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Brandi K: Interstitial Cystitis

It has been the most painful thing in my life.

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is an inflammation of the bladder which can occur by itself or in conjunction with other autoimmune diseases, such as fibromyalgia, scleroderma, lupus, or Sjögren's Syndrome. Symptoms include bladder spasms (which can be very painful), bladder frequency, bladder pain, low bladder capacity, and incontinence.

When I was sixteen I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. It has been the most painful thing in my life.

I have had a interstim put in (it is an implanted electrical device for the bladder) but it has not worked, it just gave me more pain. I wet the bed almost every night and I have developed a very depressing life.

I am now twenty years old and have been through everything. I am at the end of the road and cannot find a doctor who can help me. I want a bag or catheter.

I need help from anyone that knows anything. I never leave the house. I am just at the point where I only go back and forth to class.

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ISN Artist: Sherrill Knaggs (In Loving Memory)

Sherrill Knaggs, ISN Artist, created the digital photo to illustrate the story on this page. Sherrill lived in New Zealand. Her story was featured in ISN's book, Voices of Scleroderma Volume 2.

ISN Story Editor: Judith Thompson Devlin

Judith Thompson Devlin is the ISN Story Editor for this story. She is also lead editor of the ISN's wonderful Voices of Scleroderma book series!

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