im new

[Katia]

Hello my name is Katia
Im a 38 yr old mother of two and breast cancer survivor. after 28 surgeries I only have the vagina left and now even that is causing me problems..For about 6 months now i have experienced cramps so bad i double over..actually if you look back 16 years i was experienceing the same pain all those years ago and instead of helping they would take things out, if she hurts, give her a DX and remove it and they did..now all these years later i have seen 7 doctors in the last few weeks and finally one dx's me as IC and VV, well he said he THINKS its this and i need to go to another specialist.. as i sit here reading these posts i am crying because you all are telling my story...man do i feel mentally insane when i get cramps from sitting at work too long.. WHo gets this ?? no one...the pain is incredible and getting worse... im in full blown menopause now and off all estrogens and after reading your posts i think its best I go see that specialist and pray he has a clue how to help me. My faith is very strong, God will see me through but this is hell, truly hell .... can i ask a question ?? my doctor says i have severe vagina atrophy as well.. the vagina has shriveled up and is really no use to me any longer.. at 38 with a sexy husband and the fact that in lost my breasts to cancer 2 yrs ago, im kind of sad about that.. have any of you expereinced this ?
thanks for listening
Katia

[Sue]

:grouphug: :angel: :grouphug: :welcome:

[vm]

Oh, Katia. I am so glad you found us. :) I hope that this suspicion of IC leads to some relief for you!

I know what you mean about crying as you read the posts. I have done the same thing many times. It feels so good to be able to "talk to" others who have been where we have been. :kissing:

I like your signature line. I was reading a verse today I bet you'd like. OK, a couple. :lmao:

"What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35, 37-39)


"Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)

Hope to see you around!

:hi:

[Sarojini]

:welcome: to the ICN!

I hope your specialist can confirm what is wrong, so that you can finally get the treatment you need!

You certainly have been through a lot :grouphug:

You'll find lots of support and info here... enjoy!!

[sleepyangel30]

Katia, I hope you will get well soon, Remember god is always with you:angel:

[kelly McC]

Hi:hi: Katia,
Welome and glad you found us. Good luck with the specialist ! Best wishes and hope you get some relief soon,
Kelly:grouphug:

[Katrina]

:grouphug: :welcome: :grouphug:
I am sorry but I have not experienced that. I hope you get the relief and answers you need. Welcome to this great family.

I am glad you faith is very strong....that is how I get through.

Best Wishes,

[Babs RN]

Katia,
I had a hysterectomy at age 31 and was unable to take hormones--I have atrophy--and a hot husband too. Congrats on being a cancer survivor. Your faith must be very strong. I have not experienced cancer myself but as far as the atrophy and my cul-de-sac of a vagina--to be frank(and since sex is painful with the IC too)Chris and I have become very creative. PM me if you want to talk some more.

Welcome to the ICN. We are all here for you.

Hugs and a :kiss: ,
Barb

[ICNDonna]

I also have some atrophy --- but one thing that is helping is using hormone cream. It takes time to work, but is really helping me.

I hope the specialist, I assume it's a urologist, will diagnose you soon so you know exactly what it is you are dealing with. Somehow, that always makes it seem easier.

If it does turn out that you have interstitial cystitis, there are many treatment options available. I suggest you read the information in the Patient Handbook at http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/ You'll find information there about the IC diet, which I suggest you begin right away. You may find it gives you a lot of relief to just stop such things as coffee, sodas, and citrus.

I have had diagnosed IC for 29 years now and would like to assure you that there is life with IC. It may take a while to find the best treatments for you, but most of us feel good the majority of the time.

Sending warm welcoming hugs,
Donna

[Donna L]

Katina, I'm can't imagine all that you have gone through, and now you may be dealing with IC. I pray that the specialist you are to see will be knowledgable, and sensitive to the emotional toll you must be experiencing. If you do have IC, you will find that the women who post to this site are very caring, and will help you with any questions you may have. It seems as though many of us are christians,so prayers are always only a request away.Please let us know how you are doing.............Donna L

[Katia]

Thank you all for your love and support to my first message, you all seem like wonderful women and so kind to offer advice and friendship.. i guess i really wanted to be left alone after the cancer.. no more doctors but its really time to find out what this is so painfull.. the doctors tell me the atrophy does not bring nealry as much pain as i experience.
i have taken your advice and looked at the IC diet and have realized that as a semi vegetarian and chocoholic all my main foods in my diet are apparently bad for me.. this should be fun but worth it...
anwyay thanks for all your help i do appreciate it
Katia

[Katrina]

I love your quote about Jesus!!!! In my experience if the diet makes a huge difference you most likely have IC. Good luck to you!!!!

:pray: Best Wishes;) :hi: