Dreading the return of symptoms

**judyblue** · 08-19-2006, 02:03 AM

Thanks to a hydro in early June, I am continuing with a glorious remission. But I am dreading the day the symptoms return. I am on no medications and basically hold to the IC diet, except I am now able to enjoy 1/2 a diet coke per day. I can also put small amounts of salad dressing on my salads again - creamy ones, no vinagarettes. I keep very far away from tomatoes. I have had a cup of coffee with no incident. I have also been able to enjoy sex with my husband again. That was a big deal for both of us. I go to the restroom about 9 times a day and I sleep through the nights most of the time now..thanks to Ativan. I have developed a thyroid condition and I'm on prednisone and they gave me Ativan to counteract it. Now my nights are very restful!

All this to say I am in pure dread of the symptoms returning. I like to believe I will live like this forever and be quite happy. Who needs marinara sauce anyway? I just have to hope if it all returns that Elmiron will get me back to where I am. If not, I guess I have the assurance that another hydro will.

Feeling much better and still reading this forum from time to time. It has been such a comfort this past year.

***kadi*** · 08-19-2006, 03:54 AM

Hi Judy,
I'm glad you're feeling better! I think you're doing the right thing by staying on the diet.

I'd probably skip the Diet Coke though, and would keep to just low acid decaf coffee, not regular. Regular coffee & Diet Coke do absolutely nothing healthy for your body (provide no nutrients & diet coke is full of irritating chemicals) & with a history of IC are not a good idea. It's good that you are portion controlling them, but still probably a bit risky. Be very kind to your bladder lining, okay?

And enjoy every minute of your remission! (I'm always happy to hear stories like this!)

**jaime15** · 08-19-2006, 05:04 AM

judyblue,
That is awesome! Most times I'm able to tolerate many of the no-no's on our diet list.
It makes me feel sooooo normal.

I hope the remission sticks with you for a very long while!

**judyblue** · 08-19-2006, 01:55 PM

Thanks guys. I am always in awe of the support I receive here.

kadi - I am going to have my diet coke (insert foot stomp here!) I have recently progressed from a well controlled pre-diabetic, to a very insulin resistent type 2 diabetic. I have very few treats in my life right now and my diet coke is all I got! I do take a ph Control (urinary anti-acid) with each one I have and I have yet to have any noticeable pain or increase in frequency.

I doubt I'll have anymore coffee, though. I do enjoy teechino at home. I was just at a very cold restaurant and got tempted.

**Bethrlk** · 08-21-2006, 02:12 PM

Judy,

Congrats on the remission!! It is always nice to hear a success story.:woohoo:

I hope you will enjoy a LONG, LONG, LONG remission!!

Hugs,
Beth

**Susie K** · 08-21-2006, 03:40 PM

Hi,
I haven't posted to these boards in a very long time - perhaps because I had my second hydro in 2002, and believe it or not, have been in complete remission ever since! I saw this post and wanted to let you know that long term remission is possible.
I was diagnosed in 2000, and my main symptoms were urgency/frequency and pain. It felt like knives in my bladder. I have had this condition all my life, I realized that once I finally found out what was wrong with me - I have had frequent urination all my life and it was so embarrassing when I was a kid. Anyway, when I had my first hydro it helped me tremendously, the pain gradually went away, and the frequency improved a lot. As long as I stuck to eating right and cut out caffeine I was ok for a couple of years. Then the symptoms came back, so I opted for another hydro because the first one had worked so well. This time it took longer for the pain to go away, and so at first I thought it had not worked. Then everything kept on getting better and better. It has now been 4 years, and I'm STILL symptom free. I am 55 years old (nearly 56) and I have other health issues, including chronic neuropathic pain in my feet, but I am able to live my life without always having to know where the nearest bathroom is.... I can drive fairly long distances without having to stop every half hour.... it is wonderful. I still work full time and am able to do my job without the horrible shooting pains I used to get in my bladder. I want you to know that there is hope. I know that my IC can come back any time and so I'm grateful for the freedom I have today.

Susie K.
Comox, BC Canada