CP, so so sorry. This has been such a long road for you. I will absolutely keep praying for comfort and SOON!!

Deidre, you are so right and so important that we all hear this periodically. Boaz told me some of IC is about control. We can control our diets, our herbs, etc but lets's be kind to ourselves and not take control of thinking we deserve this. We would not think that of someone with cancer. We are all learning ways to make and keep our bodies more healthy. CP, i know you and Matia will solve all these mysteries. Unfortunately that takes alot of time. When you are sick and in pain as long as you have been it doescertainly take its toll on your body and your mind. I am praying incessantly for you. We are all here cheering you on a moment at a time. Hugs to you!!!!

Christina and Lisa, you have both been seeking clues through the medical community as to what is going on in your body. These clues are going to help Dr. B to better understand what your body needs to heal. I think you both are so wise and brave to do this, especially considering the medicines you have to flatly deny in the face of pressure from some well meaning practitioners. Lisa, my iron levels were below half of normal at one time, this is before Dr. B. I was passing out in the doctor's office and had to go to the hospital immediately for a blood transfusion, but I went into anaphylactic shock when they injected benadryl into me first. I was supposed to take 3 bags of blood, but then my blood pressure shot down too low on the last bag, so they pulled it. Why do I tell you all this? Because I know what it is like to be in the depths of despair with terribly ill health that goes on
for a long time. You feel like you are falling apart at the seams. You are so sick of being in bed, on the couch, or in the bathroom in pain with one thing or another. You feel like all your family ever sees when they look at you is someone sick. But we are all fighters or we wouldn't be here. I fight by researching and researching my health. The doctors can give you clues as to what is going on inside your body, this helps Dr.B narrow down what you might need. How I pray for wisdom in my research, and this has been going on for at least 15 or more years for me with ill health. I have suffered with ongoing UTI's, horrible yeast infections, staph infection 4 times, anemia for over 3 years, 2 gum surgeries, IBS-C, bleeding hemorrhoid, compressed disc in my back, difficult pregnancies, loss of a baby at 5 months pregnancy, acne, arthritis with fingers starting to get misshapen, a hysterectomy from a fibroid tumor that the dr said made me look 5 months pregnant, of course severe, painful, excessive bleeding periods which were lasting 3 weeks out of one month thus the anemia and blood transfusion, chronic canker sores with usually 4 at a time, shingles going into my eye that the doctor said I almost could have lost my sight, head sores for years, rectal prolapse, always getting sick with strep throat, and then came IC. After I listed all my past health conditions I almost didn't want to post this, but it was therapeutic in a way because I am so, so much better! When I would get diagnosed from a doctor on whatever was wrong, I would research how to help myself get better holistically. I know I have IC, but I never too birth control for my period pain, I used a hot water bottle. I didn't like taking Tylenol so only used that for emergencies. It was truly a godsend finding Dr. B one all night session in pain with IC. She has helped me so much. I really believe I will be better in my older years as I am 54, than I was in my younger years by God's good grace. I encourage you all to keep up the fight, it will be so worth it. I am finally in the last five months experiencing almost a relief of sorts in my body, and it is wonderful. Love and prayers for you all.