Are you crying more??

[icnmgrjill]

I just received an email from an IC'er who asked if crying was normal with IC. She said that she had never been a crier... that she was also a very calm, stable woman UNTIL she began experiencing IC. Here was my answer:

Yes, crying is absolutely normal and it has to do with the type of pain IC produces. It's, for lack of a better term, "organ" (aka visceral) pain that goes to a different part of the spinal cord where it is delivered to a different part of the brain that, sadly, is right next to the limbic system.. the area which controls crying. So, you may not be crying because you are "sad" as much as you are crying because you're in pain and that part of your brain is being stimulation. I cried A LOT too my first year when my pain was very high.

I do think that if you are finding yourself depressed and/or feeling as if you're fragile, it's always important to find someone that you can talk with, such as a counselor, psychologist or spiritual leader so that you can voice your concerns, ease your mind and spirit and just find some rest. My best friend doesn't have IC and works in psychology. She ends up hearing me rant about various things related to my health and I'm so grateful because she understands that I do need to voice it.

I also love journaling especially when I'm feeling down in the dumps or anxious. Just starting the day by writing in my journal about what's going through my head is amazingly freeing and comforting. It's like I'm unloading my worries so that I can start the day fresh.

Also, don't underestimate the role that perimenopause and menopause can play with your emotions and emotional health.

And so I thought I'd ask you guys! Are you crying more?? If so, are you actually feeling sad or are you just in pain?? It's weird, eh? What are your thoughts on this??

Jill

[LithEruiel]

I think so, yes, and I don't have the pain. Having to go to the bathroom this much just puts a black cloud of depression over my head, so anything is more likely to make me cry.

[gfriskopp]

oh Thank you SO much for posting this!! I was never a crier before IC. And sometimes I just cry and cry when I am in a lot of pain. I feel like I'm losing it! I am greatful to know that there is a link to the brain and this kind of pain. I know I have cried more since I was diagnosed with IC than I did my entire life before. I always try to see the silver lining and be positive but wow, sometimes especially when pain is intense I really do break down. Thanks Jill for sharing.

[flowerangela]

yes,but i was a crier before ic so now i cry even more ic just isnt good for people who were already emotional people in the first place.

[LithEruiel]

I was always a crier too, but now I seem to cry about different things and more easily

[robinella]

I've always been a crier. I think when I have the nagging pain it just reminds me my life has changed and it makes me sad, glad to know I'm not just being a baby.

Diagnosed 7/10
Elmiron 3 x's daily since
Estradiol weekly
Prelief
xanax as needed
zolpidem nightly

vesacare, and some other like meds caused more pain
elavil, caused allergic reactions

[suzannes]

I was never a crier before IC, my husband had never seen me cry in the 20 years we've been married. I do cry sometimes when my pain is bad because I feel hopeless and mourn my past life, it only lasts a few minutes. I guess it is good for me.

Suzanne

[VickiB]

Interesting. In general I'm not a crier. Never have been.

But I'd have to say I cried most pre-diagnosis. I think that was mainly due to a combination of fear of the unknown thing that was happening to me and the utter feeling of helplessness to stop/change it. I hate feeling helpless!

Vicki

[sailawaygrl]

I have really tried hard to "hold it together" during this whole IC life I have been given. I tend to be very emotional but it is odd now that I hold it back more. I have tried so hard not to feel sorry for myself but sometimes I just lose it and cry like a baby. Afterwards I realize how much I really needed to cry and let it all out. Sometimes it can be very good therapy.

Organ pain is like no other pain I can say I have ever experienced or can explain, it frieghtens me when I hurt really bad. It is very interesting to know how and where the pain is processed in our brains.

Sandra

[ICNDonna]

I'm the town crier! It's embarrassing at times.

Donna

[earthlady]

I cried a lot at first. Mainly first thing in the morning after an awful night of not sleeping and not really knowing what the heck was going on. Now I just feel kinda sad, as I'm still adjusting to the fact that I have this condition, and then the fear factor starts creeping in.

[bubbe1]

crying

Yes, I cry a lot these days. I think it's partly the pain and partly that same feeling of helplessness that Vicki mentioned.
I think lack of sleep also contributes. When I'm tired, I'm weepy and I am very tired.
So, sorry Donna, but I think the "Town Crier" title goes to me. I believe my husband would concur!

[waterflow]

Yes, and it is because I have a sudden urge of feeling sad. Don't think it is because of the pain/peeing so much so but because the life I had is gone for good and I am stuck with this life that I hate. Guess a feeling also of hopelessness.

[waterflow]

How many of us make sure we cry when we are alone so others can't see? I do that. I have never once in the 12 years of the IC cried in front of family or friends. I have at the Uro's many times and at the hospital.

[LithEruiel]

I totally agree waterflow. I do cry in front of people though, I've never been able to hold it back.