New here

[jungle]

Hello, all.

I am new; here is my introduction: http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=70707

After reading a lot here, I know there are good days and bad days, and the past 24 hours have been--well, a bad day. But my books (survival guide and cookbook) both arrived today, and it was good to read that the medications don't work right away. I knew that was the case for Elmiron, but I didn't realize it was true of the others (e.g., Tagamet). As I sat here feeling uncomfortable and desperate to feel better to be able to enjoy summer with my kids--this gave me some hope that maybe there will be more good days than bad days eventually.

I know everyone probably starts here, but I'm feeling really sad that this will always be with me, that I may never be able to eat the things I enjoy, and that I may feel discomfort or pain every day. It's good to see that so many of you get through this to find a place of peace. I'm hoping for that!

Thanks for listening.

[ICNDonna]

You will have better days --- at first an IC diagnosis can be overwhelming, but most of us do get better.

Donna

[Linda May]

what treatment plans are you on?

[jungle]

Hi, Linda. This is what I'm doing:

IC diet (still learning about it)
Elmiron (since yesterday)
Tagamet (since yesterday)
Peridium (for about 2 weeks)
Atarax (since yesterday)
Sanctura (for about 2 weeks)
Cysta-Q (for about a week)

Until yesterday I thought my frequency and pressure had resolved with the sanctura. But the past day has been difficult. Ah well, perhaps tomorrow will be better.

The diet is confusing since it seems different foods work for different people. Beverages have always caused me problems, but I never had difficulty with foods; so, I'm having trouble identifying what might be a problem. I guess I won't be able to add things back in and figure that out until these dreadful symptoms wane.

Thanks for the post.

[jungle]

Thanks, Donna!

[VickiB]

I know everyone probably starts here, but I'm feeling really sad that this will always be with me, that I may never be able to eat the things I enjoy, and that I may feel discomfort or pain every day.

Yep, I think everybody starts there. I know that was the subject of my very first post here seven years ago! I was given plenty of suggestions to help me on my way and told that in time things would likely get better. They were so right!

Try to not color your future based on how things are for you right now. because most likely you will find improvement. Yes, IC will always be with you. Even though the symptoms of IC rarely affect my life anymore I've learned I can't ever forget I have it and let my guard down. There are some things I don't dare eat or drink, -but not near as many as I'd first feared. I need to try to avoid stress. I take my supplements. In return I stay in a good place which to me is an excellent trade off!

Hang in there. Odds are you'll get better too!

Vicki