Living with Interstitial Cystitis

I am a 38 year old single mother of two precious daughters, 8 yrs and 6 yrs. I was diagnosed with IC in 1991 while a student at the University of GA. DR. Galloway at EMORY diagnosed me under cystoscopy I was forced to drop out during my junior year. I have been on Elmiron since 1991, before it was even FDA approved. I have had numerous hydrodistentions and tried just about every med.

Because of my IC I pursued nursing school. I have recently applied to graduate school to obtain by Family Nurse Practitioners liscense. My IC is so bad that I have no idea how I am going to make it through school if I am accepted.

Many days I dread getting out of the bed because the frequency and urgency are so emotionally exhausting. I want some quality of life! I have had to give up so many things in my life that I love to do. I was an avid runner and cyclist. I have a hard time playing with my children and keeping up with them.

I am so sick of this illness. Being in healthcare myself it scares me to try new things because I am afraid that it may make my IC worse or cause some other new symptom.

I know the stress of having my two girls relying on me adds to the IC issues. It is a vicious cycle. My heart goes out to anyone who has the disease.