Has This Happened to Anyone?

[songbird7]

The unpredictable nature of IC and its limitations. I am so frustrated right now because I have a chance to attend something very rare but I would need to go to a part of San Francisco to get there. I am out in the suburbs. Public transportation is possible, (rapid transit) but I have no idea if I can make it and I even thought of taking public transportation part way and taxi for the rest. A friend said she'd help out with the taxi. It is scarry for me to think of going there and yet I want to go so very much. Its easier when things are closer by. Even with taxi it's not close to home. I don't know if I should take the chance yet if I don't I know I will regret it. I am flaring like anything right now thinking about the whole thing much less actually going there. Has this sort of dilemma happened to anyone and what did you do about it?
(((( ))))
Songbird:(

[kadi]

Hi Songbird,
I also live in the Bay Area. Hmm, wonder if we're neighbors:) I just took BART into SF last Saturday to go to Yerba Buena Gardens! First time since I got sick and I was pretty nervous, but it turned out great...
A few things I figured out...
1. Drive or have someone take you to an "above ground" BART station to depart from the suburbs. Those restrooms are still open. Underground stations currently have their restrooms locked down due to terror alert.
2. If you go to the Powell Street Station, it's super-convenient to find a restroom in spite of the underground station issue, because of the Nordstrom shopping center there. There's a clean public restroom just steps away from the station entrance to the shopping center.
3. Calling for a cab with cell phone, might be easier than flagging one down in the street if you have far to go in the city & can't walk it...
4. Remember to take cash for your ticket, if you need to use credit card, there's a $20 minimum.
5. Starbucks restrooms are clean & there's a Starbucks on a gazillion corners in the city... I just tried the Vanilla Creme (no coffee! tastes like vanilla milkshake)!
6. And of course all the usual suggestions about IC--thermacare heat pad if heat is helpful, carry your own bottled water, pack your prelief & IC safe snacks...

If you know you will regret not going, you have your answer! But, I also like Jill's idea, (I think it's hers!) about deciding beforehand that if pain/symptoms exceeded a preset amount, that she'd call off the plan for the day. I wish I knew where she'd written about it, because I'd like to reread it for myself...

Hope you get to go & have a great time:)

[creatingkarma]

I have been putting my life off for a year now & have gotten fed up with doing that. I am no longer going to wait until I feel good to go somewhere or do something. I have decided that if I wait until I feel good then I'll never do anything. I have missed so much in the past year & wish I could do it all over. You sound like you want to go very badly, so my advice to you is go for it & have fun.

[Cheryl529]

Hi songbird, looks like these memebers have given you great advice! I would definitely listen to your heart and bladder. It sounds like you really want to go so it may be worth the effort. I suggest watching your diet as much as possible and take any medications regularly. I believe you can purchase a special card in the IC shop for your wallet that explains you have a condition that requires you to use the restroom immeadiately. That way if your out and need to go, hopefully you will be able to with out road blocks. Some places say for customers only or if there is a line. I'm not sure but you may be able to purchase a medical alert braclet for IC with the same statement on the back about needing access to bathrooms. Good luck. :angel: