IC Guide to Restaurants

For most IC patients, going out to eat can cause a bit of anxiety since even the slightest bit of a trigger food can cause a flare.

I mean we've all been there...Sitting down at a restaurant staring on end at the menu, trying to decide what to eat that won't cause a flare, while everyone else seems to be waiting for you to hurry up.

I admit it, it's just plain frustrating, but once you start to get your "trigger" foods down it can be a whole lot simpler and eating out again won't be such a pain. Just remember to make wise choices and you should be good to go! Oh and just ask questions if you aren't sure about a food, I mean these restaurants want your business so if they are accommodating to your needs than chances are you will be back right?

So with that said, I am going to list a few places with food that I have found to be pretty "IC Friendly" in terms of having a menu that isn't primarily screaming DANGER DO NOT EAT FLARE WILL FOLLOW

This is a blog in process and I will be adding more to the list routinely. I just wanted to blog what I had down already.

*Chick-fila- waffles fries, vanilla shakes (just ask them to clean the machines for you if you notice someone made a chocolate or strawberry shake before yours), chicken nuggets/strips, grilled chicken sandwiches (no tomatoes), Regular chicken sandwich (not the spicy w/pickles).

*Charlestons- baked potato soup, fries (isn't it sad that everything unhealthy is IC Friendly?), chicken tenders, baked potato (you may want to leave off the sour cream if you can't have it),Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Glazed carrots, Grilled Pork Chops,  Cheeseburger w/just cheese & lettuce, bread.

I'll put a link to the menu so you can take a look in case you may be able to eat something I can't:

Charleston Menu

 

*Pei Wei- Honey seared chicken with white rice or brown rice, won ton soup, egg rolls. Make sure you stay away from MSG and Soy sauce as it isn't IC friendly

*Papa Murphys- garlic chicken pizza ( I really enjoy this, but not since my GF diet)

* Chili's- Cheeseburger, fries, baked potato, baked potato soup, cheese fries, steaks (just ask about the seasonings if you're worried about pepper and spices), grilled chicken sandwich minus the Honey mustard,  Buffalo Ranch chicken sandwich (MINUS the buffalo sauce LOL ), Chicken Crispers, crispy chicken tacos MINUS the dressings & tomatoes, cheesecake, loaded potato skins, fried shrimp, seasoned veggies, fried cheese.

* Olive garden- Chicken alfredo, chicken parmesean BUT ask for alfredo sauce instead of red sauce, Chicken & Gnocchi soup, Breadsticks, Alfredo chicken pizza, seafood alfredo,

* Mimi's Cafe-  Breakfast-Eggs, Bacon, waffles, Ham, Pancakes (plain/blueberry), Low fat blueberry muffin, Carrot Raisin Muffin, Honey Bran Muffin, hashbrowns, bagels, blueberry toast, english muffin.

Lunch/Dinner- cafe corn chowder, Chicken noodle soup, broccolli cheddar soup, split pea & ham, fresh sliced turkey sandiwch (watchout for condiments), fries, smoked ham sandwich (watchout for condiments), Bacon Mac n' cheese, Chicken Pot Pie, SLow roasted turkey breast (no cranberry relish), Beef battered fish & chips,

*Bj's- Great White Pizza, Grilled Chicken Baked Potato, Garden Vegetable Baked Potato, Classic Burger, Bacon Cheeseburger, Potato wedges, Grilled burger melt minus the sauce, Crispy Chicken sandwich minus the sauce & tomatoes, BJ's club minus the sauce & tomatoes, Original Roast Beef sandwich minus the onions (unless you can eat them), Classic Turkey Sandwich with out mayo or tomatoes, Grilled Chicken Pasta, Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo, Angel Hair Toscana minus fire roasted tomatoes, Steaks (ask about specific seasonings if sensitive to spices), Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Clam Chowder Soup, Chicken Noodle. Potato Skins Appetizer, Chicken Tenders, Mozzerella Sticks, California Club Appetizer, Grilled chicken breast (ask about seasonings), Steamed veggies, Garlic cheese bread, Mac n' cheese, Grilled cheese, Mini burgers, Mini corn dogs, Rootbeer.

*Jason's Deli- List coming soon

*Zios- List coming soon

* Panera Bread- List coming soon

"But You Don't Look Sick" Revelation

When I was first diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis, it was really difficult for me to explain to those around me what was wrong with me because honestly I didn't look sick. I didn't have stitches, I wasn't losing my hair, I wasn't in a wheelchair, but the truth was that I was sick. I just had the kind of disease that you couldn't see; the kind that was invisible, the kind that made everyone wonder if I really was sick.

 

Back then it use to anger me that people didn't accept that I couldn't do things like everyone else or didn't care to ask how I was. I was saddened that while all my friends were living "the best days" of their lives, I was off in a doctors somewhere, at home in bed or in an OR having surgery. I remembered feeling like no one cared, especially when friends stopped calling, I didn't get invited out to a party, but then I realized that my life had moved on from those people, that kind of lifestyle.

I mean I guess I can't blame them because looking at the picture above, I don't look sick right? Well looks can be deceiving because I am the face of Interstitial Cystitis, Lupus, Fibromyalgia and a few other conditions.

It was truly evident that God had given me a new kind of life that I was going have to adjust to. I had to stop having a pity party for myself and put my "armor" on. I came to understand that my life was going to change and that there was little I could do about it in terms of riding myself of the diseases that I had. I came to realize that wallowing in the idea of having a chronic illness wasn't going to get me anywhere except further in a place I didn't want to be. I try to stay as positive as I can and thank God every single day that I have the strength to keep going despite having the "But You Don't Look Sick" disease.

Basically the point of this blog is to share two important lessons things.

1. Realize that no matter how many times you've dealt with those around you that are ignorant to your struggle and refuse to understand your illness, you don't need anyone to validate or tell you that you're sick because that is your struggle, not theirs. You also have to remember that everyone is human and sometimes the only way someone can truly feel what you're going through is to be in your shoes. So try not to hold a grudge and get your support from where you can find it.

2. You can remind yourself that you have overcame a huge struggle because it takes a survivor to not "not looks sick." But another reminder is that you don't have to let your illness define who you are as a person. You're not your disease, you may struggle with it on a daily basis, but you're the same person, just with a whole new perspective on life. This is something I had to teach myself and finally accept over the years. Because in the end I refuse to just become my disease...

I am going to share a link to an article that has become pretty popular in trying to explain a chronic illness to a friend or a family member. I think its pretty informative.

Spoon Theory

So there you have it, my "But Your Don't Look Sick" revelation.

Recipes from an IC Survivor

Long before I met anyone in person with Interstitial Cystitis, it was first through "myspace" and "facebook" of all places that I came into contact with other sufferers like me.

I thank God every day for helping me find others because many have become great friends and support, as they truly understand what I am going through on this journey.

They also have helped me with advice and even offered recipes that make following the IC Diet a breeze :)

One friend in particular, Dorothy Inman, an IC survivor (I sometimes like to refer to us as survivors because we have weathered a storm in a lot of ways and have remained optimistic) has often posted IC friendly recipes throughout the time i've known her. I love this girl, she is one of many reasons why I am as positive as I am even after 5 years of struggle. Therefore, I asked her if I could share some of her recipes, and I must tell you all the ones I've tried are de-lish! I am crediting these to her as she plans to make an IC Cookbook in near the future. So if you do decide to make these, i'm sure Dorothy will be ecstatic :) Thank you for letting me "borrow" these :)


BTW I love the names of her recipes, which make them even better when you're making them!

The Purple Monster Recipe:

If you are like I am you are constantly craving a drink that is low acid that will not cause a flare up for you.  Below is a tasty IC friendly smoothie. I realize some IC patients cannot have bananas or low acid orange juice., so experiment with something else.  This is the recipe I have found that works for me.  I have been drinking this for years flare up free.

1 CUP Low Acid Orange Juice  (try substituting blueberry or carrot juice if you cannot have low acid OJ.  The consistency is a little different)

1 ½ Cup Skim Milk

1 Cup frozen blueberries

1 Medium-Large D’Anjou pear (sliced with skin on)

2 Medium-Large Bananas (broken up into smaller pieces)

Blend with immersion blender and enjoy. 

This makes approximately 52 ounces of smoothie.  I make them and store them in the fridge in old spaghetti jars.  It is a pain to have to make it every day.  You can cut the recipe in half for 26 ounces.  Use coconut or almond milk for a non dairy option (I prefer unsweetened coconut milk).

Easy Peasy, Corny and Carroty Ham and Potato Soup Recipe: If you are like me you love a big bowl of hot soup in the fall and winter. Most people who crave soup can go to the nearest Panera or grocery store to pick up a can of their favorite soup.  If you have interstitial cystitis chances are you do not have this option.  Each fall and winter when I start to crave a good bowl of soup I start experimenting with soup recipes to find a soup that is IC friendly, but also has flavor.  This is my most recent soup recipe.  I think it is pretty tasty.  My husband added cheese and pepper to his to add additional flavor.  He EVEN took the leftovers for lunch today.  That's a home run in my book.

1 32 Oz Box of Kroger’s Private Selection Organic Chicken Broth (This is an IC friendly, reasonably priced chicken broth.  You can also try Pacific Natural Foods Organic Free Range Chicken Broth Low Sodium-It is a little more pricy, but can be purchased at Whole Foods, Kroger and Meijer, check your grocery's organic section*)

4 C water

5 washed potatoes, cubed, skin on

¾ lb Ham, cubed

1 C frozen peas

1 16 oz. can of corn

3 peeled carrots, sliced

1 TBSP chives (dried or fresh)

2 TSP parsley

1 TSP cumin

1 TSP garlic powder

Salt to taste

Directions

Throw everything in the crock pot.  Set to high.  Cook 4-6 hours (until potatoes are tender)

*Please note if you are making this for someone with IC it is very important that you only use broth that they can have, otherwise they may end up at the doctor (or worse) the next day*

Dorothy's Pasta Salad Recipe:

½ box 16 oz.-Medium Pasta Shells  

1 Cup-Olive Oil  2 tsp-Basil  

2 tsp-Oregano  2 tsp-Garlic Powder  

2 tsp-Onion Powder  To taste-Sugar  

8 oz block of-Monterey Jack Cheese  

8 oz block of -Mozzarella Cheese  

Approx ¼ Cup-To taste-Feta Cheese  

To taste or until they look pretty-Carrots  

To taste or until they look pretty-Broccoli    

1. Cook Noodles according to directions on the box. Drain and put into a large mixing bowl.  

2. In a liquid measuring cup, measure one cup of Olive Oil and mix the spices (Oregano, Basil, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder) into it to make your dressing.  

3. Pour the dressing onto the noodles and mix with a spoon.  

4. Add sugar onto noodles to taste with a spoon.  

5. Cut up 4 oz of Mozzarella and 4 oz Monterey Jack Cheese into small (1/2 inch or ¼ inch) cubes. Mix into salad.  

6. Crumble Feta cheese into salad to taste (anywhere between ¼ cup or more would probably work).  

7. Chop carrots into small pieces. Mix into salad to taste and for color.  

8. Chop broccoli into small pieces (I use the head of the broccoli and not the stalk).

Mix into salad to taste and for color.

9. Bon Appetite!   

Why's It Gotta Be A White Hotti Manicotti Recipe:

 Cook
-1 package (8 oz) Manicotti (cook the whole package because if you're like me you will cook it to long and a lot of them will split)

Cook
-Chicken (16 oz should be good) on the stove top with olive oil and whatever IC friendly spices you can have (I currently can have oregano, basil, onion powder and parsley)
-Cut in small pieces when cooked.

Cut
-5 mushrooms (small if you don't like a lot).

Mix in a large bowl
-1 15oz. package of Ricotta cheese
-2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
-1/3 to 1/2 C of feta
-mushrooms
-parsley (just sprinkle an even amount on top to color)
-oregano
-basil
-onion powder
-1 egg
-1/2 a container of frozen spinach (thawed). I think the container is 16 oz (I get the one in the box from Meijer.)

Stuff the manicotti

Put in greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish (I used glass).
Bake on 350 for 30 minutes (cover with foil)
After the buzzer goes off sprinkle with mozzarella and put back in the oven for 5 minutes and wa-la

**For people who do not have IC warm up spaghetti sauce in the microwave and spoon on top**

Quick and Easy IC Friendly Snack Recipe: 

Slice and peel one Fuji Apple
Place it in a bowl with:

Approx 1/2 C water
1 tsp. vanilla
Cinnamon to taste

Cover with plastic wrap

Put in microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

Enjoy!

Also good with vanilla icecream on top, though that adds a lot more calories.

PS. If you have an IC family member chances are they can eat Fuji apples, but they may not be able to as well. You may want to check with them first.

Slow and Easy Cooker Ham and Beans Recipe:

If you have IC and are always craving something warm and hearty, this will hit the spot on a cold winter day.  Best of all, you let the crock pot do all of the dirty work, while you sit back and relax.  Paired with corn bread it will be sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 3 garlic cloves , peeled and sliced
• 1 large sweet onion , chopped coarsely (IC version I cut onion in half so the pieces can be picked out later)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ Cup chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon cumin (If you are an IC patient and have never had cumin, you may want to start with a smaller amount)
• 1 lb ham (Not all IC patients can have ham.  I personally cannot have smoked ham, but the other kinds do not bother me)
• 4 Cups chicken broth (Kroger Organic Chicken Broth is IC friendly)
• 2 Cups water
• 2 bay leaves

Directions:

1. Sort beans and soak in enough water to cover overnight.
2. Or you may sort them and place in a saucepan with 2-inches of water to cover.
3. Bring them to a boil, boil for 3 minutes, then cover and remove from heat.
4. Allow to sit for one hour after boiling (don't lift the lid).
5. Whichever method you use, rinse and drain the beans before placing them in the crock pot.
6. Put the rinsed beans and all other ingredients in crock pot.
7. Cover crock, and cook on low for about 8 hours, or until beans are tender and creamy.
8. Once beans are cooked, take about 2 Cups out and smash them up and pour them back into the crock pot.  Stir.
9. Skim any excess fat, if necessary, before serving.

The Best Dang Apple Crisp EVER Recipe: 

Cut up a bunch of gala apples (I used about 10...fill it more than you think, they bake down).

Sprinkle with a tiny bit (probably 2 tsp. total) of flour and a bit of cinnamon.

Stick in a baking pan.

In a bowl, cut together... 1 1/2 c flour, 2 c sugar, and 2/3 c butter/margarine. (I use a pastry blender - you could also use forks, your fingers...or even the food processor!)

Sprinkle over the apples - make it nice and thick :)

Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes (if the top isn't brown, you can broil it for a few minutes...)Enjoy! (Perhaps with vanilla ice cream melting all over it...)

 

*Credit for the recipes goes to my lovely friend Dorothy Inman, Thank you for sharing these & also please be aware that everyone with IC has their specific trigger foods, so proceed with caution, but hopefully you will all enjoy these delicious recipes! *

Let's talk food: IC friendly foods & Recipes

I'm sure this is the blog you've all been waiting for, the one where i'm going to tell you what kind of food I can eat and not worry about flaring. Well this is the blog. But I will tell you that in the beginning of my first few months of being diagnosed I was in denial and wasn't always so cautious because I was completely confused, I also lacked that thing called...self control. But then I became completely scared to eat because I use to look at food like it was my worst enemy. I was so afraid of causing a flare.

Thankfully now that I have had this disease for 5 years I have established my "trigger" foods, which I avoid at all costs and I am able to eat a pretty well- balanced diet, although I have just had to start following a GF diet, but that's a whole nother story...

I have listed the IC diet list in another previous blog, but I will post it again in case you haven't read that one.

IC Diet List

Okay so I will list what I can't eat as of now. For me, my trigger foods consist of chocolate, pop (soda if that's what you call it), caffeine, orange juice, most juices, anything spicy, dyes in foods, tomato sauce, ketchup (I miss it so much), granny smith apples, pineapple, lemons, red delicious apples, regular apple juice, cranberry juice (obviously), grape juice, pizza with red sauce, any kind of grapes. Oh and Alcohol of any sort pretty much is a huge NO-NO for me.

And lastly just say no to MSG , you will thank me for this one!

I would totally love to ignore the list up above because I sure do miss those, but its nice to know I can still eat these. (Mind you I am following a GF diet now so i'm not eating the things listed with gluten, but everything else I still eat). Now these are things that I can eat without flaring, so just take EXTRA precautions since everyone is different meaning no two IC patients triggers are exactly the same, but some of these are pretty generic.

You can learn to enjoy foods again, but you just have to be careful. I know it may be difficult at first, but you will get the hang of it and you may even start to feel better. When I got discouraged my mom always use to say "It's like being a diabetic and knowing that you're not endangering your health by following the no sugar diet." So don't be afraid to eat, learn to enjoy food again, but just follow the diet if it works in your favor!

I will warn you though, I am a picky eater :)

*Fruits- Apples (Honey crisp, Pink Lady Gala & Fuji apples), Pears (i'm not the biggest fan, but they're a good snack), Blueberries (these are great because you can do so much with them, you can throw them pretty much all over your food, pancakes, cereal, smoothies or blueberry muffins).

*Vegetables- broccolli, corn, peas, cauliflower, lettuce, carrots (I like steamed and have heard from a few IC'ers that raw veggies bother them more? I have no idea why, but I prefer these hot anyways). Potatoes, Mushrooms. Newest addition to my diet...Sweet Potatoes!

*Pasta/Rice- white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, all kinds of pasta, I recently discovered another one if you're also on a GF diet quinoa (Ancient Harvest makes a really good brand and I can't even tell its not reg. pasta which is awesome!)

* Beverages- Chamomile Tea(hot or chilled, Vanilla Red Rooibos Tea (hot or chilled), Peppermint Tea (not the biggest fan, but some people love it), Blueberry tea ( I love this one especially because chilled), Milk- Rice, Almond, 2%, 1%, Skim which ever you like. I personally prefer skim and organic),Organic Blueberry juice (check for any citric acid, I usually go to WF for my juices), Pear Juice (again check for citric acid). Root Beer (w/lots of ice, I stick to WF's organic), Vanilla Milkshakes from several FF places (i'm going to do a blog just about restaurants soon for IC friendly so keep an eye out for that), Organic Apple Juice from Whole Foods (Caution not everyone can handle this, for me it doesn't seem to bother me, maybe because of the organic factor?), Egg nog NOT spiked :), White hot chocolate (proceed with caution in case you aren't sure) and lastly WATER! I drink WF's 365 brand, but also Evian, Fiji or anything non-acidic ( I will explain more about this whole acidic water theory in a blog, keep an eye out for it)

*Cereals- Rice Chex, Rice crispies, shredded wheat, frosted flakes, cheerios, special k vanilla almond, Kix, Gorilla munch (gluten free organic cereal)

*Hot cereals- cream of wheat, oatmeal

*Cheeses- Paramesan, swiss cheese, Mild cheddar cheese, Ricotta, Provolone, feta, monterey jack.

*Breads- White bread, french baguettes, waffles, bagels (plain, blueberry), whole wheat, pancakes (plain, blueberry).

*Dairy- cream cheese, butter, eggs, half & half, milk, butter, whipped cream/cool whip.

*Meats- turkey bacon, maple turkey breast(I can only find this at Crest), Brown Sugar Ham Lunch meat( i buy Hormel Branch Natural Choice because its free of all those nitrates & is GF), frozen chicken breast (boneless tyson natural brand), Turkey hot dogs ( I buy the Oscar Myer brand). WF's ground beef. I am not a big red meat person so this list is pretty short!

*Spices- lawrys seasoning salt, garlic salt, pesto, basil, parsley, black pepper (proceed with caution in case you are unsure), nutmeg, vanilla/almond extract, cinnamon (proceed with caution if you haven't tried it)

*Condiments- Maple syrup ( I like organic), mayonnaise (proceed with caution some people I know flare), Peanut butter ( I like Whole Foods Organic 365 brand & Peanut Butter & Co white chocolate brand),olive oil, coconut oil, honey, splenda, brown sugar, cane sugar, white sugar.

*Substitute for regular Pizza- grilled chicken, garlic alfredo sauce, basil, mushrooms (as you can see this has no tomato sauce in it)

*Snacks- popcorn, pretzels, pringles, triscuits, wheatthins, rice cakes, blueberry fruit bars, saltines. Natures valley oat & honey granola bars, Chips ,tortilla chips ( I prefer whole foods brand organic/GF, Potato Chips (again I found this brand called Pop chips that are healthier), Lays (plain, sour cream & onion), ruffles (plain, sour cream & onion).

*Desserts- Vanilla ice-cream, Blueberry muffins, carrot muffins/cake, yellow cake, vanilla custard,  white chocolate (proceed with caution), Vanilla/blueberry/caramel cheesecake, apple pie (home-made). Peanut butter cookies, angels food cake, Pumpkin bread.

Now just because I listed these foods as okay for me, doesn't necessarily mean they will be ok with you, but like I mentioned before most of them are pretty much generic (from the IC diet list). I just don't want anyone getting upset because I caused them a flare :-/

Just proceed with caution if you're unsure. If you want to try it just make sure it isn't on a day that you can't be resting, which sounds completely pitiful but welcome to the life of an IC'er.

Recipe sites:

You can visit this man's site who is a chef who suffers from IC. He has some pretty good "IC Friendly" ones. The only catch is you have to sign up for an account to view the recipes, but it's free. If you're interested then click here: My Food Style

I found this one while just doing a google search: Healthy IC Recipes

*Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor nor do I endorse any of the products listed, just giving advice from one IC patient to another :) *

Feel an IC flare coming on? Have no fear, there's a survival guide!

It happens all the time, out of the blue your IC starts rearing its ugly head and your first thoughts are usually "Uh oh it's another IC flare!" Trust me i've been there many times and so have many others. Although it has to run its course, there are ways to try to combat the pain that you can do for yourself. 

 

Here are 10 quick tips that I have come up with and heard over the past few years that have helped allieviate some of the pain associated with a flare. In the comment section feel free to add your "emergency tips"

1. First and foremost, chances are when you're in a flare, often times you find yourself in a completely vulnerable state due to the pain. Therefore, its very important to recognize your needs and be extremely careful with yourself. I can't count the times that I have tried to push myself through the pain and only ended up making things worse.

2. When you recognize a flare coming on, which chances are you know exactly what i'm talking about, more trips to the restroom, more burning, low dull backache, the "IC belly"...you get the point. What I usually do and suggest is sticking firm to the diet because like I mentioned in the previous IC diet blog, eating acidic foods is basically like pouring acid on an already sick bladder. So be kind to your bladders especially during a flare.

3. I have had a lot of men/women tell me that drinking baking soda in water helps with a flare? Some people swear by, It can't hurt right? But again its whatever YOU are comfortable doing. Others treat themselves to a cup of hot marshmallow root tea (i'm not fond of the taste myself, but hey if it helps than why not?)

4. Taking warm showers/hot baths(now if you're prone to UTI's than a sitz bath might be better)

5. Alternate between heat and ice. Personally, I find that heat helps with the inflammation, I use a flaxseed heating pad that I mentioned in a previous blog.

6. Drink lots of water, I know for me that the more I dilute my urine the less acidic it will be when I go to void. Also make sure you're drinking the most alkaline water you can find, I know when I was first diagnosed I thought "water was water" BUT boy was I wrong. Did you know water can be acidic?! Well I sure didn't until I started reading into the IC Diet. When you're looking for a water, look for a higher pH level anything with a 7 or above is good. Also make sure its "Natural Spring Water," because with most other waters they sometimes like sneak in additives such as potassium such as in Smart Water, which flares me like not other. I know I must sound completely OCD about this stuff, but I promise you that others out there can vouch for this theory. I will write more about water in a separate blog, but for now stick with brands like Fiji, Evian, Whole Foods 365 brand, Poland Spring or even use a Brita water filter, maybe one of those reverse osmosis (which I would love, but I heard they can be $$$) I plan on writing another blog just on water so look out for that.

7. I know when I am in horrendous pain I want immediate relief, meaning I take the medications prescribed by my Doctor to help with the pain. It's important to stay on top of the pain, rather than trying to convince yourself that it's going to go away in an hour or so. Therefore, when the pain first hits I do take my Rx meds, which is part of surviving an IC flare for me personally. Now if you're one who isn't a fan of taking prescription medications and rely on OTC medications like Tylenol or Ibuprofen,  I will warn you that I have been told by numerous doctors that NSAIDS are an irritant to those have IC. But if you don't have an issue with them, than do what works for you.

8. If you're having trouble voiding, struggling with retention I have come up with several ways to deal with this WITHOUT straining. My previous PT told me to sit backwards which takes pressure on your pelvic and bladder. I also try to make sure that I am not tensing up, slowly relaxing your muscle. Breathing exercises help to. I know it might seem a lot to be doing while you're struggling to simply void, but whatever it takes right? Especially so you don't have to end up catheterizing yourself if that is something that you struggle with like me...Ick!

9. Try not to ball up in the "fetal position" which often times is a natural response when you're dealing with pelvic pain. Instead try to relax in a comfortable laying down position, where your pelvis is not cramped up. I can't tell you how many times my previous PT would say to me "you must spend a lot of time in the fetal position, I can tell!" I was always puzzled by this, but then she explained that my posture has a lot to do with this. It's amazing what you can learn from this disease, it kind of helps you start to understand your body more and listen to the subtle ques you missed before.

10. This last one is probably obvious, but I can't say it enough...Rest, Rest, Rest!

*Disclaimer: I don't endorse any of the products mentioned, nor am I am medical doctor. This is just one IC patient helping another :) *

A few of my favorite things

I thought for today's blog that i'd list a few of my favorite "IC Friendly" things, whether it be a food, item or activity. I think I will start off with 10. Feel free to add yours in the comment section :)

1. Flaxseed heating pad (I made this). This little addition is a staple in my house. When I have the typical "IC Belly" goin' on it seems to help with the inflammation

2. Vanilla milkshakes. Usually when i'm in a really bad flare I try to find something soothing for my bladder, this usually does the trick.

3. Honeycrisp apples. Since I discovered these at Whole Foods, I can't seem to break the habit. It's a perfectly healthy snack with a bit of PB for protein. They don't seem to bother me, but you can try Gala or Fuji apples if you're concerned about a flare.

4. Warm baths or showers. These always seem to help when I am in one of those flares when I can barely move.

5.Rice Chex. I could seriously live off this stuff, needless to say it's a staple in my house.

6. Support from my friends & family. I don't know where I would be without them. 

"Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend"

7. Vanilla Rooibos Tea. This tea is great, especially in the winter time. I like this brand, but you can try others just make sure its CAFFEINE free. I am going to experiment chilled!

 8. My mom, my biggest cheerleader, my best friend.

9. Compassionate Doctors and nurses. I can't tell you how many medical professionals i've encountered in the past 5 years who made me feel like I wasn't worth treating and insinuated that it was "all in my head." It wasn't those professionals wiping my tears or giving me hope, it was my mom fighting for me. Thankfully today,I have a team of doctors currently who treat me like a person. If you ever have doubts in an IC patient, just imagine yourself in mine or another's shoes just for a day. Your life would surely change wouldn't it? Those small things in life such as walking, driving or even being able to work wouldn't be taken for granted would they?

10. I saved the best for last. My faith has grown so much since I was first diagnosed, without it I don't think I would be as strong as I am. It is knowing that God is with me every step of the way that keeps me going.