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Dear all,
I have been struggling with this thing since it re-started for me 6 months ago. Over the past few days, I have realised that my big problem is that I have inflammation inside of my body everywhere- my bladder is actually indistinguishable from every other sinew and fibre in my body. I feel that even my 'mind' (brain?) is inflamed. It really does feel like I am inflamed all over - the inside of my nasal passages is inflamed (I have lost my sense of smell), my skin is inflamed, etc..This inflammation has, in turn , caused a shift in my whole being so that I don't feel 'myself' anymore. Does anyone:
1) recognise these symptoms? I know that we are all different but it would be reassuring to know if anyone else has experienced this? I don't feel grounded in reality. This whole thing is really scaring me because I don't feel like 'myself' with an inflammed bladder, but a whole different person. This is freaking me out. I need to find myself again and am looking for advice.
2) have any advice for me on how to start bringing the inflammation down?
Thank you.
I think I am a product of
I think I am a product of inflammation. It was very bad in the beginning, and I still have long way to go.
1) Diet definitely helps. There is such thing as anti-inflammatory diet, which I tried before starting Matia's diet. It was great. It came recommended by one Chinese Medicine doctor who treated himself from number of health issues. I did well on it. When I found Matia's diet and learned that some carbs are allowed, it was a treat. I don't know if I do as well on it when it comes to combating inflammation. Sometimes I tend to overdo rice cakes, mash potatoes, etc. It is very important to follow 1/3 proportion. I think the reason why carbs are a part of the diet is because we need them for energy and mood. Most importantly, I read that some people end up with life threatening problems due to following GASP and other diets, which totally restrict carbs. Again, Matia's diet helps, but proportions are imperative.
2) Matia will probably work with you on using certain herbs.
Don’t forget that it takes time to reduce inflammation, three months minimum. Six months is a more common timeframe.
It is normal....
Please be assured that what you are feeling is normal, you are not the only one...
Your body, your sympothetic nervous system (always questioned that seems anything but sympathetic the way it makes us feel!!!) is all on red alert so yes feeling inflammed throughout the body is exactly what is happening and I recognise it completely.
It is also very typical to not feel yourself, I have often thought, I want 'me' back I don't like this person I am now, this scared little mouse who can't cope who finds everything a challenge from getting up in the morning to face another day, to work, day to day chores etc etc.
You are not alone and Matia's treatment does address the issue of inflammation. Keep communicating to her how you are feeling, your observations as the more information she has the more informed she can be with your treatment.
I think what becomes ever increasingly clear it that as improvements are felt, the mental and emotional well being is greatly benefited and so coping mechanisms come back. I had a long conversation yesterday with a patient who is 95% better in her words and as she said, the mind does not want to hold on to the memory of pain, a bit like childbirth, you know it was excrutiatingly painful but you 'forget' it, if it was remembered exactly as it was you would never have another chiild. Ther toughest time is now while still 'feeling' the IC raging in your body. I know it feels like nothing is changing but as I have to keep telling myself, subtle changes are happening and sometimes the body can get 'stuck' but it is dynamic and in time things will move, with some it is a quick response with others much slower but when we finally feel the changes in a positive way the mind and emotions are eased too. I try to tell myself when scary thoughts come into my head, 'it is just a thought, it is not reality, it is just a thought and I can allow it to hold of me or let it go' then I try to breathe through it, sometimes I win, some I loose but in time I will have more wins than losses.
Don't be too hard on yourself, these are completely understandable feelings you are having both physical and emotional, don't beat yourself up. This is so so hard when dealing with them minute to minute, but they will be in the past one day and it will be our turn to be holding out our hands to help others suffering to make it accross the bridge to peace just as we reach out our hands now for help.
Thinking of you and sending you hugs and remember to beathe....
Inflammation
I think most everyone with IC feels inflamation all over their body. I know I do. Matia works to try to get the inflammation down.
Vin- I am sorry you are
Vin- I am sorry you are struggling!!!
This may sound wacky but here it goes- I just watched a little clip of Dr Mercola on Dr Oz talking about "earthing" or "grounding" which is the simple idea of walking barefoot on the earth. Apparently it helps with inflammation due to the electrons (I forget how). I had heard this from a holstic md a few years ago but had forgotten. I do always let my kids run around barefoot in the warm weather- much to my mom's chagrin!
I think we should all try it when the Spring comes and if you are lucky enough to live in So Cal- try it now!