Updates

Well, it has been a while since I posted.  I have been seeing a lot of Physical Therapist and still seeing a lot of doctors.  So, not only do I have IC and PFD, I also have back problems.  I found a new doctor for my IC and he is awesome.  It is sad that I had to go through probably 20 doctors to find the right one.  Also one that deals with IC specifically.  A lot of doctors here don't know what IC is and that is sad being this is supposed to be the best place for hospitals.  Dr. Leong in St. Louis is awesome.  He had tried everything as far as Toviaz (allergic, rare case). So far what is working is Prelief,  and Colon Health.  I am being careful on what I eat.  Plus, my boyfriend just found out he has Celiac Disease so we really have to watch out what we eat.

My bladder has been doing good, not better but good.  Dr. Leong refereed me to a PFD doctor here in Columbia which I have seen before but this time for Myofascial Pain.  Saw Julie Star and she refereed me to Deb Bolten.  I have to say, she is the BEST.  Not like those other PT that work you.  Every time I saw PT, it really didn't do anything but strengthen my muscle but as far as pain goes in my back, just made it worse.  Deb Bolten worked on me for 4 weeks.  I have to tell you, for anyone with IC and PFD/Myofascial Pain, I would refer her.

I am still seeing a Pain Specialist.  Dr. Varghese is really good.  Last year he did Steroid Injection, Facet Injection and Nerve Block.  All done on L5, L4, L3, Hip and SI Joint.  Did Steroid Injection again this year and maxed out.  He did the nerve block last month and now I am on the Facet Injection.  This time, my back is doing better so he is paying attention to S1, S2, S3, and S4.  Had to be active for 2 hours.  Next month he is doing the 4 hour one.  I am hoping this really works.  I like not being in pain for a month.  Would be great if it lasted longer.

I am also seeing what irritates my back to hurt.  Looks like anything that required strenuous movement like Bowling, Gardening.  I am on a league this year due to my doctor does want me to stay active and at least exercise but I might have to quit this completely.  I took a break to see if I was hurting.  Not as bad.  When I do bowl, I hurt more and taking more medicine.  So, I have decided that after this bowling league is over, I will quit :(.  I also agree with Dr. Varghese, if bowling is making my pain worse, then I should stop or take a break and find another activity.  I will see if gardening hurts it next year but we will see.

I have a new project that  I am doing and does not hurt at all.  I am doing paper crafts and card making. 

So, this is what has been going on since the last time I blogged.

Tina Johnson