Time Flies

I can't believe it's already the middle of May!
I was just thinking tonight while doing my dishes I can't remember the last time I had a full blown IC attack. I guess that's a good thing especially since the Bactram is causing problems...either my stomach or that darn yeast...but it must be doing it's job along with the Elmiron.
I can still say I do mess up and drink the occasional "bad for me" drinks, but MODERATION is the key.
I feel great and can't wait for my summer to begin. Big plans this summer starting on June 4th! Yes some of it involves wineries...but the big one involves the big Birthday in Key West...if everything goes as scheduled!
The weather is getting warmer, the depression seems to be lifting as the sun shines on us more often now.

Great 3 Month Checkup!

So I saw Gina the other day and I'm feeling good, am handling things well, I know my symptoms and how to stop them...an overall great appointment. Think about it, last year I was doing the "Cocktail" into January and having too many "bad days". Now I know that every day gets better! I still have to stay on the Bactrum for a while longer as there is still a trace of infection going on. I told her how my GYN was not too happy about me being on this particular antibiotic as they now use it for MRSA Infections...but this one seems to be doing the job.
So now I graduate to 6 months and I'll keep my fingers crossed that these next 6 months go as well as the last 3 have!
I know I don't stay 100% away from the "forbidden" food/drink list, but I also don't overdo it. I bought the Javacid for my coffee and I gotta tell ya, it really helps! I can honeltly say I don't keep up with my PT exercises either, but I make it a point to get them in at least once a week...they do help!
When I start getting the irritating symptoms, I put on the Stim and find a quiet place to RELAX! I think overall the most important thing is to JUST RELAX!
So for those of you out there reading this and aren't feeling your best I can tell you that it gets better!
I may not be the "Model Patient" but I'm doing what works for me and if it doesn't work, I rethink my actions.
Find what works for you and go with it!
All the Best!

Happy New Year!
Things have been going good (still knocking on wood though)
I'm still taking antibiotics which are reaking havic with my stomach and giving me other problems. I'm looking into taking Acidopholis to help with it.
I've been very good as far as my diet is concerned and actually am looking to lose some weight. And I will say...I have to admit that I've done a few wine tours and took precautions that kept me from having problems.
Attitude I believe is a big part of keeping this monster under control.
So Happy New Year to all and let's hope it's a symptom free one!

Just Breathe Widget

Just Breathe Widget

Something I never realized!

As I was reading Gloria's blog about Micturition or OAB: Should you be taking Detrol? I realized that my infection problem may be due to a question she asks..."Why would an IC patient who doesn't not have leakage want to keep contaminated urine that has too many white blood cells in their inflamed, irritated bladder."
I've been taking Vesicare and honestly, maybe I should not take it for a while and see if things change...that in addition to the cost factor may have just made up my mind to stop!
Thanks to Gloria for making me see something that may be a solution to my problem!

Where did the summer go?

Can you believe it's September already? I certainly can't.
It's actually been a great summer with very little complications as far as my IC is concerned. And of course after my last post, I ended up with another infection and Gina put me back on Bactrim...I'm suppose to be going once a month from June to do my urine cultures but with my new job, I've been missing getting to the lab before they close. I've managed to get one in and since I have to go in a few weeks to see Gina again, why bother going this coming week.
I've missed the NY State Fair for the second year in a row...it does bum me out, but I'm being realistic in that I don't have the money to spend this year. Oh well, there's always next year to look forward to :)
I'm going to my new favorite winery next weekend with my buddy Josie...3 Brothers http://3brotherswinery.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1&Itemid=2
it's for her birthday celebration and we plan on spending the day at Bagg Dare Winery having some food and listening to a band.
I can honestly say if I know I'm going to "taste" I do take it easy. I can't afford to end up having a flair because I decided to be stupid and not think of the consequences of drinking too much wine. I take my Prelief before and limit my intake even though there's many good wines to taste.
With Fall coming there won't be many more trips planned. Old Forge is planned for October, I've never been there and there's this Hardware store that sells all kinds of goodies-it's like an old "General Store" so that will be fun and I have to hit the Life Is Good Store there in town. We may even hop a ride on the Adirondak Train to see the foliage.
My job is going well, no stress, some frustration...which is given when you are learning something new that you have really never done before. I will say Medicaid payments will be the death of me!
Enjoy those last few days of "summer"

Feelin Great!

So alot has gone on.
I started my new job at the end of June and I LOVE IT...no stress, no games!!!
I decided to try CystoProtek and I can honestly say I think it's helping. I have no symptoms, and I'm feeling great! Haven't had a major flair since my vacation.
I did have a slight problem that was self induced...Being a huge fan of Finger lakes Wineries, I went to FL Winefest with the girls for my second year in a row-I stopped and then thought I could do a couple more tastings and those couple more put me over the edge. But I was fully prepared in case something went wrong.
and...surprisingly enough I celebrated my 39Th birthday last week with 3 very tasty Margarita's with Prelief appetizer :)
I only over-indulge every once in a while-I believe you cannot give up the things you like and love, just enjoy them less. I may not be a great role model for anyone with IC, but I know that for myself I have finally gotten control for now and if I decide to indulge-it cannot be in excess and I have to be prepared for what ever happens, flair or not.
This summer has flown by, I can't believe it's actually almost over. I still have places to go, pictures to take, and people to catch up with.
Even so, I've been taking the time to enjoy the things I love with the people I love to do them with and it's been a relaxing, non-stressful, happy time...
That's what makes it all the more great!