Happy Anniversary

This time last year, I was waking up from my anaesthetic being told I had Interstitial Cystitis. It's one of those moments I'll never forget and the past twelve months have been a crazy journey of acceptance, hope, courage and strength.   I've spent the past year doing everything I can to get myself healthier. …

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 …

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 …