19 and in pain :(

[KaytlynD]

Hello everybody. I was just diagnose with IC this week when I finally went to a specialist because have been having issues for years. I'm nineteen years old and a new wife. Also an army wife...im having trouble keeping my flare ups under control because with the military life there is a lot of stress and worry going on. I'm still researching IC and trying to get as much info as I can for my husband and myself. Any info would be helpful. I'm currently not on any medicine but soon will be. Just on medicine to help with flare ups. I am also starting physical therapy for possible fibromyalgia. I'm very young to have all these issues and having to change a lot of stuff about my life because of it

We are moving next week and making a three day car ride. Any advice about long rides would be great!

[statesboro]

I decided I would chime in. I will give you a welcome as well. I happen to be a male, but I was still diagnosed with IC back in 1997. Yep! None of us enjoy having IC, or any chronic illness, but it is still good to be properly diagnosed. OK. I am currently in pain as well. My pain happens to be from degenerative disc disease, but I am still not having a good day. Of course, I am supposed to be having sleep study tonight. Anyway, I did spend 4 years in the Navy.(1987-1991) Yep! Many IC'ers would ask if you have checked out the "IC diet" by now. I can eat some of the "no"items, but some of us have had IC for years by now. Some IC'ers do have it under control and end up doing some traveling. Of course, I don't do much traveling any longer. I don't enjoy having to keep stopping to pee again. Oh! I am tired more often, too.(as in sleep study coming up) I would figure your husband is getting transfered. OK. Many IC'ers do have fibromyalgia as well. I don't have that, but I don't work mainly due to degenerative disc disease.(as I actually worked 13+ years with IC) Anyhow, you have found a good place where we do understand. We do know many people, which may include some family members, don't understand. Most of us still look the same, but we know we feel different on many days. Regardless, you should get other relpies as well.

[greeneyes]

Hello and Welcome, Sorry to hear you have IC at such a young age. I was diagnosed in March of this year and have learned alot just reading older threads on this web site, it's very imformative. The diet is a must for all of us until we learn what hurts our bladder.

I've learned from this site as well as from my own experience it may take some trial and error to find out what combination of meds will work for you. I'm still working on that.

As for traveling you may want to purchase the IC cushion from the IC store, I've read post on this and it seems to help.

I'm in PT now and it seems to be helping. Hopefully some of the other more experienced IC'ers will chime in when they can.

[passion4life]

Welcome


Hi!! So sorry for why you had to come to this site but so grateful that you have find a place of fellowship and experience. The bladder cushion is great. As I type, I am sitting on one and it feels fantastic. You may want to give one a try.


I have found so many wonderful people and information on this network. When I first joined I thought life would never get any better. By God's grace today life is better. The members offer so much encouragement and experience. Keep coming back. I believe you find what works for you!

By nature I am high-strung. One of things that work for me is meditation. It calms my mind, body, and spirit. Also I take L-Theanine and Melatonin (natural supplement) for stress/sleep.

Have the most enjoyable day that you can.

[ICNDonna]

I do have a few tips for travel:
1. Go to http://www.icnsales.com/travel-aids/ and look at the Travel John; a real life saver for places that don't have rest stops along the freeways.
2. Pillows --- several small ones help because you can arrange them for comfort and change positions.
3. Bottled water --- I buy bottled spring water with no additives when away from home.
4. Carry IC safe snacks. When we go to restaurants, I order very simple foods. Away from home breakfast is my main meal and I eat lightly for the rest of the day. It's easier to find IC safe breakfasts in restaurants.
5. Frequent stops to allow you to walk around a little and use restrooms.

Enjoy the scenery and take lots of pictures.


Donna