Since my early twenties I always had a bit of a problem with UTI's (urinary tract infections).  I had been on the pill since I was sixteen.  I would get 1-2 UTI's a year fairly consistently.  Then, when I was about thirty-seven, and going through a stressful divorce, the UTI's became more and more frequent.  I was on antiobiotics every six weeks or so, until many stopped working.  I began a new relationship, and sex just made the infections worse.  I had a cystoscopy and was told my bladder was normal and healthy and they didn't know why I kept getting infections.  I was put on a daily low-dose antibiotic (macrodantin) which I was on and off for about three years.  That seemed to work, until last April when I had burning after my last infection had cleared up.  I thought it was a yeast infection.  Then every month after, the week before my period I'd get horrific burning and then it would go away after (no infection).  Until October of 2008, when the burning came.....and never left.  I didn't have any other bladder pain particularly, but a bit of vaginal itchiness/irritation and electrical charges down my legs.  I knew I had IC, because I had read up on it many times due to the chronic UTI's.  I went to Cleveland Clinic in Florida and was told by the top urologist there that there is no test for "IC" and it could be numerous other things, so they gave me an antidepressant (Amitriptyline) and told me to come back in six months.  Needless to say I was in pain, feeling hopeless and desperate and very depressed.  Then a friend who had also suffered with IC told me she had seen a chinese medicine doctor and he had helped her.  She had changed her diet to an alkaline (totally vegan) diet, and along with some herbs and probiotics had been symptom free for 2 years.  So I tried the same regimen, and did feel a bit better (probably because I cut out all the sugars by going vegan).  However, by the second and third month of the diet, I still had symptoms and was beginning to get weak and frail (lost 30lbs).  At this point I was ready to give up hope and figured I'd have to live with this horrible illness.  My family doctor said the last choice was a Rx for Elmiron or hydrodistentions.  I took the prescription, but I never filled it.  A couple of days later I decided to try one last look on the internet.  I had long stopped my internet search because everything that came up for IC was such a nightmare.  But since the advice from the chinese medicine doctor had helped somewhat, I googled chinese medicine and IC.  That is when I found this website!!  When I read what Matia did, I had the most uplifting hopeful feeling.  I emailed her immediately.  She emailed back right away, and said if I came to Los Angeles, we could treat my IC "together."  Those words made me cry.  For the first time, someone wanted to help me and work with me to get better.  Within two weeks my Mom and I flew out to LA.

I have been in treatment now for only two months.  I have been lucky that Matia's protocol gave me relief almost immediately.  The first month I only had symptoms during ovulation and before/after my period.  This month, ovulation and my period came without any symptoms!!  I still have some slight irritation after bowel movements and any sexual activity, but otherwise have no more burning, and am comfortable most of the time.  Matia had said at the beginning she thought I would move through fairly quickly.  I have already started list 3 of the diet, and so far only coffee (my favorite thing) has bothered me.  But Matia said that will pass as well. 

My life before IC had been wonderful.  I had been through a bad divorce, but had met a wonderful man who my son and I had been living with for the last two years.  When I got sick with IC, it was such a strain on everyone.  I was so depressed sometimes, I'd just stay in my bedroom and cry.  I would miss work all the time because I was so uncomfortable all the time.  My boyfriend has been supportive and understanding through the whole thing.  Even when our sex life suffered ( I hope that will come back soon too!!)  But I wondered and worried how much he would be able to deal with.  This disease is so horrible and stressful!  But then I found Matia........and I got my life back!!  There is nothing I wouldn't give to her or say to her to let her know how much she has changed my life in the last two months.  If any of you out there are wondering whether to start treatment, think no longer!  I know that I still have a ways to go, but I am filled with hope now that there is a chance for me to have a normal life again.  All thanks to Matia.  I am truly truly blessed to have found her.