[lorraine3]

Hey my name is Lorraine and i was diagnosed with IC in 2002 after being told for about a year that there was nothing wrong with me cos my urine was always clear! To be honest i feel kind of inadequate writing this message cos my IC is mild compared to some of the stories i've read on this board...

A little about me - im 30 and working as a nurse in Dublin, Ireland...i have flares and remissions as all of us IC'ers do! I dont know anyone personally with this condition so its great to talk to people on a board like this who understand...its amazing that hardly any one of the doctors i've spoken to in work know what IC is...its such an unknown disease whic is ridiculous...its 2008 for god's sake!

Anyway it was nice venting!! May the remissions last and the flares be few...

Lorraine x

[llthomas47]

Hello, Dublin Ireland

It's nice to hear from others with the same condition. I'm lucky that my doctor has IC also. I have a mild case, but she has a moderate to severe. So, she is great to talk to. I recently told her I feel like a whinny baby when I complain. She said, no you're not. I guess only people with IC can understand how another person can feel. After reading about other people with IC, I feel fortunate that mine is mild. However, I don't know if it gets worse with time. FYI, I'm from Kansas.

[madjen66]

Hi, My name is Kathlene and I'm 41 yrs old, diagnosed last year with IC, I was on Elmiron for 14 months, Feb 07 was my last month on Elmiron, It being Dec, it is now back again and worse than ever!

You stated that you have had IC since 2002, I have SO many questions! Are you still living with it?
How long did you take Elmiron? What other methods have you tried?
I have learned caffeine is out of the question along with other foods as you probably already know this. I am glad I found this website it is nice to know that we IC'ers are not alone! Any helpful information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Kat

[lorraine3]

You stated that you have had IC since 2002, I have SO many questions! Are you still living with it?
How long did you take Elmiron? What other methods have you tried?
I have learned caffeine is out of the question along with other foods as you probably already know this. I am glad I found this website it is nice to know that we IC'ers are not alone! Any helpful information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Kat[/quote]

Hi Kat,

I was diagnosed by cystoscopy and have had a couple of cystoscopies since just to keep a check on things...

I have never taken Elmiron, i've had bladder instillations (DMSO) a few times but found it didn't help me...as for my diet - i haven't been on any specific diet, i find its kind of hit and miss...sometimes juices and spicy foods can bring on a flare, other times they dont bother me so much...

My IC is fairly under control at the moment thank God...welcome to the IC club Kat!!

Lorraine x