the IC diet

There are many things I wonder about and some things I am certain about.  I know that one of my favorite things is reading and that I really don't like being in charge of the bank account, but when it comes to health issues, sometimes things get foggy. 

I've been dealing with interstitial cystitis for several years now, which is an inflammation of the bladder lining.  It makes me feel like I have to go all the time.  There is only one FDA approved medicine for it and it didn't work miracles for me.  It was also expensive so I stopped taking it awhile ago and replaced it with some natural supplements.  They aren't miracle workers either, but I get the same result for less cash. 

One of the biggest suggested treatments is diet modification.  When I was initially diagnosed, they handed me this pamphlet and it basically boiled down to eating only carbs and meat.  Not the healthiest or the most exciting meal plan.  I never really stuck with it because it was so limiting. 

The last couple of months have been really stressful dealing with the IC as well.  It hasn't been improving and so we did some research and found a specialist (who I can't see until June) and also found a new diet plan.  It has more foods on it that I can eat, but is also more specific. 

I can eat:

• many non-spicy vegetables like peas, corn, carrots, etc
• very few fruits: pears, blueberries, watermelon, and gala apples
• mild cheeses like cheddar and cottage
• plain meats that I cook or know exactly what is in them or boiled ham/turkey lunch meat
• plain pasta
• eggs

I should not eat/drink:

• caffeine
• artificial sweeteners
• processed meats, like hot dogs or lunch meat or BACON
• citrus fruit, citric acid
• sharp cheeses, parmesan included
• boxed pasta or rice dishes
• preservatives
• chocolate
• condiments like mayo, mustard, BBQ sauce, salad dressing, soy sauce
• vinegar
• onion
• tomato products of any kind

Doesn't that look like fun?  It has been kind of like a big puzzle.  I mean, I can eat lettuce and cheese on a salad, but I can't have any dressings that have mayo or vinegar.  That is pretty limiting, I tell you.  And having a sandwich with ham and cheese and no spread of any kind is pretty boring.  I thought I could get away with smoked turkey, because then at least the meat would have some flavor, but "no flavored meats" was also on the caution list.  I finally did figure out that I could have avocados and garlic, so I made a spread of it for sandwiches but without lemon juice in it, it doesn't last very long. 

Tonight we made quesadillas and I ended up just having bean and cheese, because I couldn't have the taco seasoning on the chicken.  I could have had the plain chicken, but it just didn't taste right on a quesadilla, so I just kept it plain.  Last night I made ravioli, which I had with butter while I made Charlie sauce.  I used to use Alfredo sauce, but with parmesan on the no-no list, I had to give that up too. 

Some of you might say that living without the chocolate would be hard, but I think it is the mayo that it going to kill me.  Everyday I think of things I want to make for summer with mayo:  egg salad, pasta salad, potato salad, deviled eggs, ranch dressing and so much more.  I dip my fries in mayo.  It's usually the only thing I put on sandwiches and burgers.  It's my condiment!!!  Yes,  I know I'm strange. 

Anyway, I know people who've gone gluten free and I know that isn't easy either.  And I know we'll make this work.  I'm just craving Chinese and Mexican and Olive Garden and knowing I can't have it for now is not fun.  The light at the end of the tunnel is that once I feel better, I can slowly start adding my favorite things back in to see if they irritate my bladder,  Please pray that mayo will not!  LOL.