I'm a triathlete w/probable IC. I'm not done, am I?

[JosieWales]

I am 99% sure I have IC. I'm seeing ob on Tues. and hope to get more tests done to rule out other things.

Is there anyone here who's remained a triathlete/runner after dx?

[KatieB]

Josie, I really feel for you. You have worked yourself into almost a panic from what I'm seeing here. First of all you need to be religiously following the IC diet. No deviation. You should be drinking a lot of water and when you go to your doctor on Tuesday unless he/she has experience with IC, you should ask for a referral to a uro or uro/gyno. It's possible to scare yourself silly by "Internet doctoring". I know this for a fact because I've done it. Most of the people here (with some exceptions) are in the process of finding a treatment plan that will work for them. Which is why you will find some really bad, scary stories. The people who have found that plan and are feeling better and getting on with their lives, no longer need the support of this board. There's no reason to believe you are "done" with anything. I know it's frustrating and gives a lot of anxiety and fear but the only person who can diagnose you is a doctor. Other people can only give you their experiences. So my advice is to try to take some deep breaths and realize that IC MAY be your problem, it may not. If it is, then you will go on your journey to find out the treatment plan that will work for you and allow to enjoy your life.
I'll keep you in my thoughts.

[JosieWales]

KAtie,
Thanks, you're right. I'm a little freaked out. The thing is, I can't see what else it could be that would be any better than IC, as I said in another thread. But, it could be, I know. I need to stop reading about personal experiences and start working on modifying my own diet. I guess I need to go to the store...a lot of my staples are on the trigger list!

[delfin]

Just wanted to say that I agree with Katie. My diagnosis changed from probable IC in 2004 to PFD in 2007, and throughout it all, I continued to exercise. I was put on elavil, which helped me so much, that now I'm off of it, and most days, feeling pretty good. (I'm not a triathlete, mind you, but I do some pretty advanced workouts.) So guess what I'm trying to say is that there is a very wide range of experiences on these boards, but like Katie said, many of those who have found treatment plans that work for them and are now feeling good no longer need the board's support... they've moved on. Good luck at your doctor's appt. : )

[JosieWales]

Thank you, delfin...I'm a little better today. I've read some other posts, including responses to my questions elsewhere here, and I think it could be sensitive bladder due to the UTIs, all the lemon in my water, and all the coffee (which I sort of became addicted to overnight just a few months ago).

[Lindsay K.]

running

I am a runner also and enjoy running when my IC is not too angry. I am currently doing the Insanity workout challenge and signed up for a 5K in March and hoping my bladder will behave. Do try elimating the bladder irritating foods like soft drinks, alcohol, coffee, acidic foods, etc and increase your water intake. That may be all that you will need to do. Even ppl with healthy bladders can experience frequency and urgency with these. It will likely take a few days or possibly longer for your bladder to recover. Keep us updated on how you are doing.

[bob04951]

Josie, you will see many on here who continue with their hiking, excersize, etc. Sometimes you might have to slow down a bit, but don't stop, pay attention to what your body says. You will get in a rythym that will be right for YOU. You may have to do other things that keep you agile, like yoga, stretching, but there is no need to give it up. If that is your passion, keep it going. May be shorter sessions, but never give up. Think you will agree it is much more difficult to get back into it after stopping completely. Go with the flow, you are obviously in good shape and want to stay there. Good luck GF, and hang in there. Jill, wife of Bob