New To IC

[Abigailrf]

Hello!

My name is Abigail. I was diagnosed with IC about 2-3 months ago. I had thought I was suffering from a never ending UTI for four years, until one of my nurse practitioners had asked if they'd ever sent a culture to the lab.

I told her they hadn't in over two years, and so she took one and did so. When it came back negative for a UTI, she sent me to a specialist who then gave me some paperwork to rate the pain, frequency, etc, and go from there. After she read my paperwork and determind that it best to test me, they did.

I'm so grateful for the nurse practitioner who DID suggest a lab test, and forward me on to the specialist I am now with.

I'm currently only on Elmiron, Zyrtec, and Amitriptyline. The medicine has helped somewhat, but I still have spasms after certain activities. I'm trying to follow the diet, but being 23 and young, and used to another diet has made things SO difficult to get into/used to.

I loved pizza, but I can now see why I was always in agony after eating it, and I loved certain pops. Water had/has always been so unappealing to me because the lack of flavor

Are there ANY other substitutes aside from carob for chocolate? I made a carob cake the other day and almost died, it was so dry and bitter :s lol!

I can honestly say I'll be coming in with a lot of questions as things progress for me.

[greeneyes]

Welcome, I'm so glad you we're diagnosed quickly.......

[Linda May]

There are treatments available you need to find one that works for you. Some people do good with DMSO or RESCUE treatments.

There are goodies like vanilla milkshake, homemade carrot cake, licorice, surgar cookies.

Subway chicken sandwiches are great just make sure you order with lettuce, black olives, bell peppers, if you are lucky like me a little light mayo on white or italian bread. I also, found out the roast beef is o.k too.

As time goe's on you will find out what you can tolerate and what flares you.

In the mean-time stick with the Ic diet and try a new item on the second list one at a time to see if you flare.

I wish you the best, some ladies put out some good recepies on this forum.

[VickiB]

Welcome to the ICN Abigailrf!

I'm glad you were finally able to get a diagnosis. Sometimes all it takes is one person, like your nurse practitioner, catching something and pointing us in the right direction.

The diet takes a bit of adjustment at first but I think most of us get used to it and eventually don't feel as deprived. I love pizza! When I was first diagnosed someone here suggested I try white pizza, -a white sauce like alfredo instead of tomato. I did,...it's really good! My family even likes it that way. I was surprised to find my local pizza place even offers that version!

Many also find they can handle white chocolate. I don't know how that would be in a cake, but it might be worth trying to find a recipe for it.

Welcome to the group!
Vicki

[ICNDonna]

to the IC Network. I know you'll find a wealth of information and support here.

Donna