FAQs with Lisa

So I was thinking, an FAQ session would be fun. I have had some frequently asked questions lately, but mostly I just wanted to feel important.

Why haven't you posted lately?
I don't know. Just haven't felt great, and haven't thought of anything good to say.

How did your doctor appointment go?
Fine. I was asleep for the whole thing. I have been officially diagnosed with interstitial cystitis.

Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
Both. IC is a lifetime thing: a "complex, chronic disorder that has baffled doctors for as long as it has been recognized". Of course the good thing is, now I have name for my pain and a gameplan of how to live with it.

What is the gameplan?
Taking Elmiron, waiting for it to work, and changing my diet.

How long does Elmiron take to work?
I could see results anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months. My doctor said since I'm so young, I may be feeling better within 6 weeks (so I'm praying for that!).

Are there serious side effects?
No. I guess there are some mild ones, but I just started the drug this past Saturday and haven't noticed anything but a little nausea.

What is your diet like?
No artificial flavors or colors, no additives or preservatives, no tomatoes, no chocolate, no fun. Just joking. It has actually not been too bad. If you're interested, here's a list of what I can and can't have.


Can you ever eat out again?
Yes. I think when the medicine is working better I will be able to "cheat" from time to time. We have already found that I can eat the Guiltless Chicken Platter from Chili's and have no pain afterwards.

What do you do all day?
Sleep, lay on a heating pad, take pain pills, watch Friends episodes, read, help plan meals with my parents, talk to friends online, and that's about it. If I'm having a good day I go out for a little while but at this point it's very unpredictable how I will feel.

Do you get to go back to ACU in the fall?
Man, I hope so! I want nothing more than to just continue with a 'normal life'. If I think it is possible, I'll definitely be back in Abilene by August. If things aren't much better, there is no way I could handle school. So, we've been calling it 'realistic optimism' - hoping for things to turn out well, but not counting on it absolutely.

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So those are usually the questions I get. If you think of anything I left out, leave a comment and I'd be happy to answer it if I can. Now for some fake FAQs:

What is with you and saying "Jello" all the time? Is it your favorite food?
I don't know why I say it, and no it is not. It's just a good back-up word in case you need to blurt something out at any given moment.

Why do you call Tracy Schiebel, "Tark"?
Because that is her nickname that I made up for her long ago. No reason, it is just her name. If you do not already call her this, you probably should. It's a good name and fits. She is very "Tarky".

If you felt better today, what would you be doing?
I'd see if Carly and Heather wanted to go kayaking and swimming in the Poudre. That would be the best! And then maybe ride some go-karts. And go to Estes Park. Oh, um, just read my list.

What have you been excited about lately?

DuelLikeRealMen.com
Please at least watch the Video Power Talk clip. You won't regret it. Or maybe you will. It's so terrible you can't get it out of your head! But seriously, watch it.

My mom got me school supplies! I'm not in school so I don't know what to do with them yet, but they were too perfect not to pass up. Argyle AND purple and green?!? (the best colors ever)...YES!!!

My friend Jim made this!!! How cool is that? Pretty cool, I'd say. When I can't go outside I like to look at it and pretend that I'm around these beautiful autumn trees. Or at least pretend I am a giant with a very tiny landscape area in my hand...

My new 17-inch MacBookPro. Very very cool. A built-in video camera, backlit keyboard, and it's pretty. It's going to be flippin' sweet for video editing. If you're into the tech specs, you can check it out here.

The Forsyte Saga. Heather and I have been watching this odd English soap opera, but we're pretty hooked.