Forums:
Yesterday was my 9 month anniversary of working with Dr. Brizman. With respect to IC,I can say that I have learned a whole lot of things that I wouldn't have wanted to miss out on and my bladder is definitely getting better-albeit more slowly than I could have ever imagined at the beginning.
I pretty much disappeared off the site, however, beginning in September, because n new challenge reared its ugly head, namely, my chronic knee problem which was my first problem ever, occurring initially when I was only 20, showed up again. I have had this problem over the years but have managed it well enough- on and off. This time though, it has been terrible; really debilitating and I am hoping that there is an end in sight and that I am learning what i am supposed to be learning.
I have heard that sometimes in IC treatment, old illnesses show up again. I don't know whether I believe this but I am certainly being forced to look at stuff, namely, how much vanity I invested in being fit and a jock (I can't do anything now as I have continually reinjured myself over the last 2.5 months refusing to believe what kind of inactivity my condition required) AND how i used exercise to maintain my weight; Thus, I am again grappling with illness #2- the eating disorder that I developed in my early 20s and how I have managed it over the years.
This period of time has been very difficult and interesting. I have found myself repeating the same IC fears- panic, depression, in relation to my open ended immobility. It makes me want to acknowledge how much I depended on the support from all of you and Dr. B and how hard it is tackling this on my own. (There are lots of knee experts but I have not found the Dr. B analogue yet.)
Dr. B has told me that in Chinese medicine the knees are connected to the bladder. It would be interesting if this did correllate to my bladder issues- especially if that meant that a solution would appear on the horizong.
In the meantime, I note that many old posters (people who were posting a lot when I started) have dropped out of sight and for the record, this does mean that they/we are better.
If anybody has any insight to share about other illnesses you developed while treating for IC and what happened I would be most appreciative.
Love to Deir, Denise, Lisa Ann. Mrs. A, Mimi, Sarah C, Jane, Nadia and many others.
Thank for your love - back at you lady
Hello,
Please forgive me for not responding too much to what you have to say - in a lot of pain right now. Trying not to be discouraged that this is the first huge flair that I've had while in treatment - it may well actually a UTI.I. Anyway, the timing of hearing from you is wonderful. I'm sorry to hear that you struggle with an eating disorder - this treatment and food being a constant concern, can't be easy. Hopefully this awful pain will end and I will come back to chat more.
Please take care - Love Back
Hey there!
lovely to hear from you; I've been wondering how you've been doing.
Firstly, in answer to your question about knees - Dr B told me they were very strongly linked to the bladder - a couple of meridians run through them, I believe - you can see a diagram on this page. I've had a couple of knee-wobbles (as it were) during treatment - twice, I've had flaming rashes on the backs of my knees, another time I made a food mistake (had thought oysters were ok; hadn't classed them as raw fish) (I am a goof) and about two hours after eating them I had terrible knee pain, which took a good day to go. Funnily enough it reminded me that I'd had a bad time with my knees in the past - it felt exactly the same. I wonder now of course whether the bad knees 10 or so years ago were an indicator of bladder troubles to come!
I've definitely walked back through previous issues during treatment, too, so I do buy into that theory.
In terms of posting less- it really is the cliche of feeling better so being on here less. I've improved another hitch in the last 6 months, feeling much better through the night, invariably sleeping through, not having those funny feelings in vulva/vagina that meant I had to sleep with a pillow between my legs!! Still having some vulvodynia on and off through the day, but my baseline is definitely better. Getting there!!
Denise, though, I'm SO sorry you're having such a horrid flare. The suddenness and severity do make me think uti - hoping dr b can help fast! THinking on you; much love to you both xxx
Denise: Was today any better?
Denise: Was today any better? Love, Bonnie
Thanks to everyone who posted!
And thanks to Bonnie for reaching out. It really helps all of us. Being new in this healing journey I have a lot of fears. I can't imagine doing this without all of you.
Denise, please let us know how you are doing!
Thanks to everyone else for checking in and sharing your experiences. I have a lot of aches and pains now and a history of knee pain (add me in too for the eating disorders and over-exercising!-know it well) so hopefully I can manage the pains as they come and try to remember it is a part of the healing process. Much easier said than done.
If we don't excel at health, the only other option is disease.
Hi Bonnie
Thank you for asking - afraid to jinx - BUT - yes, much better. I've posed all the gruesome details, a moment ago-under a different category.
So, back to hanging in there with the rest of you.
Take Care and hugs!
Bonnie,
Bonnie,
It was so wonderful to read my name on your "love to" list! Just what I needed right now.
I'm sorry about your knee issue. I'm sure it will be resolved, hang in there! In the beginning of treatment, I had a lot of leg pain. I couldn't stand up for more than 15 minutes sometimes before I would just have to lay down, and I couldn't sit either because the vulvodynia was so bad, ugh! I still get sore legs on occasion, but it's a minor inconvenience that happens rarely.
I have to say I'm so proud of you! You are a strong lady and I know you will be (and probably already are) an inspiration to others.
Blessings!
I also have to say, it was so
I also have to say, it was so good to read the posts from all of you. So comforting and so inspirational!