked that into my schedule to avoid urgency issues. Many days I was in a lot of pain with no relief. An herb, wood betony , helped through the second half. I got it from a trusted herbalist and physicians assistant here in Louisville KY. That made a big difference in the muscle pain as did regular treatments in muscle trigger point therapy by a good chiropractor who uses massage. A book, Healing Pelvic Pain , had good relaxation techniques. I came home and lay down with heating pad for an hour daily. This helped me go on the rest of the day.
Hope this helps. Best to you .This is not easy for any of us and I feel like one of the lucky ones compared to others here.