Living with Interstitial Cystitis

Patients living with Interstitial Cystitis must deal with a variety of problems that most people never have to think about. The effects of IC can be devastating, turning the victim's life upside down virtually overnight. Living with the constant pain and annoyance of this disease's symptoms can take its toll on the patient--physically, mentally, and emotionally.

IC is a physical problem, but some doctors still don't regard it as such. Many sufferers, myself included, spend several years and thousands of dollars on dozens of doctors and tests that are of absolutely no help. In my own case, each doctor would eventually give up on me. If he or she could not find the source of my problems, it must be "all in my head." I was referred to a psychiatrist, but psychotherapy does not stop the pain of an inflamed bladder. IC is now becoming more easily identified by doctors, an advancement that I'm sure will help thousands of sufferers--sparing them the painful, unnecessary procedures and humiliation that I was forced to undergo.

Even after a diagnosis is made, the news can be disheartening. No one wants to hear that there is no cure for such a painful medical problem. It often takes many months for treatments to begin helping with the symptoms. It is no surprise to me that many Interstitial Cystitis patients also experience depression. It is impossible for anyone to be "happy" all of the time, especially when dealing with a painful, chronic disorder. However, there are a few things that we can do to help ourselves feel better about the situation we are facing.

Try not to be a victim of self-pity. This will not make your symptoms go away, and may in fact make you feel much worse than you ordinarily would. The mind is powerful. Keeping a positive outlook, no matter how hard that may be, can help you through the difficult times.

Make sure that you have some type of support system. Family and friends may be of great comfort to you. It is difficult for others to understand your situation if they have not dealt with it themselves, so you may find that a support group for IC patients is most helpful. For those of us who spend a lot of time at the computer, online support groups are the perfect choice.

One of the most important things you can do is to be an active participant in your own medical care. Make and keep your regular doctor appointments. Don't be afraid to voice your concerns to your physician. If he or she does not know how you are feeling, you will not get the medical help that you need and deserve. Keeping your doctor up to date on your condition will help him to treat your symptoms more effectively, and you are more likely to find the treatments that will help you the most.

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