HI i am new to the board!

[mscindygreshsully1517]

I just wanted to write in and introduce myself. I am a college student and I was dianogsed with interstitial cystitis over a year ago. I have had bladder and kidney infections all of my life. But I spent over a year going to the same family doctor who would keep telling me I had a tract infection and I knew it had to more than that. I had finally gotten to the point where I could not function normally, the only time I could have relief was in a hot bath or sometimes those few moments when I went to bathroom and as soon as that was over the pain was back. But I have been on Elmiron and Upsept for over a year now and I doing a lot better. I am still dealing burning and pain everyweek but I can usally control it by watching what I eat. I am STILL battling with foods I cant just give up. I lived off of Soda all of my life and it is hard just to drink water now. But I one day I will get there. I also still having lots problems with what I can and cant eat. I feel like everything I actually like to eat is off limits. Does anyone know of a good simple cookbook or just any IC pasta recipes? Keep in mind I am still newly married and I am in college so I am not a chef. Bare minimal recipes would be best. I am so glad I found this website, sometimes I feel like no one understands or takes IC as a serious disease in my family so it hard to deal with that.
Cindy

[mscindygreshsully1517]

Hi I also forget to mention I am battling with IBS and anxiety too. And IBS is very new to me. It is pretty hard trying to keep on two different diets... Esp. since i am picky eater to begin with. Is anyone else dealing with the same problems? I would love to hear from some of you that are. I always feel like everyone else is living a normal life and I am so kind of freak.

Cindy

[ICNDonna]

I'm glad you found the IC Network. You'll find diet information in the Patient Handbook at http://www.ic-network.com./handbook/

There are some recipes on this site --- if you go to the Browse Our Site pull-down menu, you'll find two sections there to help with recipes: One is "Fresh Tastes by Bev" --- the other is "IC Chef Cookbook."

And if you go to the "Shop - Books and More" page, you'll find information on an excellent cookbook, titled, "A Taste of the Good Life." I have a copy and it's worth the cost.

If you're still drinking sodas, I have to encourage you to stop, even if it's not easy. One thing I do is to buy bottled spring water, which I keep in the fridge so it's icy cold --- that way I don't mind at all that it's just water.

Sending an encouraging hug,
Donna

[Michelle in KC]

WELCOME! I am glad you were diagnosed. It is a relief to have a reason for the pain, etc. I am sure you will just fit in fine. Michelle

[dyno]

Hi, I just wanted to add my welcome. You will find a lot of info and support here.

[Iris]

Hello and welcome, lots of information, and support here for you, great bunch of people always here to help you, through bad days and good days. Welcoming hug Iris.

[Sandy N.]

Cindy welcome..I too have battled the soda issue. But I try like Donna suggested keep bottled spring water in refrig and it helps. I just wanted to let you know that you have come to a wonderful web site full of very compassionate, caring and supportive people. I vent often and get a lot of support. Welcome and come back often as there is always something to learn about IC. Sandy N

[UNCJessi]

Hi. I'm in college right now too--so I definatley know a lot of what you've been through. It's hard trying to tell a professor during a final that you have to go to the bathroom--no you're not cheating! I don't have a soda addiction but one to frozen turtle mochas from caribou--yikes! Not good for the bladder. I hope you feel better--it's good to know you found some relief!