icnmgrjill
07-10-2008, 09:32 AM
(reprint - February 2005)
We recently received an inquiry from an attorney who asked how he could make a deposition more comfortable for his client, who happened to have interstitial cystitis. We were impressed not only by his thoughtfulness but also by this great question. It’s true. It can be very difficult for an IC patient to sit through a long interview, especially if they are answering tough, rigorous questions. The stress alone can trigger bladder discomfort. Throw in uncomfortable chairs, aggressive attorneys, lack of restroom access, no IC friendly food and this could be an IC patients worst nightmare. With feedback from IC patients in our ICN Support Forum, we’ve created a set of guidelines that we hope will make it easier for any IC patient going through this difficult process. If you have any additional suggestions, please send them to: editor@ic-network.com.
LOCATION
Bladder pain is often exacerbated by the vibration and jarring movements of long car rides. Some patients also experience painful muscle spasms while driving, thus it should be minimized. Depositions should be located at an office that is near his or her home. If the patient must drive an hour or more, there is a chance that they could arrive with a badly irritated bladder or pelvis and in need of pain medication.
TIME & DURATION
We suggest that depositions be scheduled mid-morning rather than early morning. Many of the therapies for IC focus on improving sleep patterns. As a result, patients often are medicated and find it more difficult to wake early and to be credible. Breaks should be taken every hour, at a minimum.
RESTROOM ACCESS
The conference room must be located very near a restroom, preferably on the same floor. Patients should not be expected to run up and down stairs several times to use the facilities. Restroom breaks should be taken on an as needed basis and the patient encouraged to speak up when needed. Lay firm ground rules with all attorneys that when the patient needs to use the restroom that he or she can go immediately. Please remember that IC patients have wounds in their bladders (aka petechial hemorrhages or Hunner’s Ulcers) that can become extremely painful if urine touches them. It is cruel to make an IC patient wait with a full bladder and/or squirm in pain. Make sure the IC patient has privacy in the bathroom. Attorneys should not follow him or her into the restroom.
COMFORT
Chairs should be padded and comfortable. The IC patient should not be sitting on a hard, wooden chair that can put pressure on the pelvic floor. Patients can bring chair cushions if needed! Patients may also need to shift their position frequently due to pain and pressure.
CLOTHING
IC patients should wear comfortable, loose clothing. Pressure around the waist and pelvis can create even more discomfort, thus pantyhose or tight belts are not recommended.
FOODS
In our experience, most foods presented during depositions and most corporate meetings are risk foods for an IC patient. Juices, coffees, sodas and the inevitable chocolate can create significant bladder irritation and pain due to their high acid content. Thus, there should be IC friendly options as well, such as hot water with honey, plain chamomile or peppermint tea, as well as some IC friendly energy snacks (pear-pear bars, fig newtons, etc.). Encourage the patient to bring her own snacks if needed.
ATTACKS TO UNDERMINE IC
Most IC patients who have been in litigation regarding their IC have stories to tell about how the “other side” tried to attack their IC with claims that it was emotional or stress related. ICN President Jill Osborne’s had a typical experience when an attorney accused her of creating her IC by drinking too much water. Absurd! We strongly encourage attorneys to vigorously protect their clients from any questions which suggest that IC is not a real medical condition.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Be receptive to the fact that IC patients can be emotionally fragile at times. The frustration, pain and grief from “losing” some of the things that are important to us (i.e. work, athletics, the ability to have sex comfortably, or credibility with peers, etc.) can be profound. Throw litigation into the mix and it can become overwhelming. Make sure that the IC patient has excellent support and solid stress management technique. Listening to a positive thinking tape would be perfect at this time. We have several in the ICN Shop that could be helpful! (http://www.icnsales.com)
Bravo to every patient who has fought for their rights in a court of law! We salute you!
We recently received an inquiry from an attorney who asked how he could make a deposition more comfortable for his client, who happened to have interstitial cystitis. We were impressed not only by his thoughtfulness but also by this great question. It’s true. It can be very difficult for an IC patient to sit through a long interview, especially if they are answering tough, rigorous questions. The stress alone can trigger bladder discomfort. Throw in uncomfortable chairs, aggressive attorneys, lack of restroom access, no IC friendly food and this could be an IC patients worst nightmare. With feedback from IC patients in our ICN Support Forum, we’ve created a set of guidelines that we hope will make it easier for any IC patient going through this difficult process. If you have any additional suggestions, please send them to: editor@ic-network.com.
LOCATION
Bladder pain is often exacerbated by the vibration and jarring movements of long car rides. Some patients also experience painful muscle spasms while driving, thus it should be minimized. Depositions should be located at an office that is near his or her home. If the patient must drive an hour or more, there is a chance that they could arrive with a badly irritated bladder or pelvis and in need of pain medication.
TIME & DURATION
We suggest that depositions be scheduled mid-morning rather than early morning. Many of the therapies for IC focus on improving sleep patterns. As a result, patients often are medicated and find it more difficult to wake early and to be credible. Breaks should be taken every hour, at a minimum.
RESTROOM ACCESS
The conference room must be located very near a restroom, preferably on the same floor. Patients should not be expected to run up and down stairs several times to use the facilities. Restroom breaks should be taken on an as needed basis and the patient encouraged to speak up when needed. Lay firm ground rules with all attorneys that when the patient needs to use the restroom that he or she can go immediately. Please remember that IC patients have wounds in their bladders (aka petechial hemorrhages or Hunner’s Ulcers) that can become extremely painful if urine touches them. It is cruel to make an IC patient wait with a full bladder and/or squirm in pain. Make sure the IC patient has privacy in the bathroom. Attorneys should not follow him or her into the restroom.
COMFORT
Chairs should be padded and comfortable. The IC patient should not be sitting on a hard, wooden chair that can put pressure on the pelvic floor. Patients can bring chair cushions if needed! Patients may also need to shift their position frequently due to pain and pressure.
CLOTHING
IC patients should wear comfortable, loose clothing. Pressure around the waist and pelvis can create even more discomfort, thus pantyhose or tight belts are not recommended.
FOODS
In our experience, most foods presented during depositions and most corporate meetings are risk foods for an IC patient. Juices, coffees, sodas and the inevitable chocolate can create significant bladder irritation and pain due to their high acid content. Thus, there should be IC friendly options as well, such as hot water with honey, plain chamomile or peppermint tea, as well as some IC friendly energy snacks (pear-pear bars, fig newtons, etc.). Encourage the patient to bring her own snacks if needed.
ATTACKS TO UNDERMINE IC
Most IC patients who have been in litigation regarding their IC have stories to tell about how the “other side” tried to attack their IC with claims that it was emotional or stress related. ICN President Jill Osborne’s had a typical experience when an attorney accused her of creating her IC by drinking too much water. Absurd! We strongly encourage attorneys to vigorously protect their clients from any questions which suggest that IC is not a real medical condition.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Be receptive to the fact that IC patients can be emotionally fragile at times. The frustration, pain and grief from “losing” some of the things that are important to us (i.e. work, athletics, the ability to have sex comfortably, or credibility with peers, etc.) can be profound. Throw litigation into the mix and it can become overwhelming. Make sure that the IC patient has excellent support and solid stress management technique. Listening to a positive thinking tape would be perfect at this time. We have several in the ICN Shop that could be helpful! (http://www.icnsales.com)
Bravo to every patient who has fought for their rights in a court of law! We salute you!