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I don't go on here often. I started seeing Dr. Brizman 9 years ago. When I first arrived in her office I was living in 8/10 pain everyday. I was in agony. I had pain with sex, constant UTI's, and constant bladder pain even when I did not have UTI's. This disease was ruling and destroying my life. I had spent years exhausting every avenue of western medicine. Not only were those providers not compassionate, they gave me treatments that made me worse. When I walked into Matia's office and told her my story- I received compassion and understanding. Then she said "I know your disease and I can help you". I literally almost burst into tears right there. I was willing to do anything to get better.
The last 9 year journey has been long and difficult. There have been many peaks and valleys. There were many days I struggled to get through. I had many layers to my disease, and had been sick most of my life. It took me a long time to get better. But I did get better!! It was a lot of work and huge life changes for me. All of them were worth it. If you go into this process with full commitment- you will get better. It might not be as fast, or as easy as any of us would like, but it will happen. Don't lose hope. There is no magic bullet and everyone is different. But it will happen.
I live a painfree life now. Once in a blue moon I have a flare up. I am strict with my diet, but feel it is worth it and not a sacrifice. My husband and I even welcomed a baby girl into this world 11 weeks ago. She is a true miracle that would never be here without Matia's help.
Matia saved me from a very dark place. Chronic pain changes a person. But the thing Matia gave me on that first day was hope. Hope is a very powerful emotion. Most of the hard work was on me. But Matia was my guide. There is so much negativity in the world. I am so grateful for a wonderful provider like Matia who dedicates her life to helping others.
THANK you Faith!!! I really
THANK you Faith!!! I really appreciate your story and encouragement. I am 3.5 years in and IC is still such a big part of my life. How long would you say it took until you got to the manageable level you are at now? Do you know why you have occasional flares? Congratulations on your baby! Wonderful
Faith, thank you so much for
Faith, thank you so much for you post!!!!!!! Continued good health and balance to you!!
If we don't excel at health, the only other option is disease.
Thank you for this wonderful,
Thank you for this wonderful, encouraging post!!
So wonderful to hear your
So wonderful to hear your positive post Faith. And congratulations on your new little one. I wish you much more happiness and continued good health!!!!
Faith,
Faith,
Congratulations on the new baby!! That is so exciting and quite an accomplishment after 9 years of hard work! I hope your enjoying being a mother! How old were you when you got IC? What would you say was the hardest part about this treatment? I'm 11months in treatment and am still suffering with constant pain. I understand what you mean when you say chronic pain changes a person. Pain really does bring you to the deepest darkest place. Somedays I don't even know who I have turned into from all of this. I'm hopeful this will subside over time.
Thank you for posting and keep us updated on your progress! It really means alot to us who are in treatment to hear positive stories and updates!
Thank you for posting this,
Thank you for posting this, it is always great to hear how well others are doing, and congratulations on your baby.
Thank you for this post,
Thank you for this post, Faith! It means a lot for you to come back and post and congratulations on your new baby!
That is just brilliant. What
That is just brilliant. What a fabulous post. Congratulations on your baby!
So lovely to read this. Thank
So lovely to read this. Thank you for taking the time to post. Congratulations on the birth of your baby!
Thanks so much for sharing
Thanks so much for sharing this. I'm only 9 months in and it is definitely not an easy road, so it's very helpful to hear from someone on the other side (though I have made great progress). May I ask what your diet is like now? Is it still very restricted?
I agree and have also
I agree and have also improved much on this journey- always learning and still learning all the time with new research every day. I started with severe pain 7 years ago with no help from conventional Dr's and the pain meds, antibiotics, and other dangerous meds with pretty severe side effects (I am a pharmacist). The diet alone for 2 months before my visit with Matia helped 20-30% and then when I started to work with her supplements you go through cycles of pushing forward and that sometimes causes pain, but you are heading in the right direction. I want to encourage readers that this is a good protocol, and Matia is a blessing to most and well worth the money. The more you learn and read her blogs...you will start to think like her and begin to start to test your own body. Everyone is different and you need to trust yourself and learn to listen to your pain. It is trying to get your attention- to make some changes for your own survival. Chronic pain demands attention and puts all else in the background when it is tough to breathe and walk. Read and read and do gentle yoga if you can. Follow the diet. Make an apt with Matia if you are in severe pain...write your story and track your eating, exercise, stress, pain, sleep, and other symptoms. Communication must be accurate for the best help. I flew to LA from Indiana by Southwest out of Chicago for $99, they can recommend hotels, food, transportation, I walked to her office, and the trip took 2 days. Changed my life. Hugs to all.