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Even though I have doing a lot of reading and research about the diet, and have heard some positive aspects of it, to be frank, I was really reluctant because a lot of people (doctor's included) have told me it's a waste and seems like I will not be eating. However, a trip to the allergist the other day has now changed my thinking. I was told I am allergic to all trees (maybe not in the world but at least in the testing all came back positive) and that my allergies to many things are severe. (mold, ragweed, grass, dustmites, etc.)
So I finally broke down and promised myself I'd do a strict diet for at least two months. I owe it to myself. If my health does not improve at all in that time then I will know that I either am missing something in the diet, or that it has no positive influence on me for some odd reason. I'm praying for a miracle. Seriously, having IC, migraines, allergies and a somewhat depressed mood (as well an anxiety), is leading me to think that perhaps my diet IS influencing my life, regardless of what others say.
I've decided to do the gluten free and IC diet for a minimum of two months continually. Also, because of my tree allergies, I've decided to give up fruit to see if the allergy symptoms get better. My doctor said that fruit can be a problem and I've noticed an itching mouth and hives from fruit before, even though I take a daily Claritin. (antihistamine)
Here's my self-treatment plan (just in case anyone is interested)
Strict IC and gluten free diet for two months.
Physical Therapy (have started recently and will continue until improvement in symptoms)
Exercise a minimum of 30 minutes 3x a week. (have been doing this for two months so far)
Will start allergy shots to see if controlling allergies even better will help my body be stronger.
Will add an additional dose of Zyrtec (children's syrup at night...half the dose 2.5ml...in addition to the Claritin. I was told that up to 4 Claritin can be taken but that because it is sedating, usually one is prescribed. (my doctor said in Europe the dosing is 40mg)
Will continue taking Ambien. Can finally sleep at the night.
Will use Ativan for flares and anxiety.
(not including migraine treaments here on this list...if interested, see signature below for info.)
I am still waiting to take Gapabentin. (a little scared to take it because of taking so many other meds) I recently tried Ultram for pain and it makes me a tad loopy and doesn't do much for pain. Naproxen works a little better for severe menstrual cramps. Not much works for the burning urethral pain and I'm hoping to see a difference from doing PT.
The most frustrating thing for me is the burning in the urethra and the sudden flares that come without warning. (I can deal with, and have most of my life, the urinating every 60 to 90 minutes) I've had two flares in the past week and have no idea why. I'm doubled over when they happen and it feels like something is pushing on my bladder. The Ativan helps a bit but not as much as I'd like. I'm hoping the doctor has a solution to this and hope to mention it next time I see her. I guess I need some type of abortive med for these flares and tough times. (such as during PMS)
Thanks for listening and reading. Honestly, I don't know what else to do at this point. At least I'm making headway. When I first came to this site I was completely without hope. At least now I have a good doctor and a treatment plan.
Also, it's great to type this out because I don't have many people to talk to and of course family can think I'm just complaining. Which actually, I am.
So I finally broke down and promised myself I'd do a strict diet for at least two months. I owe it to myself. If my health does not improve at all in that time then I will know that I either am missing something in the diet, or that it has no positive influence on me for some odd reason. I'm praying for a miracle. Seriously, having IC, migraines, allergies and a somewhat depressed mood (as well an anxiety), is leading me to think that perhaps my diet IS influencing my life, regardless of what others say.
I've decided to do the gluten free and IC diet for a minimum of two months continually. Also, because of my tree allergies, I've decided to give up fruit to see if the allergy symptoms get better. My doctor said that fruit can be a problem and I've noticed an itching mouth and hives from fruit before, even though I take a daily Claritin. (antihistamine)
Here's my self-treatment plan (just in case anyone is interested)
Strict IC and gluten free diet for two months.
Physical Therapy (have started recently and will continue until improvement in symptoms)
Exercise a minimum of 30 minutes 3x a week. (have been doing this for two months so far)
Will start allergy shots to see if controlling allergies even better will help my body be stronger.
Will add an additional dose of Zyrtec (children's syrup at night...half the dose 2.5ml...in addition to the Claritin. I was told that up to 4 Claritin can be taken but that because it is sedating, usually one is prescribed. (my doctor said in Europe the dosing is 40mg)
Will continue taking Ambien. Can finally sleep at the night.
Will use Ativan for flares and anxiety.
(not including migraine treaments here on this list...if interested, see signature below for info.)
I am still waiting to take Gapabentin. (a little scared to take it because of taking so many other meds) I recently tried Ultram for pain and it makes me a tad loopy and doesn't do much for pain. Naproxen works a little better for severe menstrual cramps. Not much works for the burning urethral pain and I'm hoping to see a difference from doing PT.
The most frustrating thing for me is the burning in the urethra and the sudden flares that come without warning. (I can deal with, and have most of my life, the urinating every 60 to 90 minutes) I've had two flares in the past week and have no idea why. I'm doubled over when they happen and it feels like something is pushing on my bladder. The Ativan helps a bit but not as much as I'd like. I'm hoping the doctor has a solution to this and hope to mention it next time I see her. I guess I need some type of abortive med for these flares and tough times. (such as during PMS)
Thanks for listening and reading. Honestly, I don't know what else to do at this point. At least I'm making headway. When I first came to this site I was completely without hope. At least now I have a good doctor and a treatment plan.
Also, it's great to type this out because I don't have many people to talk to and of course family can think I'm just complaining. Which actually, I am.