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Meet Our Lecturers

Dr. Bruce Kahn

Dr. Kahn is a member of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Scripps Clinic & Research Institute in La Jolla, CA. He is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology. He is a diplomate of both the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology. He is a reviewer for the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology. His clinical and research interests include the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic and vulvar pain disorders, as well as the evaluation and management of menstrual disorders, adnexal masses, pelvic relaxation, vaginitis, sexually transmitted diseases, infertility, cervical dysplasias/HPV, premenstrual syndrome, and menopause. He has several clinical research trials currently underway.

- You worked with Dr. Parsons in conducting some ground breaking studies using the potassium sensitivity test to diagnose IC in women with pelvic pain. Can you tell us more about these studies?
- Are there women who don't believe that their bladder is causing some of these symptoms?
- One of the "dark secrets" of IC is that some patients experience this very odd sensation of arousal that can come and go. It can be very uncomfortable and painful. Because it's embarrassing, patients often don't tell their doctors about it. Have you seen anything similar to this?
- Dr. Kahn, one of things that patients ask about all the time is if there is a relationship between IC and endometriosis. Could you please give us your thoughts on this?? Let me qualify that by saying that some patients feel that their endometriosis may have contributed to the onset of their IC, while others have been mistakenly diagnosed with endometriosis only to discover that they had IC instead. Talk about confusing. Your thoughts?
- We did a year long survey of patients asking them what they felt triggered their symptoms. The results were very interesting. The #1 correlation that we saw was with a UTI. Some patients developed IC after having a UTI that was treated with antibiotics but their symptoms remained. Other patients reported that their symptoms began after some type of abdominal surgery or after having a baby. Does that correlate at all with what you've seen?
- Many IC patients struggle with vulvar sensitivities and pain. In fact, for many years, we've called vulvodynia 'IC on the outside.' Do you see vulvodynia as more of referred pain from the bladder ... or just a totally separate visceral pain event?
- Do patients with vulvodynia flare?
- How do you normally treat vulvodynia?
- Do you find that women with vulvodynia have pelvic floor muscle issues?
- Do you think that some women have had hysterectomies for their IC that they really didn't need? (i.e. that they had the same pain symptoms before and after the surgery?)
- Fibro and endo are autoimmune. Do you think that IC is also an autoimmune disorder?
- What would be best way that a patient can work with their gynecologist to get the best treatment possible?
- My doctor has suggested that I have a hysterectomy to reduce my pelvic pain. But, I'm confused? because my urologist says it's in my bladder. Do hysterectomies reduce pelvic pain and/or bladder pain?
- How can we, the patient, help in the education of gynecologists for IC?? What can we do to help?

Dr. Christopher Smith

Dr. Smith had hoped to appear in our lecture series but was called up by the Army Reserves to serve in Germany. He very kindly offered to take our questions by e-mail, including those submitted by patients in our message boards. We would like to this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for not only his contribution to the ICN but for also working with our military abroad.

- What is BOTOX and when was it first discovered?
- What other Urological/pelvic floor conditions has BOTOX-A been used for?
- Does BOTOX remain in the specific organ or place injected or does it have the potential for migration?
- Several IC patients have now participated in research studies for Botox. How could it be helping an interstitial cystitis or pelvic floor dysfunction patient?
- Based upon your research experience, is BOTOX in the bladder completely reversible? How long does it take to reverse ?
- Are urologists excited about this as a new therapeutic tool??? Is it gaining popularity?
- What is the short term versus long term therapeutic value of a therapy like BOTOX?
- What is known about long-term effects of BOTOX used in the bladder? How do the long term studies look, if any?
- Who qualifies for BOTOX? What do you look for in a patient?
- What are the side effects if any?
- What's the regular course of treatment with BOTOX?
- How long does it take to feel the full effects of the treatmen?
- Can it be used with other traditional bladder treatments like Elmiron or DMSO?
- Patients associate a BOTOX treatment with immediate pain relief? Would it potentially help reduce the symptoms for patients experiencing IC flares?
- How can a patient find a doctor experienced with BOTOX? How should they look?
- How are the treatments performed?? Is it usually done with a hydrodistention, under anesthesia?
- How many actual shots are given during a treatment? One patient reported 25 separate BOTOX injections into her bladder muscle during a treatment. That seems extreme?
- Which type of anesthesia (general or spinal) is usually preferred?
- What does the patient feel after a treatment?
- Is retention a problem after treatment? Is it normal to send a patient home with a catheter for a few days? Will patients run the risk of needing to cath themselves?
- Would BOTOX work as an intravesical instillation like DMSO or must it always be injected ?
- The dermotologist told me that BOTOX need only be given about 4 times to have the effects last just about forever on the particular spots it was used. Is this true of the bladder too?
- I read that after several treatments you need the injections less frequently. Is this true?
- Can BOTOX hurt the liver?
- One perception is that BOTOX can weaken or damage muscles. Is that true?

Dr. Rodney Anderson

Dr. Anderson comes to the ICN to discuss his ground breaking book "A Headache In the Pelvis", co-authored with David Wise, Ph.D. This book has received rave reviews from the medical community. It is the first of it's type to document a successful and management pelvic pain reduction program. Martin Schwartz, PhD, NYU School of Medicine said 'A Headache in the Pelvis is a book which casts an entirely new light upon the serious problem of chronic pelvic pain, and introduces a treatment that offers hope and relief to the many who suffer from it. It is surely must reading for all who must deal with this debilitating problem, as well as all who attempt to treat it.' Erik Peper, Ph.D., Professor, Cal State Univ. San Francisco said "This is the book to read before you contemplate surgery, drugs or resign yourself to continue to suffer with chronic pelvic pain. Return to health is possible. By transcending the simplistic mechanical solutions, Drs. Wise and Anderson have developed an innovative clinical protocol that works." It is a hallmark work for the IC, prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain communities.

- Several years ago, when the first meeting on prostatitis was held in Washington DC, a decision was made to rename prostatitis as a ' chronic pelvic pain syndrome.' Similarly, earlier this Spring, an international team of doctors discussing new diagnostic criteria for IC also came to the same conclusion. They also suggested that IC be renamed as a chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Why now? Why this new name?
- What are the names of the some of the other conditions that you believe are also CPPS disorders?
- What are the common symptoms of someone with CPPS? Where does the pain occur?
- When a patient has pelvic pain, can it change the way that we urinate?
- Can pelvic pain impact our ability to have sex?
- What did you usually find when you examined your pain patients?? It seems that IC and prostatitis have more bladder symptoms than muscle symptoms. Could the patient sense that they had muscle tension too?
- In the book, you talk about how that pelvic floor tension can become long term, almost a lifelong habit. That over time, those muscles develop a predisposition to tension.
- What happens when muscles become tight? How does that impact the rest of the pelvis?? How does that impact the bladder?
- How can a patient know if they have tight muscles in their pelvis?
- How big is a trigger point?? Do you find them all over the pelvis? Can a patient have a trigger point by their urethra?
- When a patient experiences severe, constant pain, they become scared. It's normal to be scared and anxious, right?
- So, basically, what you're saying is that pelvic pain patients can become stuck in a cycle of elevated muscle tension? That they experience pain, it frightens them and they have anxious thoughts (i.e. I'll be in pain for the rest of my life). They then subconsciously tighten those muscles, which causes even more pain?
- Why are the pelvic floor muscles so vulnerable?
- What's the recommended sequence of events for therapy?
- What should I do if I'm having a sharp, painful pelvic flare?
- My bladder has stopped functioning four times in the last year, to where I have to be catheterized. Now I'm even able to do it myself at home if need be. Why is this happening?
- In the mornings, I have problems urinating. I can't get my flow started and it's extremely painful. Is that PFD?
- How does the menstrual cycle impact the pelvic pain muscles and how can we get relief?
- Are there any new treatments on the horizon?
- I am 24 yrs old and have had IC for 3 yrs. I have done different treatments that have helped, but none of them have helped with the sex. I know they say that there are other ways to have sex besides penetration, but that just doesn't do it. It has really hurt me emotionally. Luckily my boyfriend has been understanding. Any ideas?

Dr. Theoharis Theoharides

Dr. Theoharides is one of the pre-eminent IC researchers and has played a critical role in the development of new therapeutic approaches for IC. His specialty has been the mast cell and how mast cells participate in bladder inflammation, especially in response to stress. Dr. Theoharides has received numerous NIH grants to study IC and often works with Grannum Sant, MD (New England Medical Center). He has also developed the Algonot line of products.

- What do you think of pudendal neuralgia?
- If, as a mother with IC, if her daughter will also develop IC?
- Does eating acidic foods or bad foods, even when we're feeling okay, cause more inflammation?? Should we follow the diet even when we're not in a flare??
- How does DMSO works.. especially if it burns us?
- Could having repeated UTI's contribute to developing IC?
- Educational CD about IC & Algonot?
- Is IC and prostatitis are pathophysiologically identical, since it also appears that they have identical symptoms?
- Does IC have a connection with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy?
- Do you have any thoughts about Aloe Vera and IC?
- Can constant pus in their para-urethal glands along the urethra contribute to some neuroinflammation??
- Why does an IC patient often experience the IC belly.. the generalized swelling of the lower abdomen...that so many of us have found so frustrating? Why does it suddenly go away?
- I use my abdominal muscles to urinate. Does this indicate a malfunction of the bladder or of the pudendal nerve that serves it?
- How does Hypothyroid Neuropathy affect the nerves to the bladder and what will make nerves heal?
- Is diet a factor for neuropathic pain? What else is there when neither neurontin nor elavil help?
- Can having surgery bring about IC?

Dr. Emmy Ripoll & Dawn Mahowald (On Yoga & Exercise)

This extensive Q&A session covers yoga, exercise and IC, including the development of an IC friendly yoga program that can help reduce symptoms. Our speakers specifically covered exercises that IC patients should avoid and common mistakes that we make. They also discuss a holistic approach to treating IC, acupressure, diet modification, breathing techniques, hot tubs, men with IC, smoking, sugar consumption and more.

Dr. Lowell Parsons, UCSD Medical Center

Dr. Lowell Parsons has treated thousands of IC patients in the past decade, running one of the largest IC clinics in the world. Dr. Parsons currently serves as a Professor of Surgery at the University of California, San Diego. One of the most accomplished IC researchers in the USA, he has conducted a wide variety of clinical studies on the use of Elmiron. Dr. Parsons routinely teaches the course on IC at the AUA conference, where he has trained thousands of physicians.

- Do you feel that IC is progressive? This question was submitted by Jojo!
- Can someone be diagnosed with IC if, during hydrodistention, no glomerulations were seen?"
- How do you diagnose IC?
- Can a patient be diagnosed with IC who has no frequency, urgency or pain?
- I had a hysterectomy, rectocele and bladder lift in 1997 and have pain in my abdomen since the operation. Could the surgery have stirred up IC.
- What are your thoughts on IC being autoimmune in nature?
- What do you think of the many theories of IC being bacterial in nature?
- I have an annoying tingling feeling in my bladder, very similar to the needles you would feel if you laid on your arm to long. Is this specific to IC??
- I have been on Elmiron for 6 months, and basically have improved but I still, occasionally, have flares. When should I consider other treatments?
- You've also championed the use of hydroxyzine with or without Elmiron. Can you tell us more about your recent observations??
- What about patients who either have side effects or can't take Elmiron because they are on blood thinning meds?
- Can Elmiron be used along with DMSO… or doesn't the DMSO defeat the purpose of rebuilding the gag layer."
- What percentage of patients go into remission during pregnancy or get worse? Do you recommend vaginal or c-section deliveries?? Safe medications???"

Dr. Christopher Payne, Stanford University

Dr. Payne is the Director of Female Urology and NeuroUrology at Stanford University. Dr. Payne is nationally recognized as a leader on issues in female urology having served on NIH advisory panels on urinary incontinence and interstitial cystitis and as a member of the panel which defined bladder research priorities for the 21st century at a meeting sponsored by the Office of Women's Health Research. He takes a variety of questions on BCG, hormones, urethral dilation, pelvic floor work, as well as general questions on IC. He specifically discusses the diagnostic method and treatment strategy that they currently use at Stanford University. An excellent lecture and Q&A resource.

Dr. Robert Moldwin, Long Island Jewish Medical Center

Dr. Moldwin is truly a household name in the IC community becausehe is the author of "The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide." An attending urologist at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center, he is the Director of their Interstitial Cystitis Center. He is recipient of several IC research grants and sits on the NIDDK, External Advisory Committee, Interstitial Cystitis Database Boards. Dr. Moldwin has been a strong advocate for the IC community and compassionate patient care. He has been featured in a "Living Well" Magazine, Woman's Day, Reader's Digest and the New York Daily News. You may have also seen him discussing IC on television, with appearances on CNN, CBS News, ABC News, Fox News & WLIW.

- How did you first get involved in IC?
- The origins and possible causes of IC
- Understanding pelvic floor and IC
- Urethral Syndrome
- Are you noticing if the new formulation of DMSO is causing more pain
- Should a patient taking elavil who is experiencing heart palpitations stop?
- Why, on some days, does food bother us, but on other days, it doesn't? This is true especially closer to my period.
- Has anyone has had nerve blocks for IC pain
- Why is there always blood in my husbands urine?
- Many of my fellow IC sufferers complain about numbing pain in the feet. Can this be related to IC?"
- Is urinary retention related to IC?
- Will IC resolve if pelvic floor rehabilitation improves the muscles?
- Treating bleeding Hunner's Ulcers
- Why do catheters often cause burning, pain etc a few hours afterwards?

Ken Peters, MD, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak Michigan

Dr. Ken Peters is one of the true gentlemen of the IC movement. He is kind, interesting and dedicated to providing help to IC patients in need. He first made his name by conducting the first pilot study on the use of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) in the treatment of IC. He is a principle investigator for the NIDDK Interstitial Cystitis Clinical Trials Group (ICCTG). More recently, Dr. Peters has become extremely well known for his approach to sacral neuromodulation. He could very well be one of the best Interstim surgeons in the country. In his lecture, he covers a wide variety of questions on the use of BCG as a therapy for IC.

Susan McSherry, MD, New Orleans, LA

Dr. Susan McSherry comes to us from her urology practice in New Orleans, Louisiana. She has a passionate interest in caring for IC patients and shared her insight on IC and her perspective as a female urologist. She is board certified in Urology and one of only 300 female urologists in the country. She attended and graduated from Tulane Medical School and completed her residency at Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She is currently in private practice. She spent well over an hour taking questions from IC patients in our chat room, including:

- Why are there so few female urologists?
- Can a diagnosis be made without a hydrodistention?
- Can IC be caused by trauma to the bladder.. such as surgery?
- Is it fair to say that trauma to the pelvic floor.. via a procedure.. plays a role?
- What is the best way to deal with pain after sex?
- What is the success rate of DMSO?
- Is there any such thing as an antidepressant that does not affect your libido?
- Do patients totally stop sex to avoid flare ups?
- How to settle pain after a procedure
- Would silver nitrate help IC?
- Do vitamins negatively affect IC?
- What's your first line treatment for IC?
- What bladder instillations do you most frequently use?
- Do you recommend Interstim?
- I've just been diagnosed with IC and we discovered that I also have spina bifida in the last three of my vertabrae. Should I have a spinal work up???
- Is there a connection between IC and bowel problems?
- Can antibiotics cause an IC flare. Are there any that are recommended for IC patients?
- How can we find a female urologist to see and are more females entering urology?

Rhonda Kotarinos, Chicago, IL

Rhonda Kotarinos is one of the most respected physical therapists in the world. Her work in pelvic floor dysfunction is unparalled and she has trained a significant number of MDs and PT's around the USA in her techniques. Ms. Kotarinos not only understands the complex physiology in the pelvis but approaches it practically. She knows the muscles and how to assess their health and, best of all, works with patients in a hands on fashion to help improve PFD! In her guest lecture, she took an extensive number of questions on pelvic floor work, self care, treatment models and more! A must read for any patient struggling with pelvic floor muscle problems. One of the ICN's best lectures.

David Kaufman, MD, New York, NY

David M. Kaufman, MD is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Urology at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons and an Attending Urologist at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. He is the director of Central Park Urology and is the Medical Director of BioGenetics Corporation, a cryogenic sperm and embryo bank. Dr. Kaufman is a recognized authority on the evaluation and treatment of Interstitial Cystitis and directs a pelvic floor biofeedback and rehabilitation center in New York City. Dr. Kaufman takes a wide variety of questions from IC patients.

- Do you feel that PFD is an underlying cause of irritation and pain in many icers??
- How would a patient know if they have a pelvic floor problem??
- Can you tell us about Heller work?
- Do you often find muscles knots or trigger points in IC patients?
- Some icers sometime experience a tingling feeling in our bladders similar to the needles feeling if you had laid on your arm too long. Is that common of IC or PFD? What causes it?? What can we do to alleviate it?"
- Is it more or less likely to have PFD after a hysterectomy?
- How can I get a doctor to take my IC seriously. Twice, I've been told to change my behavior but they have yet to give me any treatments?
- What can you suggest for patients who have very difficult night times and difficulty sleeping because of IC pain?
- Can diabetic nerve damage cause symptoms similar to IC, but not be IC?
- Why is everyone so sure that IC is not bacterial related???
- Do you see a connection between back injuries and IC?

Beverly Laumann, Author of "Taste of the Good Life: A cookbook for an IC Diet"

While Bev is not an MD, she is clearly one of the national treasures of the IC movement. Her knowledge of IC led directly to the all time best seller "A Taste of the Good Life: A Cookbook for an IC Diet." Far more than a cookbook, this resource has offered thousands of patients a guide to understanding diet and nutrition. An IC support group leader, what impresses us most about Bev is her ability to assimilate a wide variety of research. Her knowledge of the IC diet is outstanding. In this lecture, Bev takes just about every possible question on the IC diet, including:

- What is the "IC Diet"?
- If I strictly avoid all the foods on the list will I get better?
- Practically all fruit is a no-no on this diet. Will I get enough vitamin C?
- I have fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), migraines, and vulvodynia in addition to the IC. How will the IC diet affect those conditions?
- I'm a vegan and I don't eat dairy products or eggs. How can I get protein in my diet if I can't have soy products?
- What can I eat during the holidays and what should I watch out for?
- what pasta sauces do you think work well for an IC bladder? & more

Feb 2002 (#186-190) by Dr. Jay Burstein

186. Discomfort After Voiding. Is it IC?
187. Is there a connection between IC and antibiotics
188. Can a transvaginal ultrasound rule of bladder cancer or IC?
189. Can antihistamine use cause IC flares?
190. Using Grape Seed Extract for IC

Dec 2002 (#176-185) by Dr. Jay Burstein

176: Has there been any thought (or therapeutic trials) of the use of anti-asthma steroids (e.g., beclametasone diproprionate) as instillations into the bladder?
177. Is a bloody brown discharge normal?
178. Can DMSO aggravate herpes?
179. IC or Overactive Syndrome? What's the difference?
180. Are IC and chronic back pain related or two different problems?
181. Can IB be misdiagnosed as severe SI dysfunction and piriformis syndrome?
182. Acidic foods vs. alkaline-forming metabolites?
183. Pain increases prior to ejaculation?
184. Treating IC when you have drug sensitivities?
185. Fatigue & IC. Is it common?

AUA 2001 IC Research Abstract Discussions by Dr. Jay Burstein

July 2001 (#161-#175) by Dr. Jay Burstein

161. Kidney infections and IC?
162. Detrol LA, IC Aloe & CystaQ
163. Why would tagamet and pepcid help IC?
164. Cost of Elmiron and it's use during flares
165. Exercise and IC
166. Would daily massages be helpful to chronic Interstitial Cystitis suffers
167. Using valium for IC symptoms
168. IC & Nerve Pain
169. Can Aminocaproic acid or hydrocortisone be given as a bladder irrigation?
170. Pool chemicals and IC
171. Have you heard of urethral polyps and that they might be the cause of IC symtoms?
172. Is there a side effect of Zoloft that could cause bladder problems?
173. Remissions and IC
174. Men with IC? Are their more?
175. Elmiron & tricyclics?

May 2001 (#147-#160) by Dr. Jay Burstein

147: Cystectomy versus aggressive pain management.
148: Do recurring urinary symptoms suggest IC?
149: Do cystoscopies without hydrodistention look normal for IC patients?
150: Mannose and IC. Is it there any research?
151: Could strep throat lead to IC?
152: Children and IC
153: Urethral Syndrome, IC.
154: Can Synthroad irritate IC?
155: Does having IC affect fertility?
156: Is there a connection between Graves Disease and IC?
157: Can a new sexual partner cause IC?
158: Children and IC.
159: Diagnosing IC
160: Is IC and endometriosis related?

February 2001 (#137-#146) by Dr. Jay Burstein

127: Are bladder spasms associated with IC?
128: Vaginal thrush and IC. Is there a connection?
129: Are there any patterns of remission and recurrance.
130: Localized pain and IC
131: Is Uristat, an over the counter urinary pain relief tablet, good for mild flare ups of Interstitial Cystitis?
132: Is burning and dryness of the vagina a symptom of IC?
133: Is it safe to have hydrodistensions regularly
134: What, if any, are the differences between IC and trigonitis?
135: Could a person have IC when he or she was a young child.
136: When is it okay for a person with IC to consume alcohol in small amounts?
137: Polycistic Kidney Disease
138: Can vaginitis be connected to IC?
139:Can antispasmodics make frequency/urgency worse?
140: I've read that Atarax helps with IC but shouldn't my Allegra have the same effect?
141: Do you know of any non-soy hormone replacement for IC patients?
142: Is there a close relation between Trigonitis and IC?
143: Bladder & urethra shrinkage
144:Using narcotics to treat IC pain
145: Is DMSO appropriate for a patient who also has polycystic kidney disease?
146: Can a patient have IC even though they don't find pinpoint bleeding during hydrodistention?

November 2000 by Dr. Jay Burstein

127: Are bladder spasms associated with IC?
128: Vaginal thrush and IC. Is there a connection?
129: Are there any patterns of remission and recurrance.
130: Localized pain and IC
131: Is Uristat, an over the counter urinary pain relief tablet, good for mild flare ups of Interstitial Cystitis?
132: Is burning and dryness of the vagina a symptom of IC?
133: Is it safe to have hydrodistensions regularly
134: What, if any, are the differences between IC and trigonitis?
135: Could a person have IC when he or she was a young child.
136: When is it okay for a person with IC to consume alcohol in small amounts?
137: Polycistic Kidney Disease
138: Can vaginitis be connected to IC?
139:Can antispasmodics make frequency/urgency worse?
140: I've read that Atarax helps with IC but shouldn't my Allegra have the same effect?
141: Do you know of any non-soy hormone replacement for IC patients?
142: Is there a close relation between Trigonitis and IC?
143: Bladder & urethra shrinkage
144:Using narcotics to treat IC pain
145: Is DMSO appropriate for a patient who also has polycystic kidney disease?
146: Can a patient have IC even though they don't find pinpoint bleeding during hydrodistention?

October 2000 by Dr. Jay Burstein

101: Urine Markers for IC
102: Can estrogen help with IC?
103: Odors in Urine?
104: Can you please explain the relationship of IC and Bowel Habits?
105. What is your opinion on women who would have a hysterectomy to relieve the pain of IC?
106: Urethral scar tissue & catheterization?
107: Antispasmodics
108: Do the scars in the bladder get worse with time and what effect does menopause have on IC?
109: Is the inflammation of IC something that would affect the surrounding organs or would it remain isolated in the bladder?
110: Is the diuretic further complicating my IC?
111: Could I have crystals in bladder that lodge & cause pain?
112: are calcium channel antagonists still used to treat IC?

July-August 2000 by Dr. Jay Burstein

84. Are there any other terms for Hunner's ulcers?
85. Does Elmiron cause mastitis in the breast?
86. Is small bladder capacity normal?
87. I have recently noticed a damp panty problem. Can you suggest anything?
88. IC in teenagers.
89. Why can I go long periods feeling well and then have a flare again?
90. Would the Innova Incontinence system be helpful for IC?
91. Is there any problem with having a DMSO cocktail while on Elmiron?
92. Urinary markers for IC?
93. How long should DMSO be held?
94. Do you have to have the frequency to have IC?
95. Do most IC sufferers have a history of bladder and/or kidney infections?
96. Female circumcision
97. Could a ureaplasma infection have anything to do with my IC?
98. Can localized pain be a symptom of IC?
99. Is cysto-fulguration as a treatment for urethral syndrome?
100. Can I possibly have been misdiagnosed and really only have Chronic Cystitis?

Special Feature - AUA 2000 Highlights & Research Update by Dr. Jay Burstein

May-June 2000 by Dr. Jay Burstein

60: Do all IC'ers have Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
61. Can anti-inflammatories help treat IC, such as those used for arthritis?
62. How to increase voiding time?
63. What is the link between UTI's and IC?
64: Do men with IC usually have a discharge with urination?
65: Would waking up 2-3 times a night effect my memory?
66. What research is being done involving hormones and IC?
67: Is sugar a trigger for IC flares?
68: Can a 14 year old have IC?
69: Is hematuria a normal symptom of interstitial cystitis?
70. Can biofeedback help with urinary retention?
71. Can IC be connected to anoxia as a result of surgery?
72. Radiating Pain in IC and how to treat it?
73. Elmiron and wrist lubrication?
74. What is the difference in hemorrhagic cystitis & I.C.?
75. I was prescribed Elmiron but am reluctant to take it because I have been unable to find a satisfactory blood pressure medication. Do you have any suggestions?
76. Stringy White Matter or Tissue in Urine. Is it normal?
77. Is acidophilous helpful for IC patients?
78. Do individuals with IC have a higher than average incidence of autoimmune diseases, and if so, which ones?
79. Is there a specific drug treatment protocol for IC?
80. I have all the symptoms of IC, except I can sleep through the night without urinating. Because of this, my doctor does not think I have IC. Have you heard of this???
81. Antidepressants & irregular heart beats
82. Can the long term use of diet pills cause IC?
83. Are there symptoms of bloating with IC?

April 2000 by Dr. Jay Burstein

40. Besides IC, what other disorders may cause painful urination?
41. Urine odor, home urine test sticks vs. urine culture
42. IC and new medications for geriatric patients
43. What are the best pain Rx to take during a flare-up?
44. Can IC be treated without using any medications?
45. Interstim, ANS & SANs
46. Is the pain if IC localized to the bladder area or can it be felt in other areas of the abdnominal area?
47. Bladder distentions
48. Can Elmiron and Amitryptline cause impairment of vision?
49. IC, Vulvodynia and Flomax
50. Can drinking too much water be harmful to the body in any way?
51. Can a Bartholin gland cyst cause voiding difficulties?
52. Can the pain of IC be felt between the bladder and vagina an can it radiate down the legs? 53. Does Incomplete voiding mean that I have Pelvic Floor dysfunction?
54. After being reated for a UTI can inflammation persist in the bladder for a period of time?
55. Pseudomembranous cystitis (inflammation of the bladder) and diet

16. What is the link between UTI's and IC?
17. Are some IC patients only treated by the diet?
18. Should contraceptive pills should be used by IC patients?
19. Urine leakage and IC
20. Multivitamins and IC
21. Is urethral dilation helpful for IC?
22. Artificial sweeteners and IC; is there a connection?
23. I am moving out of state. How do I find a new Uroligist?
24. How does "chronic cystitis" in the bladder differ from IC, in terms of the bladder wall?
25. Is IC hereditary?
26. Would the herb Kava Kava create any discomfort for an I.C. patient?
27. BOTOX injections for IC, IBS, and Vulvar Vestibulitis
28. Urethral Pain and pelvic floor dysfunction
29. Why are nighttime symptoms worse than during the day?
30. When someone eats the no-no foods, generally how long does it take for the bladder to react?
31. IC and vulvodynia & Disability vs returning to work
32. IC specialists in Sydney, Australia
33. What types of birth control are best for IC patients?
34 What is the link between pelvic floor dysfunction and IC.
35. Can stress makes your IC symptoms worse?
36. Can IC come and go with different levels of severity?
37. Why is Rimso-50 (DMSO) unavailable?
38. While on DMSO treatments and Elmiron should pregnancy be considered?
39. Can a vaginal infection cause similiar symptoms to IC?

Feb. 14, 2000 by Dr. Jay Burstein

1. What is the correct protocol for L-Arginine?
2. Sudden Bladder discomfort during pregnancy
3. MSM and DMSO
4. Can Alpha Lipoic Acid irritate the bladder and/or cause IC?
5. Are we at an impasse in the progress to control this disease since the introduction of "Elmiron"?
6. IC and Infection
7. Ditropan & Valium
8. Can IC be controlled with diet only?
9. Back pain and IC
10. How much of a role does genetics play with IC?
11. Can I get my medical records from my doctor?
12. Straining while urinating
13. Do IC patients have memory problems?
14. What should I expect prior to and after hydrodistention?
15. NAET for treatment of IC

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