I need help!!

[jgyrlsc]

Hello to all fellow IC members -(who probably feel like I do a majority of the time--in hell with IC.)

I was being treated for a kidney or urinary tract infection since the age of 16 until I went to my dr. at 19 and told him bluntly that that wasn't the right diagnose for my problem. So my freshman year of college I was diagnosed. I was sent to a specialist and on my 20th bday we did the cytoscopsy (msp). I was on elmiron and a couple other medications but nothing was seeming to help but a lot of tylenol. I had nothing for pain and I haven't since. I got fed up with taking medication like a senior citizen around the clock, so I stopped completely. If I hurt, I either cry, pace, take plenty of tylenol, or i sit in a bath tub full of hot water( which for some odd reason it feels like it helps me so much). I have been in a flare for at least 5 months now. For those five I hurt, and bad. I recently started seeing my future husband ( but for now we will call him bf-lol). He is so wonderful and very thoughtful of my condition. He listens to me all the time complain and moan about IC. And needless to say--College has been stressful. I am going back to the doctor next week and asking for pain medication and treatment. I have learned that it will not heal on its on. I need to tell my college professors whats going on but don't know how. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to say and also about what to ask for when i visit the wonderful doctor??

thanks for your time
jada

[Katrina]

:welcome: :welcome: :welcome:
Welcome to the ICN!!!
Take a look at the IC handbook
http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/
It has info on talking with your doctor http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/doctor.html on talking with your college professors read this info http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/work.html#disclosure it is meant for jobs but it may still be able to guide you. Personally I think tell them only what you are comfortable with and be sure to include how it may affect your schooling. Explain if it makes you need to leave class for the bathroom....and you need to take meds...that have side affects (sometimes important to share especially at college) if they have rules about some meds you need to know.....and if you have doctor appointments that make you miss school.

If I can help you anymore please let me know.
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.

[vm]

Taking all those meds is a bummer, isn't it? :( I hated having to buy a little pillbox to hold all my meds - I did feel like someone's grandparent.

On the flip-side, 3 years later I am still on all those meds AND I feel normal 90% of the time. Small price to pay for feeling good again. I'd take 50 pills a day to feel like this if I had to. Trust me, if you find meds that do help ---- it is ALL worth it. :)

[ICNDonna]

You've been given some good advice. I think seeing doctor and getting back on some treatments is the right direction to move.

Warm healing thoughts,
Donna

[amaris]

Your college should also have an office for students with disabilities/special needs. With proper documentation they may be able to help with things parking closer to campus (sometimes it's hard for me to walk far distances when in pain).

Also, I've found it easier to deal with flares on campus by having an IC tool kit in my purse. It fits in my bookbag and to everyone else just looks like a purse, but it has my day time pill box, adhesive heating pad, OTC stuff like motrin and Prelief, and a small bottle of water. It also makes it easy to go out because I just pull my purse out of the bookbag and know I have everything I need--no more scrambling at the last minute to find everything.

Glad your seeking some help from a doc and hope your visit goes well.