- Take a moment each day to say "I am proud of myself." YOU are working VERY hard to live your life with IC with dignity and respect. Have you rewarded yourself recently??
- YOUR WORDS have the power to inspire or discourage other patients. Whenever possible, write ENCOURAGING messages.
- Illnesses and injuries can create tremendous anxiety and uncertainty. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please read this. You can also find great resources at: www.suicide.org


What's Going On?
Currently Active Users: 732 (15 members and 717 guests)
View Who's Online
Most users ever online was 32,261, 08-31-2011 at 07:00 AM.
ICN Support Forum - Interstitial Cystitis, Overactive Bladder, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Statistics
ICN Support Forum - Interstitial Cystitis, Overactive Bladder, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Statistics
Threads: 66,727, Posts: 547,243, Members: 51,490
Welcome to our newest member, help

Welcome to the ICN Support Forum - Interstitial Cystitis, Overactive Bladder, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
  Forum Last Post Threads Posts
Interstitial Cystitis News & Updates
Read the latest interstitial cystitis news here!
ICN Announcements (2 Viewing)
Read the latest announcements about the Interstitial Cystitis Network here. From new site additions to newsletter releases, this is the place to get the latest ICN news!
Yesterday 07:45 AM Go to last post
564 4,170
Read the latest research news on interstitial cystitis, painful bladder syndrome, pelvic floor dysfunction, prostatitis & overactive bladder here!
by bjcov
Yesterday 12:15 PM Go to last post
251 2,257
New announcements from the urology, medical and health care industry.
63 560
Review recent recalls of products, drugs and related materials
by darlene
01-25-2012 09:28 AM Go to last post
104 891
78 134
Jill's Journal (4 Viewing)
ICN Founder Jill offers daily comments on IC events, activities in the ICN office and more!
by kadi
Yesterday 05:51 PM Go to last post
300 3,945
Help us raise awareness for IC!
24 188
Find the best books and resources in the ICN Shop, purchases from which support this free forum! Please shop with us!
by nekura
01-19-2012 12:15 PM Go to last post
15 41
Patient Stories
Share Your Interstitial Cystitis Story Here. When did it start for you? How did it begin?? What interstitial cystitis treatments worked for you?
Today 09:51 AM Go to last post
3,210 25,954
Introduce Yourself and share your interstitial cystitis story here!
Today 09:24 AM Go to last post
6,018 48,048
IC Success Stories (9 Viewing)
Share your Interstitial Cystitis Success Story Here
01-30-2012 10:03 AM Go to last post
833 8,987
Yes, remission happens and happens often for interstitial cystitis patients. If you're in remission, please share your story and success tips here!
271 3,293
Are you a newly diagnosed man? Meet others here!
293 2,086
For parents of children with interstitial cystitis, we hope that you'll network with each other here and ask questions that you are struggling with!
by nekura
12-29-2011 04:44 PM Go to last post
89 793
Just for high school students with IC
by Smortz
12-23-2011 01:34 PM Go to last post
100 865
Are you a college student with interstitial cystitis? Meet other ICers and share strategies here!
by Smortz
01-30-2012 06:44 AM Go to last post
234 1,821
Read more IC Patient Stories here! This links to another section of our website
- - -
Diagnostic Methods For Interstitial Cystitis
The diagnosis of interstitial cystitis has changed in recent years to include less invasive methods such as the PUF questionnaire and KCL test! Learn about more methods here!
Yesterday 01:26 PM Go to last post
1,636 14,137
01-23-2012 02:43 PM Go to last post
441 3,360
Do you suspect you have interstitial cystitis but haven't been diagnosed yet? Post here!
Today 10:41 AM Go to last post
1,954 14,539
Symptoms of IC (63 Viewing)
3,261 25,698
Treatments For Mild Interstitial Cystitis (frequency/urgency)
Research has shown that the earlier you diagnose and treat IC, the better chance you have to control IC. We're classifying mild IC as someone with just frequency or urgency (no pain) who have occasional flares. These are the easiest, least invasive therapies usually used first! They are the foundation of therapy for most patients. For more information on these treatments, please visit the ICN Patient Handbook.
Elmiron, a protective bladder coating, is an oral medication that helps rebuild the bladder lining. Discuss it here!
1,618 13,380
Discuss the use of Ditropan, Detrol, Urelle, Azo Pain Relief tablets here!
295 2,051
Hydroxyzine (Vistaril & Atarax) is a vital therapy for interstitial cystitis. Discuss your success or questions here!
Today 11:11 AM Go to last post
633 4,724
Antidepressants are often prescribed for long term pain management purposes. Discuss these here!
1,355 10,300
Discuss the use of food supplements here!
630 3,697
Treatments For Moderate Interstitial Cystitis IC/PBS
We're classifying moderate interstitial cystitis as patients who experience episodes of frequency/urgency/pressure or pain. They may have diagnosed pelvic floor dysfunction as well. The therapies listed below may be used IN ADDITION to the therapies used for mild IC. Many patients find results using a combination of therapies, such as a low dose antihistamine and rescue instillations. For more information on these treatments, please visit the ICN Patient Handbook.
by FunGirl
Yesterday 05:42 AM Go to last post
1,013 7,355
The "newest" instillations used for interstitial cystitis patients, these are also called anesthetic cocktails. Some doctors report an 80 to 90% success rate. This therapy is rapidly growing in popularity
by bjcov
Today 03:30 AM Go to last post
662 5,794
Discuss DMSO, Cystistat, Heparin, Chlorpactin, Silver Nitrate, Lidocaine
by lq78
Today 01:21 PM Go to last post
1,154 8,810
T.E.N.S Therapy (5 Viewing)
by sshew52
01-30-2012 04:30 PM Go to last post
207 1,299
Treatments for Severe Interstitial Cystitis
We're classifying severe interstitial cystitis (IC/PBS) as someone who has had IC symptoms for an extended period of time and has constant frequency, urgency, pressure or pain. These patients may be using a combination of mild and/or moderate therapies. The far more invasive treatments listed below can be tried if the mild or moderate therapies don't work. For more information on these treatments, please visit the ICN Patient Handbook.
Discuss your experience with or questions about PTNS (i.e. SANS or Urgent PC) here!
11-04-2011 04:01 AM Go to last post
9 80
Though nerve stimulation is not FDA approved for the treatment of interstitial cystitis, patients have had procedures (Interstim & SANS) suggested to them if other treatments aren't helpful. Ask your questions here!
01-26-2012 03:33 PM Go to last post
331 2,871
For patients currently undergoing trial or surgical procedures.
01-07-2012 05:08 PM Go to last post
388 3,890
Share your success stories here!
275 1,974
For those who have tried neurostimulation and experienced complications or failure, this is a place to receive support.
by Jem
01-12-2012 08:02 PM Go to last post
357 3,067
Nerve Blocks (1 Viewing)
Nerve blocks have occasionallhy been used for patient struggling with discomfort. Share your experience here!
01-13-2012 11:29 AM Go to last post
82 503
Experimental or Controversial Treatments
Experimental therapies for interstitial cystitis (IC/PBS) are those currently being explored in research studies around the world. Their clinical trial results may not be available or are the result of a smaller, less credible study. We've included antibiotics in this discussion area because the role of bacteria in IC remains controversial at best. We have little conclusive evidence that IC is bacterial in nature.
Cyclosporine (2 Viewing)
by nekura
01-01-2012 04:51 PM Go to last post
52 847
by Briza
01-24-2012 04:54 PM Go to last post
60 757
Learn more about treatments currently being studied.
Yesterday 09:14 PM Go to last post
231 1,898
One of the great controversies in IC treatment. Discuss antibiotics here!
465 4,987
Treatments For End Stage Interstitial Cystitis
Very FEW patients actually have end stage IC (the most severe form of IC) but for those that do, their bladders can have major issues. They may also have conditions impacting their bladders unrelated to IC. For more information on these treatments, please visit the ICN Patient Handbook. Patients newly diagnosed with IC should NOT worry that they will develop this worst form of IC. Most patients with end stage IC received little, if any, therapy for IC for a long period of time. Before attempting any of these potentially life altering procedures, end stage patients should have have attempted MOST (if not ALL) of the therapies for mild, moderate and severe IC listed above, as well as the current experimental therapies available! Don't forget the importance of pelvic floor assessments and treatments as well. It would be tragic to remove your bladder when the problem was primarily from the surrounding muscle instead. BE AS PROACTIVE AS YOU CAN! Don't let desperation lead you to an extreme therapy if you still haven't tried some of the more mild therapies first!
Discuss augmentation, ostomies and related procedures here
by Fiona R
Yesterday 09:59 AM Go to last post
134 1,207
Bladder Removal (6 Viewing)
Bladder removal is NOT an easy or convenient therapy for IC. It is a last resort to be used ONLY by those who have failed all other therapies.
Yesterday 08:13 AM Go to last post
549 6,927
Nerve Ablation (1 Viewing)
by vanilla
12-13-2011 12:00 PM Go to last post
22 236
This forum is for patients who have many issues going on besides IC that are contributing to their illness.
by bobspez
01-23-2012 02:24 PM Go to last post
239 2,823
Miscellaneous Treatments For Interstitial Cystitis
For more information on these treatments, please visit the ICN Patient Handbook.
Alternative Therapies (13 Viewing)
Herbs, vitamins, supplements have been hotly debated. While none is considered a cure for IC, you can discuss them here.
1,251 9,496
Other Treatments (11 Viewing)
865 5,856
The IC Diet
Discuss all things related to the IC diet here!
General Diet Questions (40 Viewing)
Ask questions about diet and interstitial cystitis IC/PBS here!
by Lizzylu
Today 05:59 AM Go to last post
5,088 37,303
IC Diet: Recipes (21 Viewing)
Share your favorite IC friendly recipes and menu ideas here!
by bjcov
01-28-2012 02:13 PM Go to last post
780 3,788
IC Diet: Menu Ideas (1 Viewing)
01-23-2012 03:30 PM Go to last post
14 111
Prelief has been used by patients for several years. How does it work? It reduces the acid content of food. Talk with Betty about how Prelief has improved the lives of IC patients!
01-20-2012 02:37 PM Go to last post
373 2,622
Read columns on the IC diet by Bev Laumann, author of "A Taste of the Good Life: A Cookbook for an IC Diet."
- - -
- - -
Self-Help For Interstitial Cystitis
by tpronti
Yesterday 02:05 AM Go to last post
84 544
Are you struggling with hormonal changes?? Are they bothering your bladder?? Need to vent about your body changing?? Do it here!
Today 02:57 PM Go to last post
164 1,194
Depression & Anxiety (3 Viewing)
Discuss your thoughts and concerns about depression and anxiety here.
1,023 10,579
by bjcov
01-23-2012 09:57 AM Go to last post
480 3,883
Exercise & Fitness (3 Viewing)
by kadi
01-26-2012 06:29 AM Go to last post
393 3,051
Managing Interstitial Cystitis Flares
An interstitial cystitis flare is a familiar and frustrating part of life with IC. Often the result of diet or romance, flares can be reduced and eliminated with several strategies.
Discuss pain management strategies here!
by Julie B
01-30-2012 09:29 AM Go to last post
2,472 22,010
Are you in a flare? Need support? Post here!
3,051 23,869
Please share your best interstitial cystitis flare coping strategies here! This is NOT to post questions about treatments, therapies or managing flares. We JUST want to hear great techniques for handling flares!
613 5,388
Related Conditions to Interstitial Cystitis
IC patients are 100 times more likely to have IBS. Do you? Discuss it here!
549 3,686
Discuss pudendal neuralgia and/or pudendal nerve entrapment here.
01-21-2012 09:03 AM Go to last post
103 581
Fibromyalgia (1 Viewing)
Discuss fibromyalgia here.
62 489
Urethral burning and pain can be very frustrating. Share your thoughts and coping strategies here.
by Jem
01-31-2012 06:57 AM Go to last post
86 861
Vulvodynia (13 Viewing)
Female IC patients often have vulvodynia problems. Discuss this here!
Today 11:28 AM Go to last post
864 6,544
Dry Eyes/Dry Mouth (2 Viewing)
Dry mouth & dry eyes can be side effects of various medications. Some IC patients may also have Sjogren's Syndrome or Sicca. Discuss your best strategies here!
by h808
01-19-2012 05:10 PM Go to last post
136 883
01-16-2012 06:50 PM Go to last post
305 2,553
Discuss other related conditions to IC here, such as CFIDS, endometriosis, lupus, back & leg pain here!
Today 05:26 AM Go to last post
1,741 12,911
Pregnancy and Motherhood With Interstitial Cystitis
01-02-2012 12:28 AM Go to last post
389 2,576
Children's Activities (1 Viewing)
Share your ideas for some child activities that you can do when your IC flaring.
by Katrina
12-15-2011 09:29 AM Go to last post
21 59
I'm Pregnant! (1 Viewing)
01-18-2012 07:10 AM Go to last post
591 5,667
When a mother or wife develops IC, it can often impact how she feels about her abilities in those roles. Talk about it here!
466 4,037
Infertility (1 Viewing)
If you are an IC patient struggling with fertility, share your thoughts here!
09-16-2011 12:42 PM Go to last post
58 370
Health Insurance Discussions
Are you struggling with health insurance? Don't have insurance?? Looking for drug assistance programs??
Is this a can of worms or what?? Ask questions or discuss any issues you might have with your health insurance coverage
by DebbieT
01-21-2012 05:00 AM Go to last post
9 47
Are you in the military and seeking care?
by gsd715
07-20-2011 05:19 PM Go to last post
2 30
Some medications are available at no cost through pharmaceutical companies. Share your experiences or questions here!
6 21
08-18-2011 11:09 AM Go to last post
253 1,532
No health insurance? (1 Viewing)
Share your ideas with others on getting health care if you lack coverage. Free clinics?? Pay per visit?? How are you coping?
by DebbieT
01-21-2012 04:49 AM Go to last post
2 20
Social Security Q&A (1 Viewing)
Are you considering applying disability insurance? In the Appeals process? Post your questions here.
by jen74
01-31-2012 05:49 AM Go to last post
759 5,575
Social Life - Family, Friends, Dating
Single Life and IC (3 Viewing)
168 1,341
1,262 11,768
GREAT DEBATES
While research hasn't found one specific cause of interstitial cystitis, there are several strong opinions out there. What do you think about the cause of IC? Any ideas? Debate them here!
330 3,277
One of the long standing debates is the validity of the KCL test to diagnose IC rather than the more intensive hydrodistention. What do you think?
by nekura
12-22-2011 08:41 PM Go to last post
2 38
MEET OTHERS BY REGION
This section of the ICN Forum is dedicated to Michaeleen Franklin, the longest running IC support group leader in the USA. We honor her memory, her compassion, her wisdom and her support of patients in the Southwestern USA for more than twenty years.
US States (17 Viewing)
Find patients in your neck of the woods!
by h808
01-30-2012 07:47 PM Go to last post
1,907 9,305
Click here to view our database of support groups and medical care providers.
- - -
Canada Chat (3 Viewing)
Meet others from Canada Here!
by Jo1955
02-01-2012 11:57 AM Go to last post
165 1,153
SPIRITUALITY, FAITH & POSITIVITY
Prayer Requests (2 Viewing)
01-31-2012 01:49 PM Go to last post
1,351 19,474
Dedicated to the memory of AuntieDebbieF, this board is a place your gratitudes. Please let your story cheer others!
01-18-2011 06:14 AM Go to last post
756 6,661
The Happiness Corner (4 Viewing)
For those times when you just need to surround yourself with happiness, these posts will help. Please share any videos, blogs, poems that you think will lift peoples spirits!
by SharonA
01-25-2012 07:03 AM Go to last post
117 1,143
MISC.
12-15-2011 05:46 AM Go to last post
228 1,824
by h808
01-17-2012 09:05 PM Go to last post
145 7,128
Share your funny YouTube and blog links here!! Please NO pornography. These are supposed to be funny, to help another IC patient laugh!!
by Briza
11-29-2011 06:26 PM Go to last post
80 301
Everyone loves a good movie. Share your recommendations here and discuss the latest movies, videos and TV shows!
by h808
01-25-2012 11:52 AM Go to last post
273 2,343
Bathroom Humor (1 Viewing)
Laughter is the best medicine! Help us laugh today. Share your funniest jokes and stories here!
12-12-2011 03:37 PM Go to last post
666 4,476
Because IC is only a part of our lives.
by Ang0023
01-16-2012 06:32 PM Go to last post
1,970 19,063
A place to discuss an interesting book .... or share information about articles you've seen in recent magazines.
09-16-2011 12:58 PM Go to last post
118 795
Pets Welcome (1 Viewing)
A "Spot" for sharing pet "tails"
by MaryS
01-27-2012 09:24 PM Go to last post
524 5,216
BOARD MGT.
For Questions About BBS Management & TOS Inquiries
02-01-2012 06:29 AM Go to last post
163 844
EOSINOPHILIC CYSTITIS
The ICN is proud to host the Eosinophilic Cystitis Resource Center!
47 269


Contains New Posts   Forum Contains New Posts
Contains No New Posts   Forum Contains No New Posts
A Closed Forum   Forum is Closed for Posting


All times are GMT -11. The time now is 03:03 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.1
Copyright ©2000 - 2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright 2011 - IC Network