Here’s to 2017!

I'm not a believer in all this "New Year, New Me" crap. When the clock strikes midnight, things aren't going to magically change. Life isn't a Cinderella story and I've never morphed into the clean eating, fitness addict I always promised myself. I'm not making any New Years resolutions but do hope that 2017 has …

Spoonie Christmas Challenge

I started taking part in the 'Spoonie Christmas Challenge' on Instagram but predictably struggled to keep up with it! The Christmas Challenge was to answer one set question about your illness everyday. I thought it was a great idea so I've rolled the whole month into one bitesize post. What is a Spoonie I hear …

Season to be Joyful?

So, it's December which means Christmas is officially everywhere you turn. Personally, I have mixed feelings about the festive period. When things are going good in your life, Christmas is great but when things aren't so good, Christmas makes it worse. For me, December is normally a boozy affair where I devour every kind of …

Return of the Chocolate Monster

I saw my Urologist (Dr E) yesterday so thought I would give you an update on where I am with my Interstitial Cystitis journey. It's been a rough few months. I still haven't recovered from my cystoscopy with hydrodistention and my symptoms are much worse than before the procedure. Whatever my Urologist did that day, …

Things That Get Me Through a Week in Pain

Seven days can seem like an eternity when you're in pain. These are things that get me through the week; Staying Positive This is the number one rule. You must ALWAYS try to stay positive. It's not easy. I have moments where I break down in tears and despair at life but I always pick …

It’s Not a Swear Word!

I am very open about my IC but notice that some people look visibly uncomfortable when I mention the word bladder. A majority have been older men. They have this look which is a cross between awkwardness, horror and shock when I mention the B word. Honestly, you would think I just told them I …

Please Excuse Me Whilst I Mourn

I spend a lot of my time thinking about the good old days. When I could eat and drink what I wanted and having a hangover was as bad as it got. I think about all the times I moaned about the little things and curse myself for being so stupid. All the times I …

I am Sick, I Promise!

I don't know if I like the term "invisible illness". It is often used to describe Interstitial Cystitis and other conditions that lurk inside bodies, secretly attacking them, unbeknown to the outside world. My issue is that whilst my condition is undoubtedly invisible, I am not and I fear the more I use the word …

Why can Supplements Cost a Fortune?

I discovered early on in my IC journey that supplements proposing to help the condition are EVERYWHERE. It's all a bit overwhelming. What works and what doesn't? The intrigue of IC is what works for one person, won't work for another so the only way you will know is to try it. This can become …

A Day in the Life of a Bladder Instillation

So last week, I had my first Hyacyst bladder instillation. I didn't ask many questions so I didn't know what to expect. I obviously consulted Google and came across a few horror stories. I was left in shock after reading about a nurse who inserted the solution into an unsuspecting woman's vagina instead of her …