Week 2: dream or nightmare?

[lindy lou]

I never imagined a disease like this. I have been through much in 51 years but there was always a light at the end of the tunnel. I had even thought I would have to deal somewhere down the line with arthitis or cancer, family history, but have been so blown away by the last 2 weeks, or really 5 months. In many ways, I am fortunate for a speedy diagnosis and the variety of available treatments. I am desperate for pain relief and know that it may take time and patience to find the right combo for me. This is like dealing with the loss of a loved one. Not sure which phase I'm in but I know this will change my life. Hopefully I will have a new normal soon. Thanks again to all of you who have posted and continue to PM me. YOU are my lifeline! Family doesn't get it like you do. Linda

[ICNDonna]

You'll make it! It may, as you say, take a while so hang in there!

There are two books that I suggest you read. One is The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide by Dr. Robert Moldwin; the other, by IC patient Bev Laumann, is titled A Taste Of The Good Life. Both are available at http://www.ic-network.com/shop/ well worth reading, especially for a new IC patient.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[rumbat]

Oh – yes that comfortable familiar. It does seem like a nightmare at times. I find it comforting that this is not terminal – although chronic pain is NO fun. But normal – well that is a term that is thrown around all too much. What is normal to one… may seem strange to another, haha.

Once you come to terms with IC and you (and find treatments)– you can begin your own normal again. It may not be the one you previously knew, but it is possible.

Good luck to you!

[SharonA]

:grouphug: :kissing: You can make it. :thumbsup:

[Sarojini]

:grouphug: :grouphug:

No doubt about it, IC changes life around some... but you will find things that work for you and you will feel better! you can do it!!! :grouphug:

:)

[carla_2004]

During very low IC times for me, one comforting thought is that my flare will not last forever, the pain won't always be a 9 or 10. Like a prayer or mantra, I often tell myself, "this, too, shall pass."

Some days, weeks, months are better than others. Some days I do better living with IC, some days I frankly, feel like whale snot. We all handle this disease differently.

Hugs to you during this difficult period. We understand how you feel and that it's overwhelming at times. Carla

[rumbat]

Whale snot - I may have to borrow that one. There are whale snot days!

[carla_2004]

rumbat,

You don't want to know what I first wrote! :ignore: Whale snot is a much more board friendly term to use! LOL!!

Carla

[kadi]

Okay, do whales actually have noses?
(This is why I don't teach Science!!!)

[Katrina]

I will definatly agree with you.....I know from personal experience how fully health problems can hurt your heart the way the loss of loved one can....I went through all of the stages of a loss the first time I had to face hole heartedly how bad my health was.....I hated the stages but the end was a lot of growth. I new from that point on that purpose in life was to help others. If you read my hope story it will tell you a bit about that. I do believe that if I survived all that I have you can survive IC too.....and we will help you! :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :kiss: :kiss:

[rumbat]

I think whales have snouts… and they are mammals – so whale snot is surely a possibility. Suppose there are many worse things one can feel like :) :lmao:

[lindy lou]

On a lighter note, yes whales have nostrils. It's their blow hole and stuff does come out. We saw about 20 humpback whales on a cruise to Alaska just before my dx of IC. Whether it is snot or not, I can't say. We didn't get close enough to see the texture, ewww. For those who are interested, whales swallow huge amount of water and food when they dive to feed. Then when they surface, they blow the water and whatever out the blow hole. Hence, whale snot might not be too far from the truth. It was amazing seeing them as close as we did. Thanks for the reminder of pleasant times BIC (that's Before IC). And I am a science teacher.
Linda

[Sarojini]

LOL... this thread really cheered me this morning... I am in bed with pre-period pain and residual soreness from trigger point injections, and needed a good laugh :lmao: :D

[lindy lou]

Isn't that what we are here for. Laugh through our pain together. The thread I started in a down time has turned it around at least for a few minutes this morning. Linda