I am writing my week's end thoughts early because I missed last week and thought I would get a head of this week's posting. The issue that has been on my mind the most these past two weeks is that there are very few people relatively on this board. And, although I am so very happy that of the people that are participating there is a lot of fantastic energy and sharing, in comparison to my patient load, the percentage is incredibly low.
This is fine, except, that it gives the illusion that people in treatment are struglling strugglin struggling, and it does not present the other side--people doing super well. Those people are not spending time talking on line. So, sadly, often, the conversations that take place are one's of personal and physical challenges and not of vicotry over the ravages of chronic illness.
It is human nature to forget pain and to forget struggle. If this were not the case, none of us would be here because childbirth being what it is, noone would do it again:). So, it is human to move on. Some people just can't participate because connecting in this way makes it difficult for them to go through their very personal journey. We all have our own separate ways of dealing with our "internal" pain. And, that is normal and OK.
But, if any of you out there are reading and not participating, please think about taking a moment to make a comment or two of ecouragement. And, for those of you that are not even ever opening these pages because you have moved on, we hope you are at least sharing your positive experiences with those around you so that people may benefit from your experience. Letting people know help is out there is super important. There is not much more important in life than extending your hand to another person in need.
Dr.B
Comments
Thank you!
I just wanted to say thank you for providing this site for us. It has given me so much comfort. I started having urgency and frequency after 3 months of (3) back to back UTI's. After the last round of antibiotics the urgency and frequency didn't go away, they got worse. I found the "Recovery" website which led me to this website. I started the diet that day and felt 90% better within the first week. Just before this happened I had booked flights for a 15 day family vacation. I was terrified that I wouldn't be able to go. I was needing a bathroom stop about 30 times a day and the feeling of urgency never left me. After starting your diet I not only went on this vacation but after reading the "diet and vacation" suggestions I booked hotel rooms with kitchens and made extra food that could be microwaved for the hotels that didn't. This made for a low stress and enjoyable vacation for me and the rest of my family of four.
I still have frequency issues (every hour and 1/2) but I'm able to work and most days I'm able to forget about my bladder most of the time. I know that this will not go away with out seeing you for treatment. I'm working on my evaluation form and looking at flights. This part is a little overwhelming but I will make it happen.
I plan to bring my 7 year old daugther with me. She has had UTI, bowel, vaginitis and yeast issues most of her life. I don't want her to go through the pain of IC. I've communicated with some mothers on this site who have children in treatment with you and they are so positive.
Something else that is very positive about your diet. I've lost weight, which allowed me to get off from my high blood pressure medicine. I've been taking this medicine for just over a year. I am now medicine free!
I feel so very fortunate to have found our way to you Matia. I look forward to meeting you and starting the "road to our recovery".
Bless you for being there for us and giving so much of yourself.
Heartwarming
My heart always skips a little when I read posts like this. It truly makes me feel a sense of fulfillment and happiness to know I touched someone from a distance and made a difference in their life. I look forward to meeting you one day and your daughter. IN the mean time, I am glad to know that things are improving for the both of you.
M