Interstitial Cystitis Blog: IC My New Life…This is my new life after a diagnosis of an incurable bladder disease called Interstitial Cystitis or (IC).

Welcome! My name is Barbara Bennett and I have Interstitial Cystitis.  My website is for Interstitial Cystitis patients and anyone who needs encouragement…and who doesn’t?

In March of 2012 I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis.  It has changed my life forever.   I have learned to live with chronic pelvic pain and pressure.  Since Interstitial Cystitis has taken over my body, I have also developed a disorder called Fibromyalgia. I have widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, in addition to sleep, memory, and mood issues.

 

I struggle with many other health issues, including chronic Sciatica in my left leg, Insomnia, Vulvodynia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Restless Leg Syndrome.  Living day to day with all of these problems has  brought me closer to God.  I turn to the Lord for comfort and peace.

 

When I was first diagnosed I was devastated.  I questioned God and wanted to know why I was going to live with pain for the rest of my life. Why was I going to be miserable when everyone around me didn’t have to live with this life-changing news??

In my search for answers I prayed a lot more, read my Bible more and became closer to God. I became involved in my church on a deeper level. Not just the same ole go to church every Sunday because it is the right thing to do, but trying to grow and help others through my knowledge in Christ.   Now I understand that God can use me to do His work  if I am in pain or not.

I live my life for Him now and not for me; I have had a big heart change. This heart change has brought such tranquility to my life that I am okay with all my health issues. That is not to say that I don’t try new treatments or options. For me it is just the opposite, I am going to learn as much as I can to help me in my Interstitial Cystitis journal and help others. I am going to make the best of whatever God gives me…This is My New Life!

 

What Interstitial Cystitis?

 Interstitial Cystitis (in-tur-STISH-ul sis-TIE-tis) — also called painful bladder syndrome —is an inflammation of the bladder that causes chronic mild to severe pain in thebladder and surrounding pelvic area. Symptoms often include a sense of urgency and increased frequency of urination.

A healthy adult averages urinating seven times a day and seldom needs to get up at night to use the bathroom. Someone with a severe case of Interstitial Cystisis, on the other hand, may urinate as frequently as 60 times in 24 hours, including multiple nighttime trips to the bathroom.

Interstitial Cystitis can cause discomfort similar to what you might feel with a urinary tract infection (UTI). But unlike a urinary tract infection, which is caused by bacteria, Interstitial Cystitis cannot be treated with an antibiotic.  If you have UTIs, and they continue over time, make sure you find out if your urine cultures are positive.  If they are negative, ask your doctor about Interstitial Cystitis.

To see my previous posts please go to: www.bb65ichope.blogspot.com

 

(more…)