hi mgiles. i started treatment oct. 1st last year and i was contemplating as to whether i should continue working during my treatment. when i spoke with someone from the doc's office, she told me things may get worse before i get better...that scared me. my die off symptoms were manageable and i was able to make it through the tough pains at work, but after my 3 week vacation, i realized it is much better for me to take some time off from work. in fact, my colleagues always told me to go home because they saw me suffering...the stubborn person decided to stick around, but couldn't do it this time. i am getting better teenie weenie bit, but since my pain level was so high to begin with (6-7), i just couldn't deal with it this time around. so mgiles, if you can take some time off without the financial burden then you should...if you have to work then see how things turn out for you in the next few months and if things are good then it's win win situation.

I had to stop working temporarily and I don't regret, it has helped for the better tremendously.

I stopped working, too. I think it helped after I took work stress and commitements out. I had a great job, but I don't miss it. All I want is to feel better.
 

I am mostly a full time mom.  I haven't even considered working in Theatre again right now(I am a choreographer/director and actor) and I am glad I don't have to for income. My husband is a teacher so we aren't rich but we're ok. I am a professional singer and I am lucky to get gigs a few times a month. That pretty much pays for this treatment. I am so glad that IC hasn't affected my voice. I occasionally worry that I will never get back to Theatre or other poeple will step in and take jobs that I could have had but I am *pretty* confidant in my ability and the connections I've made so I hope when I am feeling better- I'll be able to work again. I can't imagine that that part of me is gone.
 
As far as the mothering goes- I actually asked Matia if people with young children ever got better. She said it was similiar to any high stress job. She said she doesn't usually suggest quitting because it is good to be focused on other things than IC all the time. I find this tough being a stay at home mom because i do think about it almost all the time. Taking care of kids is complicated- it requires all your energy but it is often easy to still have your mind focusing on the discomfort at the same time. I joke that what i really need to do is go to some old fashioned european spa or hot springs or soemthing from the 1920's and "take the cure"for 6 months. I love my "job" and it is my life right now but I do wish I could get more breaks to meditate, read etc. I am working on those things. My husband and I are planning a little weekend trip for July and also my older 2 wil go stay with their grandparents this summer for a week or so. I am always trying to fine tune the routine so I can get a bit more down time.

I think it is great, and probably better for most, if you can get away with not working while in treatment. I have no chioce but to work since the boyfriend is in school, and I have a pug that eats more than I do. However, I will say that working does keep my mind off IC. Another plus, since sitting is so uncomfortable, everyone thinks I am such a great worker because I am always "running around". Little do they know I do it to keep from going crazy. Also, when I sneak off to the bathroom everyone assumes I am doing something important since i'm a "go-getter" (and you know, I feel no need to correct them). Anyway, I make the best of the situtation, and I think if you have to work, you can find a way to handle it. The body is highly adaptable to all types of situations. I mean, men who fight in wars have to force their bodies to walk TOWARD the gunfire. I realize this is the worst analogy ever, so I will shut-up, LOL. After being deprived of coffee for so long, I think I overdid it a little today after I got the OK to have it. Anyway, have a great day everyone.