Keep on going, you can do it!!!

[Veronica]

Hello fellow ICers!

I know it's tough dealing with IC, but you can still accomplish so many things!

I use the bathroom between 15 to 45 times ever 24 hour period and I feel really sick alot, but I refuse to let that ever stop me!! Since I've had IC I've had two cookbooks published (working on my third), write for magazines and newspapers, have weekly live cooking segments on a TV show, attend book signings and food events, etc... None of the people I work with on these projects even knows I have IC. I've even went on a 1 week vacation a few months ago. I was worried that I wouldn' be able to manage it, but I went and for some miracle I felt better those few days then I have for 3 years.

How do I manage it? I save up my strength for events, what what I eat, work on stress management, try not to beat myself up for days I feel horrible and always keep hope in my mind and vocabulary. (I also make sure there will be a bathroom close by to where I'll be).

I know if your in the middle of a flare right now, you may think there is no end in sight, but you can make it!

You don't have to go hog wild, there are little things you can do to boost your spirits. Something as simple as recycling cans and newspapers to help the environment, baking a cake for a friend, watching happy movies, taking a relaxing bath, catch up on your e-mail, complement a friend, the list goes on and on.

I believe in you all and know that ICers are some of the most amazing men and women on the planet. We are so strong because we can have a life even in the midst of an illiness.

You don't have to reach for the stars because you are all stars already!!!

Veronica

[rachelm]

Veronica,
Thanks for the encouraging words. I've been in a bad flare for the last month that's kept me at home on sick leave. I miss my life and I feel like I'm never going to get better. But I have faith that I will soon because I know my students need me and I'm certainly bored sick of being at home or the dr. every day. It's helpful to hear your words of inspiration challenge me to think positively. I'm praying that the test interstim will help me get back on my feet so I can get that life I love so much back. In the meantime, I'm so fortunate to have a loving and supportive man that I can't wait to marry in June, helping me every step of the way. Your post made me stop and think about what I can do and one thing is to reflect on the many blessings that god has given me. So thank you for the pep talk!

(((((hugs))))))) grouphug

Rachel

[Alexa]

very inspirational, Veronica! Thanks for posting your message!

Alexa

[Iris]

Veronica, what a wonderful message, and really inspiring to me personally, I applaud you, for not letting IC take a hold of your life, which is very easy to do, when those bad days do come around, and linger. Thank you so much for posting such a true fighting spirit message for all of us, hugs Iris. grouphug hat

[MakinIT]

Argh...I prefer the grumpy route lmao But at least I'm trying and have stopped sitting around wallowing in pity. I hate when others do that so seeing meself do that was a double drag. Yep..there are still things that can be accomplished but at times it takes a bright light in the middle of a dark day to return your sense of creativity and motivation from this. '

Good luck, eh?

[Dixiefireball]

Thank you for your inspirational writeing its nice to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
There has been times i just knew i was better and i was hopeing to go back to work then bam i get hit with a wall with another uti infection or just a plain old flare. eek I feel like if i could get away from my inlaws the tunnel would have a brighter light.
keep up the good work! wink I Hope this will give our newbies hope and even some of our veterns like me. grouphug