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  • #1

    Major anxiety!

    So....I'm finally starting to come out of my three month long flare. (omg, I'm so afraid of saying that out loud). Before this latest one, I managed my flares and coped pretty well. I knew I'd gotten myself out of flares before and could do it again with my meds. Seriously, I've had this blasted IC for four years now.

    But, this last flare was different. It rivaled my first flare from years ago and I just couldn't seem to get control of it.

    Since then, even though I'm starting to feel better (Knocking on wood here) , I've been absolutely wrecked with anxiety. I'm terrified of the pain! I'm afraid to travel, I'm afraid to try anything even remotely off the 'mostly safe' food list. It's starting to get the best of me.

    I tried taking a small dose of paxil this past week and it made me soooo tired. I could barely function. I might try it one more time...maybe at night to lessen that side affect. I have xanax for pelvic floor relaxation and when I get really panicky I will occationally take one . They do help, but I don't want to rely on them for anxiety.

    Anyway, how do you all handle the fear and anxiety that comes with this disease?
    mom_in_ma
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    • #2
      I absolutely remember that fear and panic when I would come out of a flare, starting to feel good, but so afraid to trust that "better" feeling. I would get so worried about the flare returning that I would ruin some of my good days by worrying so much.

      I tried really, really hard to look at it this way: sure, the flare could return and if it does - I will kick myself for not enjoying those good days when I had them!!!!!!

      It is scary to trust in the good times and to hope it keeps getting better. It is a big hurdle. But since you were feeling good before this I bet you are on your way back. Enjoy feeling better and just be careful - keep the diet bland and don't overdo anything physical. I'm so glad to hear you are feeling better.
      Last edited by vm; 04-03-2007, 12:58 PM. Reason: typo!!!!
      Kim

      Diagnosed August 2001

      Current IC meds: Elmiron (since 2001), Levaquin (one pill after intercourse to prevent UTIs), Effexor (for depression & anxiety)

      Past IC meds: Amitriptyline (Elavil), Hydroxyzine (Vistaril), Detrol LA, Lexapro (for depression & anxiety, but also helped my IC) (They all helped, but I was able to discontinue them.)

      I've been virtually symptom free and able to eat & drink whatever I'd like for about 8 years now.

      *****************************

      “We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.” ~ Viktor Frankl

      “You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.” ~ Brian Tracy

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        • #3
          Kim gave you good advice. I learned many years ago that if I spend all my time worrying about tomorrow, I can't enjoy today. I hope you feel better very soon.

          Warm healing wishes,
          Donna
          Stay safe


          Elmiron Eye Disease Information Center - https://www.ic-network.com/elmiron-p...mation-center/
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          I am not a medical authority nor do I offer medical advice. In all cases, I strongly encourage you to discuss your medical treatment with your personal medical care provider. Only they can, and should, give medical recommendations to you.           [3MG]

          Anyone who says something is foolproof hasn't met a determined fool

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            • #4
              sending you hugs.
              'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.'

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                • #5
                  To answer your question: I am in a similar situation to you, just (I hope!) coming out of a flare that started in October, and feeling very nervous about entering into life again. The main answer for me is counseling; I have had continuous counseling with the same shrink ever since I was diagnosed, and she really helps me deal with the ups and downs of this condition. I am incredibly lucky to have found a local psychiatrist who actually has IC (in remission for 14 years), and is willing to handle my pain meds as well. She just gets it, you know?

                  But I think most qualified counselors would be able to help with this kind of anxiety -- after all, people must feel the same way when their cancers go into remission, or when they recover from serious injuries sustained in an accident. Sometimes when our minds have gotten into a bad cycle of thoughts, we need someone on the outside to help us out of it. There is no shame in asking for help after all that you have been through.

                  I hope you start to feel more confident soon, so that you can enjoy your remission!
                  Je vous souhaite de la joie, de la bonne santée, et tout ce qu'il y a de bon dans la vie.
                  Wishing you happiness and good health, and all the best out of life.

                  Peace, Carolyn
                  ___________________________________________________

                  Laura (11), Susannah (12 1/2) and Maman (that's me!), North Wildwood NJ, September 2007


                  On the Beach with IC

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                    • #6
                      As always, thank you. I've been around here since the beginning of my IC adventure...many years...and owe so much to all of you.

                      Donna, Kim and Cindy, all of you are my role models and teachers. I am greatly indebted to all of you for sharing your stories and your lessons on dealing with life with IC. Kim, your success story kept me going during my first year! I'm glad you stuck around to keep inspiring others.

                      Carolyn, I'm glad you're feeling better. Wow...a psychiatrist with IC! It is amazing to find people who understand what we are experiencing. You're right, this anxiety must be similar to those who are in remission from cancer or other painful diseases.
                      mom_in_ma

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                        • #7
                          Dear Robin,

                          I am the same way, and it is so true if we can let tomorrow take care of itself, we will be better off. i think IC is such a stressful illness, and stress causes us to flare, it is a cycle. So, we each need to find the remission we are in at this time whenever it is as a blessing and know that even if we get sick again, we will return to a good remission again.
                          I am sorry it cause you this stress, but honey, tomorrow will take care of itself. We have today and things will get better. So many care about you; remember we will get better.
                          Katheryn

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