Happy 4th of July!  I will be 9 months into treatment on July 8th but found time to login so I wanted to update on my progress.  The past few months have been better yet I feel like I have hit a plateau at times.  I remain on List 3 (which I'm totally OK about since I still need to get out of this funk and venture to try new foods across Lists 1 - 3).  For the most part, my bladder has been better.  I can go without voiding for about an hour to 1 1/2 hours at times.  This is incredible!  I would say that the level of pain is 1-2, mostly the pain is burning in my pelvis area and some very minor discharge.  If you have read my previous posts, I used to have major discharge and alot of intestinal issues.  I started Bifido (1/2 cap) about two weeks ago.  Thankfully, no side effects.

Headaches/TMJ:  I have sufferred from migraines which I hope and pray is my fair share of it.  This alone has been my # 2 nightmare next to IC.  I have gone through countless weekends of my head pounding and Dr. B has been great about being right there.  I recall the migraine starting on Sat mornings and through Monday.  The TMJ has decreased and now happens seldom where it has hit me for weeks straight.  Even the stiff neck pain, not being comfortable to sleep well due to this has been horrible and now only happens occaisionally.

Stomach/Bowels:  I never thought that I would ever get through this pain yet I'm normal, so much so that I went from daily diarrhea to constipation.  She has added magnesium which helps for both the migraines and constipation.  I have also learned to have to balance my portions.  I'm a huge meat and starch eater.  If I want to be balanced inside, I must follow her rules...

Sugar free:  I am very proud to state that today, marks my 1 year mark of being sugar free.  This is such an incredible feat for me.  If I can do it, going from a daily afternoon snack of snickers and a soda can to NO Sugar cravings, so can you!  I dont miss it, truly I dont.

Current Challenges:  I am sweating and boy I just cant find a deodarant that works.  I have cheated and tried Secret on days where I just cant go without.  She is aware, and she told me it will set me back.  Anyone reccomend anything that I can use that is IC and Dr. B approved?  also, even when I have mildly used Secret, my body odor is outright disgusting.  I dont know if its die off or due to eating alot of granulated garlic?  I'm going to lesson that spice and see if it is...  I have never had a sweating issue (I'm always cold).

Vulvodynia:  remains.  Dr. B mentioned that she wanted to get my migraines into control first... then tackle the lack of sex drive/vulvodynia.  Boy, I cant wait.  I have my doubts on this whether or not she can fix me.  Not anything related to her, its just been a difficult issue for many years.  Anyone out there that would share how your issues in this area are improving?  I need inspiration...

Sleep:  Its better, yet not completely sleeping through the night.  I go to bed around 8am and up awake around 3am, most of the time cant go back to bed.  This is my fault, I tend to start watching a movie.  But yet, I also have amxiety.  I just cannot shut the brain down...  I've tried praying, music, I need to continue to work on this.  Somehow though, eating healthier, I'm not so tired.... 

Periods:  the whole reason why I was placed o BC by my previous DR's were due to heavy bleeding.  It is waxing and waning.  June, not heavy period, July, heavy period but she has reassured me that it wil get better

Moodswings:  Now that I'm 9 months off BC pill (after 4 years of being on it), this has FINALLY decreased.  I say finally because I was very depressed for months.  Sat morning would hit and I wouldnt want to get out of bed and just couldnt focus on any tasks that I needed to do, let alone want to spend any time.

Last month, I was able to travel from SD to Denver and take a 3 hour drive to Nebraska to my father in law's funeral.  I was very afraid and stressed that I would have my supplements confiscated.  I think I stressed myself out since I was travelling alone.  I was able to make the trip with no issues.  Only 1 trip to the bathroom on the flight!  Boy, I know I would not have been able to do this last October.  I did have some challenges the last day, especially not eating well.  Thank you to Mrs. A for being there on the hour drive back texting me and getting me through this pain and back to the hotel after the funeral.  You are a true blessing and I value the friendship and support over the last few months.

Weight:  when I first started last October, I lost close to 20 lbs.  I'm a small frame body so that freaked me out completely.  But I have gained back weight.  I dont check how much I've gained, that isnt really important to me.

I hope this update is helpful for those on this site.  I still have a ways to go, but I am functioning normally 70% of the time, thanks to Dr. B.  Yes, there are days which I wonder, will I ever be able to eat normally?  Will I ever be able to get into a pool with chlorine with my 5 year old?  Will I ever be normal?  Will I ever be able to have painless sex?  Live without migraines?  Yes, I crave regular food but this has taught me to be patient and be strict with the diet.  I am extremely unpatient.  so I'm kinda having to learn as I go :) 

Be well and believe that this road to health is well worth the investment in you.

Adriane