Thankful???

I started physical therapy on October 29^th for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD).  PFD is usually related to the presence of too much tension in the pelvic floor muscles. Unexplained pain in the low back, pelvic region, genital area, or rectum  are some of the symptoms of PFD. The first visit consisted of answering questions and a physical examination. On the second visit she externally placed electrodes around the anus to measure whether I was able to effectively contract and relax pelvic floor muscles.  Let me guess what you are thinking; that was TMI and she gets to have all the fun!  But actually it has not been too bad, because my therapist is wonderful. On the second session she also performed Myofascial Release. Skin rolling or Myofascial Release is a highly specialized stretching technique used by therapists to treat patients with a variety of soft tissue problems. While she was doing the treatment she asked if I was ok and I said that I was not going to punch her, yet, but it did not feel great.  She was all over my "no touch zone."  She was rolling on my stomach and inner thighs.  I am surprised that she and I both survived without any harm or injury to either of us.  I am happy to report I have felt a huge relief  from the pain in my inner thighs and pelvic area for the last 2 days.

As she was performing the treatment, she asked me how my IC started.   I told her the story of how I thought it was a bladder infection and how I went through 3 rounds of antibiotics only to feel worse. My gynecologist was then suspicious of Interstital Cystitis (IC) and sent me to an IC specialist. The specialist diagnosed me, but did not have any compassion.  I then found my urogynecologist with the help of the ICA’s referral list. I told her that he understands IC and has compassion. I was starting to tear up. I said as an IC patient, I needed a doctor that was compassionate and I still need that today. Every time I go to a doctor, I need compassion. Which brings me to my thought for the week.

As thanksgiving approaches this year I began to think “what do I have to be thankful for this year?” After all, I have been diagnosed with an incurable bladder disease, what could I possibly be thankful for??!!  This has been the most difficult year of my life. I feel like I have been through so much pain and suffering. Thankful??? I'm not feeling it!

But then I began an in depth consideration of the matter.  I am actually thankful for so many things. These are just some of the things that I am thankful for this year. I am always thankful that God watches over me and that He is in control of my life. I am eternally thankful for the support of my family through my IC journey. Without their emotional support I know this would be so much more difficult. I am indebted to  the ICA and all that they are doing to raise awareness and  support research. I am forever thankful for the ICA’s facebook page that has united me with some great people that are going through some of the same things I am going through and always give me support.  I am also thankful for my gynecologist who had enough knowledge to know that I might have IC. I have read about so many people who have suffered needlessly for years with no diagnosis or who have been misdiagnosed.  I am also appreciative for my urogynecologist who was not only sympathetic, but was also able to offer different treatment plans to get my pain under control. I thank God for my Urologist who wants to treat the problem and not just the symptoms.

I am also grateful for a physical therapist who is so excited about what she does that I cannot help but be excited about what she is going to do for me. She listens to me and understands how much pain an IC patient is going through. When I went to see her Thursday, I was crying as I was talking to her because I am so thankful for the medical professionals in my life who are truly making my journey more tolerable. I was also crying for the many people who suffer unnecessarily and who I want to help as much as possible.

If you do not have a close personal relationship with God all you have to do is admit you are a sinner and ask him to come into your heart.  He can comfort you no matter how much "rain" is in your life.  He will never leave you and He is always there for you.

If your family is far away or you don't feel close to them. I hope that you will reach out to them during the holidays, so that they know how much you love them.

If your doctor does not understand what you are going through or if you are not being offered different treatment options, I think you should look for another doctor. If your doctor is not compassionate, I urge you to seek another medical professional. Whether you are being treated for IC or something else, you deserve quality medical attention. If your doctor does not believe your pain is real, it’s time to move on. If you are in an area where medical assistance is not readily available, I suggest that you do your own research to help yourself as much as possible. If you work in the medical field in any capacity,  I sincerely hope that you will treat your patients the way you would want to be treated. Good, quality medical professionals are such a blessing. This year I am thankful for the exceptional treatment I have received and I pray that EVERYONE receives the quality treatment that they deserve!!!

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Please make an effort to listen to the music at the end of my posts. I choose each song very carefully and the lyrics usually go right along with the point I am trying to make.

Please feel free to leave me your comments or suggestions below.

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