Just when I thought I was doing well.

[Marisol]

I have been living with IC for over two years. My initial reaction to my diagnosis was confusion, sadness, and anger. Finding this support network saved my life. I learned many things here that my doctor never bothered telling me. I learned about the IC diet, it changed my life. Since learning about the diet I have learned to modify what I eat or drink. I no longer enjoy eating oranges, apricots, plums etc. I no longer drink tea, lemonade, coke of any kind, and coffee. Water is my only friend. I thought I was doing good until about three weeks ago when my bladder went into spasms. Not only does my bladder hurt, my lower back is crippling me. I am trying to think back on what I did wrong, what did I eat? What did I drink? After feeling like I had beaten IC, that I was stronger than this condition, it beats me into the ground. The last few weeks have been the worst for me. I am blessed to have a husband who understands this condition, he is supportive. In the long run the only people who can understand or empathize with me are the members on this forum. I will not let this enemy by the name of IC defeat me or my spirit. I will contiue to battle it everyday, I might not always win but I will never give up trying.

[kadi]

Hi Marisol,
I'm sorry you're not feeling well. Have you been checked for infection? I'm asking because the first time I got a bladder infection after developing IC, I thought it was a really bad flare & it spread to my kidneys. By the time I got to the ER, I was thoroughly sick. If you've not seen your doctor, please do, Ok? If it really is just a flare, drinking water, eating an ultra-ultra bland diet, reducing activities can help make it pass sooner. Sounds like you've already examined all the possible culprits for a flare? Change in diet? Change in activity level or exercise? Sex? Change in medication? Wearing different (tighter) clothes? Stress? It's maddening how many things can provoke our IC...

The hopeful thing is that since you had a period of feeling good in spite of IC, you will very most likely have that again...

Wishing you better days very soon,

[statesboro]

I wlll state you could be having a UTI as well. I have had a few on top of the IC before.(big bummer) It seems that we don't always know what actually causes some things to happen. (including you not doing as good any longer) (no matter how hard we try to figure) Besides, I am sitting here with the heating pad on my back thanks to degenerative disc disease. If I started trying to figure out how I ended up with everything that is going on with me, including the chest pain that actually got me to stay in the hospital Thursday night that has not gone away yet, then I would be losing my mind by now. It must not be my heart with 3 EKG's and a heart monitor overnight not showing anything, but I go back to the cardiologist on Monday. Regardless, many of us have had confusion, anger, and/or sadness at some point due to IC. (even feeling lost and alone) OK. I am a dude; therefore, I am pretty thankful you have got a suppotive husband. Also, I was noticing you seem to be having a positive attitude as well. www.icawareness.org

[Marisol]

thank you

Thank you Kadi and Statesboro for your replies. I did go to the doctor and had both a UA and culture done, results negative. I think I will repeat them on Monday. I find it hard to believe that I do not have an infection. I know that IC can mimic a bladder infection, this feels so real to me. Statesboro you made me laugh when you proclaimed yourself a dude. I pray you will feel better soon.