I think I have IC

[caitlinsmom]

I really wonder if I have IC. I feel like I have to constantly go to the bathroom and that my bladder feels irritated. I do not have any pain, except I feel a llittle irritation near the urethra after I am finished using the bathroom. The doc gave me some blue pills which do no good at all. I guess the scope is the next thing. He said it could be IC. The same thing happened 2 1/2 years ago, and went away as quickly as it started, (along with a month of Detrol) so I just did not go back to the doc. My new doc has heard of IC, but I do know know his stance on it so to speak. I look under docs on the board, but the ones close to me do not take my insurance.

I guess I am afraid of feeling like this forever. I could just cry. What if it gets worse? Right now stay home with my son, but what if I can't go back to work? I would like to retire and send my kids to school. My husband does not know what to say. If I have IC will make life rough on everyone in the house and they do not deserve that.

My mom has a chronic illness, MS ( i do not have it, had a MRI that was normal) And her life has stopped. She rarely gets out of bed, and maybe sits in the chair to read that paper. The docs say her disease is not that severe, but look ay what has happened. She takes enough pills to run a drugstore. I think she is hooked on few on them also. She even admits it, but she does not care. I guess I do not want the same thing to happen to me.

I could just cry I am so scared and miserable. Any help would be appreciated.

[vm]

Sweetie..... :kissing:

I felt sooooo similarly to your post when I first found this site. I was thrilled to find such a warm, caring place full of support and information. But many,many times I logged off bawling my head off b/c it scared me to think what my future might be like. :(

What I can tell you is that my symptoms were very similar to what you describe (and you still may not have IC - it could just be overactive bladder or something else) and 3 years later I spend most days free of discomfort. I rarely flare now and that constant awareness of my bladder is gone 95% of the time thanks to medication.

I am glad you are working with a doctor. The sooner you investigate these things the better. That way if you DO have IC, you can get started right away on finding the treatments that will work for you.

Hang in there!!!!! This disease doesn't always have a horrible ending.

[Sarojini]

I think you should go back to your doctor and get a formal diagnosis. I found that the most stressful time was before I was diagnosed -- when I was sitting and wondering what on Earth could be wrong with me and stressing out about the "What if's."

You may not have IC at all!! However, you need to find out for sure so you can begin treatment and start feeling better (and so you can ease your mind). Keep in mind that while you read some scary stories here on the boards, most people with IC find a treatment or a set of treatments that work and they are out there living life and feeling great most of the time! There IS life with IC.

I'm sorry your mom has MS... it can be a pretty devastating disease and I am sure it is hard on you too. :( It can be very painful, too, so it is indeed possible that she is dependent on pain meds. However, there is a difference between physical dependence on meds and addiction. Physical dependence means that her body chemistry has become used to the meds, and withdrawal may occur if she stops taking them -- but it does not mean she is taking them for a "high" or a "buzz". THAT would be addiction. She is simply taking them because she is in pain -- Would you rather she were dependent and comfortable, or off the meds and screaming in pain?

Good luck with everything!! I hope you can find something that makes you feel better soon!

[ICNDonna]

:welcome: to the IC Network.

I would agree with the other responses you have received. It's always better to know what it is that you're dealing with. And if it is IC, you can begin treatments to help you feel better. You'll find information in the Patient Handbook at http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/ One thing you can do right now is to put yourself on an IC diet to see if it helps. And even if you don't have IC, it can't harm you.

IC is not considered to be a progressive disease --- it gets worse in only a very tiny percentage of cases. Most people with IC are able to live normal lives with IC. I was diagnosed almost 30 years ago and I live a very active life.

Sending warm welcoming hugs,
Donna

[caitlinsmom]

I would like to thank you for your help. I looked at the foods list, and I have been consuming many foods on the bad for you list. I am on the South Beach Diet, and many of the good foods for that maybe upsetting my bladder.

I was happy to hear that IC is not progressive.

Thank you. I amgoing to call the Dr. asap on MOnday and ask them what they want to do since I am not feeling better.

[SharonA]

:hi: :welcome: So glad to meet you.

I am going to "ditto" the other posts. Yes, there is life with IC. I am living proof of that. Like Jen said, most people over time find the treatments that work for them. I did and I feel pretty normal most of the time. Well, my husband might beg to differ about me being normal but that has nothing to do with IC. :lmao: