I've been getting questions from a couple folks on here about my illness.
So I figured I'll just let it all out. For those who don't know I have a severe
case of Interstitial Cystitis. It is an illness of the bladder. My case is
extreme and there is no cure. Basically I urinate every 10-15 minutes,
I have a 24/7 strong urge to urinate, I have 24/7 raping pelvic and
vaginal pains, I sleep very little, 3 hours per night is my max, I vomit
every morning from lack of sleep, I have a hard time walking because
it literally feels like a sharp knife down there. I have a wheelchair and
I sometimes have to use it. I have been ill since I was 21, I am now
27. I have tried many medications, narcotics, treatments and surgeries,
nothing has helped, if anything some treatments made things worse.
There was a time that I was very depressed, I was heavily medicated,
and glued to bed, I kept on asking "why me?". I no longer feel that way,
I have come to accept my illness as part of my life, I deal, one day at
a time. I try to not complain, I do my best to help hubby, care for our
fur kids, rescue, and work from home, a little bit of everything, basically
trying to live a normal life. It is far from easy because the severe pain
never goes away, not for a second.

All days are hard work, but some more than others, this is why sometimes I
post a lot and other days I seem to disappear. During the really bad days I am
in too much pain to even sit up in order to go online. I am telling you guys
all this because I want you to know I AM OK. Do not worry about me, do not
feel sorry for me, please, because I can handle it. I always bounce back, I
have to. I love life and am determined to live it to its fullest. IC tries to kick
my butt, but I don't let it, I am ill, but so what?? Life does not end, it goes on,
there are so many people suffering, but some choose to be happy no matter
what. I choose to be happy. I choose to be strong. I choose to keep fighting
this disease. I choose to enjoy life, even though most times it is through
tears. I love this forum, it brings me a lot of joy to chat with interesting
people and see pictures of their precious furry babies. So even if I disappear
for a little bit, do not worry for me, I will come back, I love you guys too
darn much! So as long as you'll have me, I will be here.

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I love your spirit. You are an inspiration. I am in pain a lot, but not constantly. Just keep on as you can.

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Thank you Jan for the wonderful siggy!

Wow!! My goodness! That was very well-written! Very well-said! I hope you get some kind of relief soon! One of my favorite sayings is "Life is what you make of it!" You go girl!!

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[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]

Everyday I try to remember 5 things I'm grateful for. Today I'm going to add that I'm grateful for getting to know you here on the forum. Your spirit is wonderful !!

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Here are pictures of Barney: Flickr: Crochet Bouquet's Photostream

its sad when someone so young goes through a thing like this, keep up the good spirit!!!

LS I love you woman!! You are such an inspiration to me but you make me feel like a lazy piece of lol
This made me think of you fighting your illness --->
LS----->

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Thank you Jan

Thank you.
I know you hurt Pam, I wish you well. You are very strong.
I admire that you put your kids and pups first, before yourself.



You think so? Thank you. I always feel like perhaps I'm not explaining myself
well, it's difficult to think on so little sleep. I'm glad you understood me.
I absolutely agree with that saying. I am a firm believer in choices, we
always have them, therefore in a way we are responsible for our own destiny.

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I know your Pain, I too have IC since 2004. I am having my 4th Bladder surgery on March 15th and afraid it will up set my IC to be madder. I will pray for you God Love's you and me and we get threw it.

I too disappear for while when my IC and fibromlgia gets me down. But I get back up.

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In His Service
Theresa
and Amberleah Lou Lou

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