Medscape Medical News Vulvodynia and Interstitial Cystitis: Causes of Pelvic Pain

Excerpt:

Editor's note: Although about 1 in 7 women in the United States report experiencing chronic pelvic pain, the causes often go undiagnosed. Surveys indicate that about 15% of working women lose time from their jobs because of pelvic pain, and nearly half say it adversely affects their productivity.

From: Medscape (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/773575)

Really good article.

Cold Fronts are Starting

Last week I had a bladder infection and now I'm in pain because the weather just dropped by twenty degrees. I have a 7 hour shift tomorrow and with someone on vacation I'm having a longer work week than normal but don't think I'll be able to hold up unless the weather steadies out. My workplace doesn't make accommodations for wheel chairs and walking turns very painful for me.

I'm already tempted to put in my two weeks notice, but then how am I going to live if I don't 'tough it out' so I'm not 'living on your dollar'?

If it is another infection then I'm screwed, as that would mean its now immune to yet another anti-biotic and I'm already allergic to all with sulfur in it. Last year it became immune to macrobid. I'm positive its the IC symptoms allowing the infection to return. All summer I didn't have a single problem and lived a normal life.

Internet Friends

My closest friends are miles and states away from me, but we talk everyday through games and Facebook. Some professionals say this in unhealthy, and online friends can never replace real friends, but after a recent catastrophe on Facebook of my family saying I "complain too much" about my pain and I going on a purging spree of those who weren't truly my friends and family members who'll never hear another word from me I realized who my true friends are.

One of them said they got me something for my birthday. I thought it'd be some game item that you pay cash for, usually cheap. I'm like, okay. Well, weeks later a huge box arrived at my door.

What was it?

A wheelchair!

While my community and family dismissed me, my online friends went far and beyond and did what those who should be doing didn't do. My mom gave a away a free chair after I asked for one.

Her reaction to the present? "I made them pity me with all my complaining." Hah. It's a damn good, comfortable, and portable chair that they used amazon gift cards for to get it really cheap. She was extremely annoyed. Said I should send it back. I'm at the point where I've lost all respect for this woman. She has Jackle and Hyde moments. There are times when she brings me IC safe foods in bed, then there are times like those above. I think I broke her bubble of denial. Or perhaps made her feel guilty that it was total strangers (to her) who gave me such a great gift. To you two guys I'm talking about, thanks <3

New pad may help ease IC/Menstrual pain

Emily, 25, Oregon - "I have very painful periods and these pads definitely relieved some pain and discomfort during the day. I've had the symptoms of IC since I was probably a young child and could never get relief. I was finally diagnosed in 2008. I am impressed with the packaging; didn't worry about dirt or bacteria. My energy was so much more positive and I felt comfortable and secure wearing the pads. I wear the pantiliners everyday. I'm so grateful to my boyfriend for encouraging me to order these pads!!!

Stef, 35, Washington - "I have tried the day pads and LOVE them. I will definitely be ordering some. They are so comfortable. I suffer from pelvic discomfort and my vaginal tissues are so sensitive."

VJ, 40, CA - "I have found using Empower pads have helped lessen the pain that I experienced with severe cramps when my period would arrive. Without Empower pads I would be in my home and not out living and enjoying life to the fullest. Thank you for creating Empower pads! I really feel that they are the best feminine hygiene product on the market."

Empower Pads are a breakthrough in feminine hygiene support. Each non-chlorinated pad has a bio-energetic tourmaline strip for cramp relief, a soft top layer, a breathable polymer backing, and superior absorbency. Tourmaline has become a focus of research at universities and research centers worldwide because of its health benefits, such as improving circulation, relieving stress and increasing mental alertness. Anions increase oxygen, thus inhibiting the growth and multiplication of anaerobic bacteria. For women, this means less unpleasant odors and less incidence of infection.

Common DO's & DON'T's when using sanitary napkins

1. Choose a pad that is made from light, breathable, hypoallergenic materials. Allergens and materials that do not permit airflow in and out often cause skin irritation.
2. Consider the style and size. Try to choose a pad that is appropriate for your body size and type.
3. Look for pad with a high absorption rate that also has the ability to lock in moisture.
4. Always wash your hands before handling pads to avoid bacterial contamination.
5. Do not leave sanitary pads in the bathroom for long periods of time. Moisture may seep into the pad and lead to the growth and multiplication of fungi or bacteria.
6. Avoid scented pads. Perfumes, scents and some chemicals found in pads are well know to cause skin sensitivity and burning, especially for women with sensitive skin and/or vulvodynia. If odor is an issue, change your pads more frequently

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Attribution
ICN: http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73235

Survive Chronic Pain

A wonderful read for chronic pain treatments: http://pain-topics.org/pdf/IntractablePainSurvival.pdf

Reminds me of my doctor visit earlier this week..

"It sounds so obvious and simple, but the hardest thing an IP patient to do is, down deep in your mind,
heart and soul, stop denying that you have a serious, life-shortening, medical condition that will not go
away."

Which is exactly what she was trying to make me do after coming to terms with it and trying to plan around it. She said no, go live a "normal life" and don't waste my "talents."

My talent is writing. I am doing my talent now.

I tell people I'm very sick, but they don't understand, not even my regular doctors, and this is why you must find the right doctor at any costs. Thankfully I don't have to take any advice from my GP about my IC since she doesn't specialize in it. I get she was trying to make me feel better, but in fact it just made me feel worse -- useless. It doesn't help.

"Your attitude about pain must change. Increased pain hurts you. When the pain flares, your pulse rate
increases, and hormones stored in your adrenal gland flood your system causing further body deterioration,
rusting, and aging.
Therefore, you MUST do whatever it takes to suppress your pain and prevent flare-ups. You simply
want to keep pain as far away and as controlled as possible. Never try to "work through it" or "tough it out" or believe that character and will power will solve your problem."

This is an important point for ICers. The longer you let yourself stay in pain, the more the nerves will trigger pain and could cause symptoms to progress. Yet, try telling your mother/boss that you can't do such-and-such right now because you have to sit on your heating pad for a bit and see how understanding they are.