Diagnosed one year ago this month

One year ago this month I was officially diagnosed with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome.

My whole life I hadn't experienced symptoms of the disease (and if I did, they weren't severe enough to notice) until January 2008. My diet had always consisted of lemonade and everything spicy. Then during the month of January 2008, I went to a local clinic five times for a recurring bladder infection/urinary tract infection. I knew something was wrong because I had never had a UTI in my life.

I spoke to my mom, who had actually been suffering from IC off and on for a few years and she said my symptoms were very similar to the disease. I didn't want to believe her, because I saw her go through the pain and how she had to change her diet. With her advice, I changed my diet to one similar to hers, but my symptoms still worsened. In April 2008, I went to her specialist and after the long grueling tests the doctor walked back in the examination room and said, "It's not that bad, you'll be fine," and I was devastated. He went on to tell me how he's lactose intolerant (this was during a time when I had an ice cream addiction, so his lecture did make feel a little better).

Since my diagnosis, I haven't taken any medications, such as Elmiron, because I was afraid of the terrible side effects. When I experienced flares, I took Pyridium to help with the pain. But after a year of being on an interstitial cystitis diet and learning more about what my body can handle, I can actually say I feel a lot better. Not only my bladder health, but my general health as well.

The hardest part of having interstitial cystitis is having to change your diet. But after having the disease for a year, I have found that it is a lot easier dealing with the strict diet rules. Once you get creative in the kitchen, the possibilities are endless. That's the reason I wanted to start this blog, I wanted to give create fun and IC-safe meal options for someone suffering from the disease.

For more information about interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome visit click here or check out the resources I have listed on this blog.