Pregnancy and IC

[Little Sunshine]

I am by no means new to this but wasn't sure where to post. It has been awhile since I have visited the site. For a moment there, I had convinced myself that visiting the site was just one more way for me to admit that I was sick. I was diagnosed with IC this past March. I still struggle most days with what that means. But gone are the days where I sit around and feel sorry for myself. In fact, just yesterday, a cancer survivor told me that it takes as much effort to be miserable as it does to be strong. I have choosen to be strong. That's not to say that it's always easy. For any skeptics out there.....PLEASE try the IC diet and stick with it for at least a month. I am convinced that it is what gave me my life back. The diet was without a doubt the most life altering thing I have EVER had to do. Things are different for me now. I don't go out to eat, I had to start eating meat after 17 years without it and I have had to give up chocolate (sigh). But if that means I can run, workout and do MOST of what I did before....well then, bring on the IC diet! One of the only areas of my life where my IC shows it's ugly side, is in the bedroom. I am TERRIFIED of having intercourse. It doesn't hurt when I do, but I am afraid of the aftermath....a flare or infection. I need to know how you get past this fear (or worse yet...maybe you don't). I have a very understanding husband. But even the most understanding husband wants some intimacy every now and then. And better yet....we want to have a child in the near future. How bad would that hurt? I'd hate to think that I am going to let this darn disease crush my dream of becoming a mom. Anyhow, as always, any advice is welcome. I'm sorry it's been so long since I've posted. I have been busy living life to it's fullest! I hope everyone is doing well and living their life to the fullest too.

[meResque]

I'm so glad to hear you're doing so well!

I've seen it in an article posted here that up to 80% go into remission while pregnant, and that the vast majority will either get better, or stay the same. If the diet works for you to control symptoms, there is no reason to think it wouldn't during pregnancy! Plus, you'll finally have an excuse people understand for why you go to the bathroom more than most people.

[scarlett0]

congrats on feeling better!
if our symptoms flare more during pms, then being a prego shouldn't be too bad, since your hormones won't be going that direction. good luck!

[heybrej]

I just wanted to post and share that I was completely symptom free while pregnant and for nearly 3 years after my son was born

I got tears in my eyes reading your post. Giant hugs to you. My husband and I haven't been intimate in a month and a half....it's killing me, but like you, I'm terrified to try ever since my IC has gone into a flare for the first time in 5 years. You're not alone.

[Little Sunshine]

Thanks for your responses. I guess I can only hope that I will be part of that 80% that feel better while pregnant. It all seems so scary though. The most daring I have gotten with my IC is allowing myself 1 oreo cookie per week And typically, I do ok with it. I am sure there are other things that I can do and add to my diet....but why risk it? I struggled for 4 LONG months to feel better (which I understand is a short period of time compared to others). I have lost a lot along this path of self discovery. I have also gained a lot too. Like the ability to truly appreciate every healthy day as a gift.

heybrej:
Thanks so much for your post. It really does give me hope. I am sorry to hear about your recent flare. Any idea what caused it? That's the thing with this dang disease....it's so hard to pin point what is hurting you unless you knowingly go out and eat a big plate of mexican food! I had a minor flare a few weeks back. I still have no idea what caused it. I don't eat out and I closely monitor each and every ingredient that goes into my food. I follow the IC diet to the T. Minus the one cookie per week that I allow myself. When my pain is food related I can feel it almost immediately. The best thing I can come up with was the intercourse I had. Of course this conclusion kills me. I am wondering, when I am physically well enough to have an active sex life again....how will I be able to deal with the psychological scars that are there? I now relate sex to pain and I don't know if that will ever change. I have to take xanax before intercourse. just to calm myself down enough to have it. I hope that you are feeling better soon. Just remember, your flare can go away just as fast as it came on! Hopefully it will go away tomorrow!