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Hi all, I visited with Dr. B last week. Had a nice time in Santa Monica! I would love to hear success stories because I am having a lot of anxiety about the protocol as I was doing pretty well the past 10 days or so on my own regime. My bladder today is awful so I know I need to jump on board. Her regime is a lot less than what I have been doing. Also don't know how I am going to deal with the anxiety this whole condition creates for me. I have been dependent on herbs and amin acids for helping with this but she said no to that.
How do you deal with all the stress? She told me to breathe. I am used to downing L-theanine or valarian root or something!
Anxiety
Hi Samara,
Dr. M does include anxiety herbs in her protocols - please let her know if you're suffering so that she can work with that also.
Hang in there
Hi Samara, If there's one
Hi Samara,
If there's one thing I know - it's anxiety! I've been struggling with severe anxiety, most of which started after I began treatment. I've had some really bad days when I caved in and took valium but I know this will only set me back in progress. I also used to take L-Theanine but Dr B advised it could cause more pressure.. I don't want to risk it and find out.
I find when I keep my mind busy, it helps a lot with reducing the anxiety. I've started drawing, painting, reading, etc. I notice as soon as my mind goes 'quiet', the crazy thoughts kick in. So try and stay as occupied as possible and not dwell on every feeling your body is going through..
In regards to progress, my bladder went from 7/10 discomfort to 1/10 within 2-3 months (everyone is different and I'm not a severe case so don't get stresed out if this isn't the case for you) I was doing really well (basically felt normal) until I stopped the herbs due to a virus.. then got a UTI from not peeing after sex... then kind of went downhill from there. I'm still much better than I was before starting treatment and do not regret my decision to see her one bit.
Good luck! :)
Me too
Anxiety is a big part of this illness in my opinion. I have had it my whole life but it really increases when there are other stressors in my life, such as when we were trying to start a family, or when I or my children have had even a minor health concern.
Samara, I too had to cut out the herbal protocol and supplements I am using. But three weeks into treatment my bladder has already calmed down considerably. I still have frequency and urgency some times but my sleep is much better and my pain is very low. Try to trust in this process.
A ICAMA member suggested Louise Hays work around healing. I found her mantras a little corny but they do speak to me:
Bladder and bowel problems indicate:
Anxiety. Holding on to old ideas. Fear of letting go. Being pissed off.
Affirmation: I comfortably and easily release the old and welcome the new in my life. I am safe.
Anxiety indicates: Not trusting the flow and process of life.
Affirmation: I love and approve of myself and trust the process of life. I am safe.
If we don't excel at health, the only other option is disease.
thanks- these are great!
thanks- these are great!