It’s a very interesting condition to have. For instance, even though most citrus nearly kill me — I can have a squeeze of lemon in hot green or herbal tea if I’m having a sore throat. I can put a lime in a margarita and not have it affect me. Yogurt is also on the To Avoid List, but I can tolerate it about 3 times a week. Which is good because I take daily antibiotics for my asthma. And coffee has never bothered me, even though it’s supposed to go the way of tomatoes & oranges.

I think each individual knows what their triggers are. I can’t even get 1/2 a glass of traditional iced tea down before I have bladder pain.It hits that hard, that quick. But sometimes, if I’m quick enough — cranberry juice & LOADS of water can mediate my body’s response.

I’m fortunate in that my case is easily managed with diet. I have known people who had their bladders removed because their IC caused them to live in such chronic pain. Good luck to your friend. And thank you so much for reading the piece. I appreciate your support!