If you want a full description and details this website has great information , or I will give you my version. I was diagnosed with it when I was about 29, I am 42 now.
IC is basically where the lining of the bladder is gone or quite sensitive. Which causes frequency and possible pain. For example, if I eat or drink something with acid or caffeine in it..... I will soon be going to the bathroom (often) and pain could occur. Some foods that I have found to affect it severely in me are tomato based foods, spicy foods, coffee, citrus anything, too much chocolate. On that last one, can I get some sympathy here, I mean IT'S CHOCOLATE!
Do I still eat and drink these things, yes I do, just in moderation. For instance, I do not eat pizza one night, barbecue another, and drink a large soda on any given day. The only soda I drink is Mug root beer, and that is rarely. I do drink decaf coffee, because I like coffee. I figure as long as I am near a bathroom, I am ok to indulge! :)
Other factors that could cause the symptoms are lack of sleep and stress. I can definitely vouch for these two. So I try my best to get enough sleep and reduce my stress if I can.
Positives or Joys of IC are that I will not die from it, there is a medication I can take to aide in the symptoms, I can still have a pretty regular life. There are many people with other disorders and disease out there that can't say those things.
Sure I have to frequent bathrooms more often, I have to watch what I eat, and I have to pay a ridiculously high price for medication every month. That was what this post was originally going to be about. A vent for how much I pay for the ONLY medication with no generic in sight, but instead perhaps I should share how fortunate I am.
Here goes!
At this point in life I can pay for the medicaction, and I have aide from my health insurance with paying for a percentage of it, I can still work, I can still be active and run and jump and exercise with my daughter and granddaughter. I can take road trips, I just have to find bathrooms (or a country road) often! :) Keep this in mind if you ever plan to travel with me!
I feel a change occurred while writing this post. I had a change of heart or thinking so to speak. I found JOY in something I seriously get tired of. Funny how that works that way huh?
In fact, I'd like to invite you to check out Caleb's page, he needs a kidney transplant. I can't imagine what his medication bill will be after his transplant or even right now!
I'd like to ask you to share a link in the comments below for a medical disease or a cause or individual that you know needs support. That way we can spread the word about it/them, share in praying, and perhaps if you feel you want to, donate financially.
Thanks for stopping by!
Julie
* All words written are my own opinion as always!