Thanks to all of you

[catherineallen]

You all have been great.Thank you so much for the warm welcome. It is really nice to be understood and feel like i am not just crazy.A liitle about me I am 30 and have 2 living sons ages 3 and 7 and I just recently lost my stepson age 10 in december to a car accident.I feel like since the accident I have really gone down hill with my health. It is amazing to me how well you all keep your chin up.I spend all day in pain and trying to just go minute by minute. I feel like my life has been turned upside down.
I have had trouble with my bladder for about tens years.Before just recently diagnosed the doctors thought it was my ovaries and have removed four cists four seperate times. Now they know it is IC. Sometimes I feel so useless to my family.Between grieving my son and dealing with IC,it is really hard to be positive lately.Well I appreciate all who have taken the time to read this and really need all the support i can get.Thanks again to all my new friends.
Catherine Allen

[lan]

So sorry

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your stepson. The pain of IC is so much to bear and you have the pain of your loss to deal with also. I am saying a prayer for you and sending healing energy your way...lan

[Roxie2007]

Hi, OMG I want to say to you......how are you managing??
I feel SO for you! It's hard enough to deal with IC on a daily basis.....but to lose a child on top of that......All I can say is Sorry, Sorry, Sorry.
I wish there was something I could do for you......but you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please do take it one day at a time.......one min. at a time if that's what you need. I'm here....PM me when ever.......day or night because I'm up half the night dealing with my own pain........so I've got a good shoulder! Take care of yourself sweetie (((hugs!))).....Roxie

[Moonheart]

Welcome Catherine!

So glad you found us! It's amazing isn't it? To have so many people know exactly how you are feeling, when just a short time ago, we thought no one understood. Not even one.

It's very common it seems for IC to be set off by trauma. My IC was set off five years ago with my husband's motorcycle accident and paralyzation. Multiple traumas after that just exacerbated my illness and kept my bladder in a state of constant tension. I just was finally diagnosed after five years, in December of 2006. A very long time to suffer and not know what is wrong.

You will find that many of us, like you, have been through multiple doctors, and multiple diagnoses before finding the "right doctor, and the right diagnosis".

Our lives have all changed radically and we will never be the same. But finding this place. This safe haven, has finally started most of us on the road to a better life. I hope that you will find it to be so as well.

[KathrynPInk]

Dear Catherine Allen,
oh My dear, you have gone through so much haven't you? I join in with my IC friends here to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Now, to have the diagnosis of IC...but this is something that can have its wonderful ups and then the downs. Pleases stay connected to this board for support. I care and I know this board is full of kind, caring individuals. I hope that time gives you some type of healing about your loss. It is something that no one really understands completely unless they walk in the shoes of what you have been through. Please know that your IC has a good chance of improving and just make sure you follow the diet that causes the least trouble, and have a great Doc who can keep you up on the latest.

Sweetie, so very sorry you are having a hard time, and please know you are in my thoughts. You are a brave woman and you will get support here.

Love to you~
Katheryn

[ICNDonna]

I'm so sorry for your loss. And it's true that our emotions effect our health. Have you talked to your doctor about possibly taking something to help you through these next few months?

Warm hugs,
Donna

[mary124]

Katherine: So sorry for the loss of your son. To lose a child so suddenly, I can't imagine.

Sorry as well, that you found us and this board. Please know that we are all here for you. God Bless.

[catherineallen]

this is catherine thank you for your support

Well sorry it has been a few days since i have touched base.I was admitted into the hospital due to my kidney,bladder,ovaries and uterus. To make it short I will be having a hystorectemy at 30yrs old in about a week. The doctors believe that my ovaries are not going to stop growing cists and my uterus just continues to swell maybe once this is done i can focuse on this IC disorder and i will know when the pain comes it can only be from (IC)

I appreciate all your support.like i said before day by day with GOD on my side.well I hope everyone is doing good haven't had a chance to explore around and read but that is my next step.love catherine

[kadi]

Hi Catherine,
Just wanted to add another post to welcome you. I'm so sorry for your loss and for all the struggles you are having. Just take things one day at a time for now, okay?
There are lots of ways to manage IC (diet, exercises, medicines). When you are ready, the Patient Handbook link at the top of this page is a great place to start (especially the diet section).

Sending a hug, prayers & wishes for better days soon--

[Roxie2007]

HI Catherine,
I'm SO sorry for all you are going though at such a young age. I hope after your surgery your life will be much easier and you can get the IC under control. Good luck to you! ((((HUGS!)))) Roxie

[Babs RN]

Catherine,
I first wanted to say, I am so sorry for your loss. The loss of a child is immeasurable anyway you look at it. I had a hysterectomy at 32 for bad plumbing like yours and I honestly don't miss the equipment anymore. While I feel bad sometimes when my friends are pregnant(I am 36 now)the fact I don't have cysts, bad periods or endometriosis is a blessing. Many prayers that you have a successful outcome and if you ever need anything, we are here!

Hugs,
Barb

[GriffsMommy]

Oh Catherine
I didn't see your post before. to the IC network. I also and so sorry to hear about your loss. I have three step children of my own and they all live w/ me and my hubby so I can only imagine what you are going through. I know that stress can through me into a flare more than anything else. I def think that it may be a good idea to talk to someone about your grief so that hopefully you can get your pain under better control. We are a very nice little family here though and we will all be here for you if you need us. Don't hesitate to PM someone if you need to talk, we all do sometimes.

[mellusk]

Catherine, there are a lot of people here who can relate to what you're going through. My stepfather died in a freak accident a month before it seems my IC began, and no doubt the horrid grief and stress associated with that, along with many many many other problems, contributed. Even though I have always been close to my real dad, having Danny was like having a bonus dad and losing him hurt every bit as much as losing a biological parent. So many other things were going awry at the same time, and only in the past month or so has stuff begun to settle down and fall into place. Let me tell you, though, what it will fall into place for you. I know there's a lot of pressure for you right now, when you don't feel well, to care for your kids and to be there for your husband, and no one would expect you not to be. I want to emphasize to you, though, to make sure you take care of yourself.
When I first started to get sick, I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. I felt responsible for everyone around me, like I was the only one who could hold the center in place. I know you have things you must do, and you feel like you can't be slowed down by feeling bad. It's an overwhelming position to be in. Just whatever you do, make sure that you have at least a few minutes to yourself each day. After the kids go to sleep, take a bath, or find time to schedule a massage. If you feel up to it physically, try yoga. Don't lose yourself because you're trying so hard to be everything to everybody around you, because that won't benefit anyone at all.