Although I had experienced IC symptoms throughout my teenage years, I was not officially diagnosed until September of 1997, only weeks before my 21st birthday. After being referred to numerous family physicians and various specialists, one urologist finally gave a name to the excruciating symptoms I had been experiencing - Interstitial Cystitis. I had been [...]
I'm 18, a senior in high school, and was diagnosed with IC only a couple of weeks ago. For as long as I can remember I've felt uncomfortable going to the bathroom, if that's the right word. Whenever I would void I felt like I wasn't done, but it was something I got used to [...]
When the pain stops for even one minute, I feel like a wounded soldier sent home from war. I feel as if I have spent half my lifes energy fighting some personal battle that no one in the real world knows about or could ever fathom. I am in the dirty barbed trenches of a [...]
Hi. My name is Melissa and I'm in the middle of being diagnosed with this disease I keep hearing so much about. I just had the bladder distention done a couple of weeks ago and I am waiting for my post-op visit to learn if I have I.C. What I do know right now is [...]
(Editors Note: I'd like to take a moment and introduce my mother, Helen Osborne. A retired elementary school teacher, she literally saved my life during the early years of my IC. When I couldn't drive myself to the doctor, she drove. When I was crying in pain, she held my hand and took me to [...]
It is September 18, 2001, terrorist attacked America a week ago today. Many people have died, many more people have lost a loved one to this tragedy, and others have lost or temporarily lost their job. America stands in fear of the confusion and loss of the lives of so many people. Also on this day, [...]
My name is Cindy, I am married and have a daughter who will be 16 in August. I was diagnosed with IC in July of 2001, I know I have had it for many years, as I can recall the symptoms as far back as High School. I would go to the bathroom between nearly [...]
I'm sixteen years old and was a normal, fun, energetic student until August of 2003. High school is supposed to be the best time of your life but for me, it's the worst. I had just gotten back from vacation and thought I had a UTI because of the specific pain I had. I dealt [...]
The last normal day of my life was the first Sunday in March of 2002. It was a nice day too. I didn’t go to church that morning because my father was sick, and I wanted to cook lunch for him. I baked a ham and made a cocoanut cake, both his favorites, and the [...]
My name is Lesa Taylor - McCabe. I am 44 and I have had I.C. since 1966, that's 38 years if anyone is keeping track.The Navy dr's my parents took me to told them my bladder was " Small" and I would " Grow out of this"...well, guess what? I didn't. My dad was career [...]
