So Ive survived the first full week of the IC diet...no beer included. Just to correct a misconception...I talk about drinking a lot more than I actually drink. My fragile digestive tract would never put up with drinking as much as I like to give the impression I do. As to the diet? Well...its kinda boring. I havent drank anything but plain water for a week. I miss the taste of a liquid with a flavor. I am managing to get enough to eat including protein. Have the symptoms magically gone away...no. Much as I wish theyd had I knew they wouldnt have in this short a period of time. My next step is to complete this next week...then begin to experiment...see if I can isolate those things that are particular irritants to my bladder. I can begin to make certain decisions as to whether certain irritants are worth the price Ill pay afterwards. My next big step is quitting smoking. Ive set a date...November 3rd. Nicotine is a well known bladder irritant. My ability to attempt this under control will be unsuccessful absent smoking cessation. I quit cold turkey last time...for 9 months. The circumstances that cooperated to make that possible are impossible to replicate. I was in the hospital...really sick and in a lot of pain. My kidneys were being flushed with large amounts of fluid. My mind was rather preoccupied with the distinct possibility of pancreatic cancer. I had other things on my mind besides smoking...like possibly being dead soon...and what a pathetic life I had been leading. As a repeat performance of that is neither possible or for that matter desirable, I need an alternate route to give me the best chance at quitting smoking. Its seems to me the patch is my best chance at enhancing the possibility of success. As much as I would benefit for having the nicotine out of my system as soon as possible, I have to be successful in the long term. Other options such as Chantix given my history of depression are probably not a good idea. The nicotine gum is obviously not an option. I admit Ive been struggling lately. The irritation/pain has been going on since midsummer. Its impacted my life more than Ive let on...even to myself. Its been a long time since Ive had to live in pain. The one positive in all of this is I have both been touched and really appreciative of the offers of support and concern Ive received from those around me. Its meant a lot. I will find my way in all of this, but it will take time. I may be a bit irritable...a bit distant in this transitional period. Even with just the dietary changes my gastrointestinal tract has been openly in revolt. Quitting smoking will only add to that challenge in the short term. I hope you will be patient with me as I work my way to being better...work my way back to you. Id sure like to think youll be there when I do.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 01:15:24 +0000
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