Got the IC news today

[Just Mary]

Hello, my name is Mary and just turned 32, and my body is falling apart. I don't know what to do. I am not looking forward to life without pizza, ice tea, and chocolate. I know it will get better, but right now, I'm just in the initial shock. I have so many tests and appointments lined up I just don't know where to begin.

Any wisdom from the wise?

Thanks

[blondiecat]

:hi: and Welcome to ICN. Sorry to hear that you have IC but very glad that you found this wonderful website. I too have just learned that I have IC 15 days ago. There is so much information here and wonderful people here that understands how you feel. Here is a link for the IC Patients Handbook http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/ I have found it to be a wonderful wealth of information.

[Babs RN]

Welcome to the ICN. This site is great for the resources as well as building awesome cyberbuddies. Let me know if I can help.


Hugs.
Barb

[theclownster]

Hi Mary! I'm sorry to hear that you got the IC diagnosis. I'm glad to meet you and wanted to welcome you to the ICN. It's a great place that provided me the most comfort when I was first diagnosed. There's a lot of great people here.

As far as the IC diet - it can be a pain, but I will say that the diet varies from person to person and some of the things you mentioned may be things you can eat on occasion. I personally can eat pizza with no problem. I also use prelief so that probably helps too. I do have a couple of no no trigger foods but as long as I watch it, I can endulge in them from time to time without having too much trouble. It's a bit of trial and error, but eventually you find the things that work the best for you. If you have questions, let us know and we will try to help you find answers.

Welcome aboard. May you find relief from your symptoms very soon.
Warm Regards ~
Jennifer

[Iris]

Hi Mary, and wanted to add my welcome, sorry to hear you have IC, but you have come to the right place for support, and compassion from so many wonderful gals, and our few guys who are dealing with IC. The handbook is wonderful, and the ICN is a wealth of information to help you along. I know it takes a while to find the right foods to eat, but we all differ in that respect. It also takes time to find the right meds or whatever course of treatments works for you, but know that we are all here to support you, whenever needed. Welcoming hug, Iris. :hi: :welcome: :grouphug: :flower:

[Sarojini]

:welcome: to the ICN!! You'll find a lot of info here -- a good place to start is the Patient Handbook, and I believe someone's already given you the link to that above. :)

I know the IC news is pretty tough to take, but think of it this way -- at least you know what is wrong now, and you can now begin to explore the treatment options and get on the road to feeling great :)

I'm glad you decided to post. Everyone here is wonderful, and there's a lot of support. We're all here for you any time you have a question or just want to vent.

Good luck :grouphug:

[ICNDonna]

I'd just like to add another :welcome: to the IC Network family.

I know that an IC diagnosis is not what any of us want to hear, but I also know, after almost 30 years with IC, that there is life with IC. It may take a while to find which treatment options work best for you and which foods and drinks you need to avoid, but most of us do --- and most of us feel good most of the time.

For a long time I didn't eat things like pizza, but one time I tried it without tomato sauce and found it tastes good anyhow. I'm very allergic to tomato so that's not a temptation for me.

There's a wonderful cookbook for ICers, written by an IC patient, Bev Laumann. The title is, A Taste Of The Good Life. It's available from the IC Network Shop at http://www.ic-network.com/shop The book contains excellent information explaining the IC diet, as well as the recipes.

And when you have questions, feel free to post them. We aren't physicians and can't give direct medical advice, but are happy to share our own experiences.

Warm welcoming hugs,
Donna

[VickiB]

Hi Mary, glad to have you join us!

I know the diagnosis of IC, and looking at changing your diet does seem a bit overwhelming at first. We've all pretty much been there! I remember in the beginning feeling awful sorry for myself because of all the things I could no longer eat & drink. But somewhere along the way I've found substitutes and I rarely feel deprived. Perhaps you are one of those who can eat pizza. If not, pizza without the tomato sauce is surprisinly good! So is white chocolate! And for those other foods that you just have to have (but shouldn't) - there's always Prelief. Just take your IC one day at a time!

Best of luck!

Vicki

[Katrina]

:welcome: :welcome:
Welcome to the ICN!! I am sorry you have IC :( but thrilled you found us :woohoo: I know the initial shock is hard....and looking at the big change can be very scary...but I know you can handle it. You have already done the right thing by researching your disease and showing up here for support!

Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you have..... :grouphug:

http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7562 this link is a pain managment post. The second page has 4 attachments...the last one is a list of ideas for IC pain.....take a look if pain is problem for you.

[crystilclear]

As you can see there are a lot of caring people here. I would try the prelief which has helped me a lkot. Take everything one day at a time. It is ok to cry about it. When I found out I was in shock for awhile and needed to grieve for the life I nolonger had. Things will get better though. Give yourself lots of TLC. If you hurt take a break. I put myself through a lot of pain by trying to push too hard too soon. There are a lot of meds that can help. I hope that you will find the right treatments that will help you as well. Just give yourself some time. You'll be ok and get through this too. Take care - Chris

[steph4308]

Dear Mary--Welcome!
I second what Chris said. There is a grieving period but it will get better. You are entitled to lots of TLC! Don't work too hard and stay out of the heat. An ice pack, recliner and a good movie are my best friends! Take care! Steph

[Just Mary]

Thanks everyone.

[theclownster]

No problem Mary! That's what we are here for. Please feel free to post anytime - even if it's just to vent.

Take Care!
Jennifer