August 8, 1999: A Sense of Empowerment

Asking questions and learning about IC are important first steps to acquiring the tools we need to manage our symptoms. We learn that diet, treatments, and stress reduction can all help improve our quality of life and we learn that with knowledge and preparation, we don’t have to surrender our dreams. We can step out of the role of ‘patient’ and take control of our lives and our IC.

As veteran IC’ers we have discovered, through trial and error, what combinations of medication, diet and relaxation techniques work best for us. We know, more specifically, what questions to ask our health care providers and what steps we can take in an IC emergency. We can begin to feel confident in ourselves and in our ability to manage our own health.

What is important for both new IC’ers and veterans, however, is to remember what our limits are and to not push ourselves beyond them and into pain or discomfort. We have to remind ourselves that it’s okay if we don’t keep the house spotless or work full time, and it’s certainly okay to say ‘no’ if we don’t feel well. Reaching out and asking for help does not mean we are weak, only that we are wise.

Always remember that IC does not determine our self-worth. We have as much to offer life as we always did and believing in ourselves is the most important IC tool of all. So, get up each morning, give yourself a hug, and say, "I can do this!"

Submitted by: ICNLesa