My Story…

Interstitial Cystitis, a diagnosis that forever changed my life.

My career as an senior designer at an agency in LA was thriving when my health took a sudden turn. Despite repeated visits to my doctor, everything seemed normal. But my symptoms persisted and got worse.

I started searching for answers online. My research led me a condition, called Interstitial Cystitis, an autoimmune disease with chronic symptoms similar to a urinary track infection, but without the presence of an infection. When I brought this up in my next doctor visit, he seemed annoyed and impatiently dismissed me with another round of antibiotics (just in case).

There was no cure, just drugs with serious side effects.

Like many people suffering with medically ‘unexplainable’ symptoms of a chronic illness, I saw multiple specialists and had numerous tests done. In 2010, I was finally diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. I was told that there was no cure, only symptom-masking drugs with harsh side effects. I felt crippled with worries and uncertainty of my future.

I had nothing to loose and everything to gain!

Going down the rabbit hole, one day I came across several heartfelt testimonials women (and men) who successfully put their IC in remission. Working with a pioneering Integrative Western/Chinese medicine doctor in Los Angeles, Dr. Matia Brizman is an expert and an IC-warrior herself. Her holistic approach completely resonated with me so I made an appointment.

During our 2-hour consultation, Dr. Brizman truly listened. She knew firsthand the emotional rollercoaster of being diagnosed with IC, including the grief and isolation that followed. Integrating her protocol consisting of diet, herbal medicine ,and toxin-free products, she’s been treating her patients successfully. She exuded confidence in my ability to heal and become pain-free again (even when I was skeptical).

While my initial diet was limited, she encouraged me that this was only temporary. As my health improved, so would my tolerance to foods without having a flare. I am, and will be, forever thankful for her unwavering dedication towards her patients.

Pain is a powerful motivator…

The strict diet led to a significant weight loss, and I admit, I did look a little frail. Resisting the temptation of treats was definitely a challenge but I remained committed to my protocol, knowing it was a crucial step towards healing.

Dining out was tricky. While we chose restaurants attentive to food preparation to eliminate mishaps and cross contamination, there were still occasional mistakes that triggered awful flares. Most of the time, I embraced cooking simple meals at home.

The big question—Why me?

As a child, I had recurring respiratory infections, childhood asthma, and allergies that kept me on the sidelines. Looking back, the frequent use of antibiotics for my uti’s and my parents' smoking also likely contributed to these imbalances.

My career at the agency also came at a cost. With long stressful work hours, managing a team of creatives, and tight deadlines, prioritizing my health was an afterthought. I would often opt for a Frappuccino instead of eating a proper meal while I worked away on my computer.

Healing is not a linear journey.

In dealing with autoimmune conditions, it is really important to choose a practitioner who makes herself available, making time to listen to your concerns, guiding you through ups and downs of your condition, adjusting your protocol accordingly.

There were times when fatigue and setbacks derailed my progress, but my belief in the body's ability to heal itself provided a constant source of reassurance during these times. Within just a year, I became symptom-free and regained my vitality.

Reclaiming my health wasn't just about being symptom free; it empowered me to re-evaluate my priorities. While I loved my design career, a yearning for self-care and a family propelled me to seek a better work-life balance. With newfound appreciation for my body, I started exploring the possibility of motherhood.