Dear members: I have been reading more in the past 2 years than all of my years in high school, college, and teaching combined. Why, Why, are we cursed with this terrible IC problem? I am a mother and grandmother age 65. I am a teacher who is trying not to retire. This horrid problem is affecting my whole being. I have noticed that a proper diet that is salt free yields the best results for me. However, even with medication, meditation, exercise, and all of the positive things that we are told to do, my worst enemy is "STRESS". At my age one visits stress I am noticing quite often, Everyone needs the 'Mamma'. Children, grandchildren.....the whole family depends on the Mamma. Before IC I was there for everyone. Well now the thought of getting envolved causes a flareup. I am hating holidays, birthdays, vacations, swimming, fishing, and all of the pleasant things that I used to look forwards too all my life.
I lost my mother and two other close family members in the past 5 years. The flareups were relentless. I was so scared to even think of a pain so intense that it had to be cancer related. I am sure that all of you have thought of the 'c' word. I had thyroid surgery 4 years ago and have considered the possibility of IC brought on by Iodine 131 treatment for that cancer.
The problem with the research is that you can always find a yes or no to any question. Well, friends after reading my comments do you have any related situations or comments that might sooth an old ladies mind. I was always active and did not look my age. During a bad IC attack I look my age and older. Sometimes on a weekly basis.