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I was just recently diagosed with IC this past Friday. I have been hurting for the past two weeks and wasn't sure what was going on. I still don't know what to think or feel. I really would like to know one thing for those people who have had this problem for awhile, does anyone feel that changing your diet really helps? Does working out help and getting physical therapy help? Please answer these questions for me. I have no idea who to turn to.
Thanks,
Ashley
Dieting is going to be the
Dieting is going to be the hardest part for me. I love food so I just wonder if it really helps. The dr said it could take up to 6 months for me to get well. I really don't want to wait that long. I am not in really bad pain but enough aggravation to get on my nerves. I feel like I always have to pee and it burns down there all the time. I was asking about excersing since this condition brings your immune system down. I did Zumba yesterday and I was fine. I asked about physical therapy b/c I wanted to know what kind of pelvic excersies would help with my condition. I am so lost and I wish there was someone here in town I could talk to. My dr told me to come back in 6 weeks which is way to long when they tell you have something like this.
diet and excercise
Hi Ashley,
I hope you're feeling OK today. I totally understand about feeling confused about where to turn or how to proceed. I've had IC since I was 16 and have gone through periods of total remission and then periods of pretty major pain over the last 16-17 years. I remember being diagnosed as a teen and being told that there was very little they could do for me. What a blow. Basically doctors told me to find out what I could and report back to them so they'd have a better understanding of what to do!
I have definitely found that diet is one of the biggest factors in quelling symptoms for me personally. When you first look at the diet, you think "My food life is over..." and it is in a way, but honestly, since I feel so much better on the diet, I really don't mind doing it, nor do I find it too much of a struggle since the consequence of not sticking with it is pain and discomfort. And getting off sugar is one of the best things that ever happened to me and I honestly don't miss it at all anymore.
As for exercise, I know that everyone is different but I find that moderate exercise really helps me but if I sweat too much and lose a lot of water, my bladder freaks out and spasms thereafter, even if I keep drinking water while exercising. When I first started treatment with Dr. B, she told me not to do anything that made me sweat. After 7 months, I've made progress and find that sweating does not bother me as much.
I would really recommend working with Dr. B. She has the most knowledge about IC than anyone I've encountered. Good luck in your healing!
Claire