You are here: IC Network > ICN Patient Handbook - Living with Interstitial Cystitis

If you haven't learned about the IC diet yet, you're missing an essential piece of this puzzle. It is very important to modify your diet so that you aren't irritating your bladder further!

Struggling with IC flares?? Not sure what triggers them or how to manage them?? The ICN Guide to Managing Flares can help you learn your triggers, avoid future flares and manage the ones you have today!

The IC Optimist is the full color newsletter of the ICN! This is your chance to stay informed about the latest developments in IC and review the latest treatment and coping strategies! Become a subscriber today!

About Interstitial Cystitis
"IC patients are often initially misdiagnosed with other conditions, such as overactive bladder, prostatitis, cystitis, urethral syndrome!"
   What is IC?
   The History of IC
   NIDDK Diagnostic Criteria for IC
   Diagnostic Criteria Debate - Part 1
   Diagnostic Criteria Debate - Part 2
   Dr. J.Warren on "APF" found in urine of IC patients
   IC Survival Guide by R Moldwin, MD.
       Diagnostic Procedures

Living with IC - Treatments
"Yes, it's true. We don't have a cure for IC. But we certainly have treatments that have helped many!"
   Introduction to treatments
   IC Drugs 2001 Summary by Dr. Theoharides
   IC Clinical Trials & Research Studies
   Drug Manufacturer Glossary
   Drug Assistance Programs
   IC Survival Guide by R Moldwin, MD.
       Drug Costs & Expenses

Bladder Instillations
"Older caustic therapies are now rarely used. The focus today is on using protective, soothing coatings."
   New! Rescue Instillations
   DMSO, BCG, Heparin, Clorpactin, Silver Nitrate
   Dr. Stanley Jacob on DMSO
   Dr. Ken Peters on BCG
   Dr. Robert Moldwin on Treatments
   Dr. Alfred Globus on Clorpactin
   IC Survival Guide by R Moldwin, MD
   Dr. Lowell Parsons on Rescue Instillations (DVD - San Diego IC & Pelvic Pain Conference 2005)
       Treatments - Instillations

Oral Medications
"Finally, lots of options!"
   Coatings - Elmiron
   Antihistamines - Hydroxyzine
   Antidepressants
   Antispasmodics
   Quercetin (CystaQ, Algonot, Cystoprotek)
   Antibiotic Therapies
   Dr. Lowell Parsons on Elmiron & Hydroxyzine
   Dr. Dan Shoskes on CystaQ
   Dr. Theoharides on Hydroxyzine, Algonot
   Eldon Mayer (Alza) on Elmiron
   IC Survival Guide by R Moldwin, MD
       Treatments - Oral

Surgical Therapies
"Surgery is always a last resort."
   Hydrodistention
   Nerve Stimulation
   Nerve Stimulation Orientation
   Surgical Alternatives
   IC Survival Guide by R Moldwin, MD.
       Treatments - Surgery

Other Therapies
"IC patients often struggle with tight pelvic muscles"
   Bladder Holding Protocols
   Pelvic Floor Therapies
   Rhonda Kotarinos on Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
   Dr. Jerome Weiss on Pelvic Floor Therapies
   PFD & Problem Trigger Points
   P2P: Managing IC by G&A Sandler
   Headache in the Pelvis
       Treatments - Other

Prelief and IC
   How Prelief Works
   Prelief Study Results
   Prelief Patient Testimonials
       Prelief Discussions

Living with IC - Alternatives
"Is sugar a treatment for IC? Of course not. Be wary of on-line snake oil. Ask for research supporting their claims"
    False Hope or Good Advertising - You be the judge
   Dr. TB on Alternative Awareness
   Herbal Supplements
   Natural Food Supplements
   Meditation
   Yoga
   Breathing Techniques
   Reiki
   Biofeedback & Guided Imagery
   Lesa F. on Relaxation
    Homeopathy & Chiropractic Care
   The Hatha Yoga Program for IC

Have you ever wondered what IC looks like? Here are three bladder photos provided by the University of Iowa. Anyone who says that IC isn't real.. should take a close look at the wounds (petechial hemorrhages, glomerulations, etc.) in these bladders. Click for closeups!

Living with IC - Pain & Flares
"Do you have a pain management plan? Ask for help if you need it. You have the right not to suffer."
   Jill Osborne on Pain Mgt and IC**
   Your Rights and Responsibilities
   Types of Pain & the Pain of IC
   Measuring Pain
   Myths & Issues of Narcotic Pain Meds
   Pain Treatments
   Coping with Flares
   Pain Center Guidelines
   Dr. Dan Brookoff On IC & Chronic Pain-Oct. 1997 (short version)
   Dr. Dan Brookoff On IC & Chronic Pain-Oct. 1997 (full lecture transcript)
   Pain Resources
   Recommended Readings
    Understanding Pain
   Books on Pain Care
       Managing IC Flares & Pain

Living with IC - Related Conditions
"No, you're not imaging things. IC patients often have IBS, allergies, chemical sensitivities!"
    Pudendal Nerve Entrapment
   Other Diseases of the Bladder
   Related Conditions of IC
   Irritable Bowel Syndrome
   Fibromyalgia
   Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
   Myofascial Pain Syndrome
   Vulvodynia
   Lupus
   Sjogrens Syndrome
   Endometriosis
   Allergies
   Joanne Yount on Vulvodynia & Vulvar Pain
   Understanding the Whole Body Effects of IC
   Vulvodynia Survival Guide
   Sjogrens Syndrome Survival Guide
   Mitral Valve Prolapse Survival Guide
   Breaking the Bonds Of IBS
       Related Conditions

Understanding Your Bladder
"Do you know the difference between your urethra and your ureters?"
   The Physiology of the Urinary Tract
   The Function and Structure
   The Protected Inner Layer of the Bladder

Appendix
   Glossary of Terms

Symbol Key - - ICN Original Text - Guest Lecture Transcript - IC Lifestyles - ICN Newsletter Story - Recommended Books - Read related message boards

Living with IC - Diet
"If you poured acid on a wound every day, what would happen to that wound? Coffees, teas, sodas, cranberry are a problem!"
   Our Five Worst Foods
   Understanding Diet and IC
   Elimination Diets for IC
   Fresh Tastes by Bev
   IC Chef Cookbook
   Vitamins & Minerals
   Are you confused by the many lists of IC friendly foods?
   Water: Drink to your Health
   Bev Lauman on IC, Diet & Nutrition
   Taste of the Good Life: IC Cookbook B. Laumann
      Diet and IC

Living with IC - LifeStyle
"We don't know why IC patients are often chemically sensitive. Soaps, detergents can be very irritating."
   IC & Sleep: Tips for Insomnia
   Relaxation
   Clothing
   Undergarments and laundry
   Soaps & Detergents
   Toilet Paper & Urine Burn
   Exercise
   Reducing Skin Irritation & Urine Burn
   The Princess & The Pea
   Books on Self Care

ICN Self-Help Tips
"Sometimes there is an easier way!."
    NEW!  Your IC Action Plan
    Making Rescue Instillations More Comfortable
    The Case of the Poison Underwear
    Surviving Court Hearings & Depositions
    Constipation Strategies
    The Six Best Tips on Working With Your Doctor!
   Flying the Friendly Skies
   New Car Blues
   Anatomy of an Utterly Ridiculous IC Flare
   Understanding Pudendal Nerve Entrapment
   Reducing Skin Irritation & Urine Burn
   Are You Confused by the Many Lists of IC Foods?
   IC & Driving: How to Survive A Long Commute
   Water - Drink To Your Health
   Understanding the Complex Issue of Neurostimulation
   Honoring Your Strength
      Self-Help Strategies

Living with IC - The Involved Patient
"It begins with you. You take charge and build your tool kit. This will help you manage your IC and when it's under control, we hope that you will get involved in IC movement. If not you, who? "
   Locating an MD in the USA
   Building an IC Tool Kit
   How to Do a Voiding & Pain Diary
   Self Assessment Quiz
   Political Action & Activism

Living with IC - Your Emotional Well Being
"Don't let IC isolate you!!!!!"
   Basic Tools of Survival
   Find A Support Group
   Living with Chronic Illness
   Our Sense of Self
   Meditation & IC
   Depression & IC
   IC Lifestyles by Gaye & Andrew Sandler
   IC Success Stories
   Susan Milstrey-Wells on Acceptance
   The Psychological Effects of IC
   Honoring Your Strength
   P2P: Managing IC by G&A Sandler
       Share Your IC Story
       Meet Others By Region

Living with IC - Men
"Many suspect that the majority of men with prostatitis are actually misdiagnosed IC patients.."
   Men's Resource Center
       Men with IC

Living with IC - Women
"The bladder is very sensitive to hormones."
   P2P: Managing IC by G&A Sandler
   Hormones
   Menstrual Cycles
   Menopause
   Pregnancy Journal
   Dr. Elizabeth Vliet on Hormones and IC
   IC Hormones, Menopause & Perimenopause
   Preventing those Dreaded Yeast Infections
       Pregnancy & Motherhood

Living with IC - Sex
"Creativity, clear communication, love and flexibility are the foundation to great sexual relationships!"
   15 Rules for Intimate Relationships
   Dr. Stanley Zaslau on Sexuality & IC
   Oona Mourier, Ph.D. on Sex and IC
   Books on Relationships & Romance
      Romance and Sex

Living with IC - Family & Friends
"No matter how often you try to explain how it feels..."
    A Spouse's Perspective
    You've Got to Have Friends, Good Friends
   Travelling from a Spouse's Perspective
    Putting the Happy Back into your Holidays
      Family and Friends

Living with IC - Physicians
"Build your medical care team carefully."
   Locating a Doctor in the USA
   Doctor-Patient Relationships
   Trial By Error - New Doctors & Prescriptions

Living with IC - Careers
"IC patients are doctors, lawyers, space scientists, pilots, broadway stars, teachers, military officers and ..."
   Work Related Issues & IC
   IC & Driving: How to Survive A Long Commute
      Career Concerns & IC

NEW! Living with IC - Disability
   A Brief Guide to Disability Insurance - USA
   SSA Handbook
   How to Qualify
   How to Apply
   Calculate Benefit Amounts
   SSA Announces New Ruling on IC
   Books on Disability
    Social Security Q&A

Living with IC - Internet Street Smarts
   Safety Guidelines for the Internet
   IC Consumer Awareness & Alerts