Interstitial Cystitis Newsletter
January 22, 2001
Happy 2001 and welcome to our first newsletter of the New Year. We’d like to begin this
issue with a heartfelt thank you to those IC patients, family members and support
groups throughout the USA who helped us in our annual holiday food drive. The
requests that we received from families in need touched all of us deeply. We sent
jackets for children whose parents couldn’t afford clothing. We provided groceries and
gift certificates to families who needed food. We sent gifts for the children of IC
patients who were unable to shop and/or afford gifts. Best of all, new IC friendships
were forged. Thank you one and all.
In This Issue:
(1) ICN "Meet the IC Expert" Chat Tuesday Night
The ICN "Meet the IC Expert" lecture series brings leading IC researchers and physicians
live, and at no cost, to IC patients via the web. Join us this Tuesday evening for a
special chat with Dr. Robert Moldwin, author of the Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide.
The current best seller in the IC community, Dr. Moldwin will discuss his book and his
approach to treating IC. He will also take questions from the audience. Dr. Moldwin is an
attending urologist at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center, where he is the Director of
their IC center. He is recipient of IC research grants from both the
NIDDK and the ICA. He also sits on the
NIDDK, External Advisory Committee, Interstitial Cystitis Database and the ICA Medical
Advisory Board
Dr. Moldwin has been a strong advocate for the IC community and compassionate
patient care. He has been featured in "Living Well" Magazine, Woman’s Day, Reader’s
Digest and the New York Daily News. You may have also seem him discussing IC on
television, with appearances on CNN, CBS News, ABC News, Fox News & WLIW.
This is a very special opportunity for IC patients on-line to meet one of the true IC
visionaries.
When: Tuesday, January 23, 2001, 6PM PST 9PM EST
As usual, we always welcome questions submitted in advance for our guest presenters.
Please send them to: jill@sonic.net
(Please note: With the ICN based in California, many of you may have heard that we
are experiencing mandatory blackout periods. When this occurs, our phone system and
computers will be shut down. Thankfully, our web site servers are based in Pennsylvania
so our site will remain up. But, our office may not have phone or computer access. If
our power is shut down during this chat period, we will reschedule. We apologize in
advance if this occurs. It’s completely out of our control.)
(2) Upcoming “Meet the IC Expert” Guest Lecture Schedule
February 6, 2001 – Dr. Dan Shoskes, Cleveland Clinic of Florida. Topic: The use of
Quercetin in treating IC and prostatitis. 9PM EST, 6PM PST
February 23, 2001 – BJ Czarapeta, CUNP, Urology Wellness Center. Topic: A
multidimensional approach to treating IC, pelvic floor dysfunction & yeast. 8PM EST,
5PM PST (**This chat begins one hour earlier than our usual schedule).
(*Please note that Dr. Shoskes is on the transplant team in his community. He may
need to reschedule at the last minute if he is called into surgery.)
(3) Guest Lecture Transcripts Now Available -
The ICN has hosted more than 28 guest lectures featuring some the nations leading IC
urologists, researchers & activists. All transcripts are free and currently available for
your review. Some of our past guest speakers include:
- Dr. Deborah Metzger, Helena Women’s Center
Read these and others on our web site today at:
(4) Introducing CystaQ – A New ICN Sponsor
One reason why the ICN continues to be the largest free archive of IC information in
the world is our generous sponsors who believe in the value of offering IC information
and support. We are so pleased to welcome Farr Laboratories to the ICN family. As the
manufacturers of CystaQ and ProstaQ, they bring forward a valuable “over the counter”
treatment option for patients to explore. CystaQ contains quercetin, a bioflavonoid.
Researchers believe that it acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Previous and
current research studies (Shoskes, et. al) are showing that quercetin can help reduce
symptoms and discomfort in patients. For more information, please visit their web site
at: http://www.cystaq.com
(5) Fresh Tastes by Bev – January 2001 - “An IC Friendly Winter Dinner”
We are so proud to share monthly columns on diet and nutrition by Beverly Laumann,
the author of “A Taste of the Good Life: A Cookbook for an Interstitial Cystitis Diet.”
This month, Bev offers inspiration for a warm and cozy meal by the fire.
(By Bev Laumann)
As a kid I looked forward to winter. Though a cold wind-driven rain made getting me to
school a challenge for the adults in my life, it offered my childish mischieviousness an
outlet: puddles to stomp and splash in. So what if I got wet and cold? "Your hands are
like ice!" my mom would exclaim as she shoved another layer of warm clothing on me.
"Cold? Really?" I thought to myself. I suppose they were cold although the sensation
didn't bother me. But as an adult I think I somehow became more sensitive to cold. And
since my IC set in, just the thought of shivering outside in cold weather makes my
muscles tighten and my bladder ache.
These days I nervously scan my wardrobe on winter mornings wondering if I can layer
on enough clothes to keep warm without looking silly. An IC friend recently confided
how she discovered the drawbacks of a too-short coat: a frozen backside that brought
on a major case of aching bladder. Just today another fellow IC patient was reminiscing
about how her bladder symptoms first came on during a skiing trip. And for the last ten
years my IC has helped spawn "thermostat wars" at our house every winter: Charlie
feels the place is roasting hot. Sweating, he turns the heater thermostat down as he
walks by. Two minutes later I walk by and turn it up. Brrr... it's cold in here.
If watching snow settle from a house warmed by baking is your idea of wintertime
enjoyment too, then you might like this oven-baked winter dinner. Almonds and fragrant
orange combine with yams in a delightful Southern dish. The recipe makes an ample
amount for two family dinners. A beef roast is a wonderful complement to the yams and
also a way to solve a lot of food-related problems with minimum work-- buy a big roast
that allows enough for two dinners on the weekend and some leftovers to slice thinly
for sandwiches the following week. (A home-cooked roast is an easy way to supply
yourself with preservative- free lunch meat.)
Just add some steamed green beans and warm French bread to the roast and the yams
to round out a great winter meal.
NUTMEG-RUBBED BEEF ROAST
ORANGE-ALMOND YAMS (serves 8)
Place cooked, sliced yams or sweet potatoes in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan. Preheat oven to
350
degrees F. In a saucepan combine brown sugar, cornstarch, salt and cinnamon. Stir in
apricot
nectar, hot water and orange peel. Bring to a boil and, stirring constantly, cook for two
minutes.
Remove from heat; stir in margarine and almonds. Pour over yams. Bake, uncovered, at
350
degrees for 20-25 minutes.
NOTES : This is a great recipe for winter dinners. It can be made ahead and
refrigerated, then
warmed in the oven or microwave. Some people can get away with the apricot nectar
and some
can't. If the apricot nectar is too acid for you, substitute pear nectar or try adding 1/8
teaspoon of
tsp. of baking soda to the apricot nectar.
(6) IC Lifestyles & Exercise – January 2001
Husband and wife team Andrew & Gaye Sandler offer a wonderful new column for 2001.
We all know that exercise can be challenging and weight gain a frustration for IC
patients. Even more importantly, gentle exercises can lift our spirits and give new
energy and mobility. In this column, they provide four new stretching movements, with
diagrams, for IC patients to try.
Review the article at: Positive Moves For The New Year
(7) Genetics and IC: Looking for families to participate
(Third Notice) The University of Maryland Interstitial Cystitis Center is looking for
families with two or more diagnosed IC cases. Why? They are currently researching the
role of genetics in IC. If you have immediate or distant family members with diagnosed
IC and would like to participate in this vital research study, please send e-mail Linda
Horne at: lhorne@medicine.umaryland.edu. They will provide you with an easy
questionnaire to complete. Be involved if you can! Research studies like this one are
very important to determining the cause of IC.
(8) New Patient Resource - The ICN Medical Records Kit
One of the earliest struggles that a newly diagnosed IC patient faces is simple
organization. Patients often see so many physicians that they lose track of their test
results, the dates of their treatments, and their follow up instructions. The ICN has
created a medical records kit, now available for download, which offers a collection of
handouts that patients can print out and complete to help organize their medical care.
We recommend that you place these in a binder and bring them to every doctor’s visit.
Our medical records kit will provide you a simple yet complete way of documenting your
health and medical care. When you can’t speak for yourself, it speaks for you by sharing
your treatment and testing history. Take the time to do it!
(9) Upcoming Urology & IC Events
June 2-7, 2001: American Urology Association Annual Meeting, Anaheim, California USA
(10) IC Research Journal Update
The National Library of Medicine offers a free, large database of current
research articles & abstracts, which we use to gather the information,
included in this newsletter. To research these articles further, or purchase the articles
online, you can visit the PubMed web site or your local medical library. Most hospitals
and universities have a library where you can research IC and other medical conditions.
Campbell DJ, Tenis N, Rosamilia A, Clements JA, Dwyer PL.
Nickel JC.
Rovner E, Propert KJ, Brensinger C, Wein AJ, Foy M, Kirkemo A, Landis JR, Kusek JW,
Nyberg LM.
Chiang G, Patra P, Letourneau R, Jeudy S, Boucher W, Green M, Sant GR, Theoharides
TC.
Keay S, Kleinberg M, Zhang CO, Hise MK, Warren JW.
Riedl CR, Hohlbrugger G, Propert KJ, Schaeffer AJ, Brensinger CM, Kusek JW, Nyberg LM,
Landis JR.
Goldman HB.
Ueda T, Tamaki M, Ogawa O, Yamauchi T, Yoshimura N.
Peeker R, Haghsheno MA, Holmang S, Fall M.
Denson MA, Griebling TL, Cohen MB, Kreder KJ.
Peeker R, Aldenborg F, Fall M.
(11) New IC Pain Resources On-Line
With gratitude to ICN Diane, we’ve continued the expansion of our online patient
handbook with several new and updated sections for patients struggling with pain
management, including:
Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Pain Patient
Types of Pain & The Pain of IC
Myths and Issues of Narcotic Pain Management
Dr. Dan Brookoff On IC & Chronic Pain-Oct. 1997
Check out the new, more organized, front page for our handbook. Now divided into more
logical and useful sections, you’ll see our layout and plans for the next year, including
new topics to be added. The New Patients Handbook
(12) ICN Survey Results – What do you think caused your IC?
The ICN Survey Center offers yet another way for patients to get involved. Every few
months we ask a compelling question about IC. We’ve just finished our most recent
survey “What do you believe caused your IC” and are amazed by the outpouring of
stories and thoughts from 99 patients. This survey was conducted from November
through January 20, 2001. The answers were riveting and we hope that our activist IC
researchers will dive into these results to see if they can find any common patterns.
The role of antibiotics and infection remains strong. However, some patients discuss
surgeries, chemical exposures, and pesticides as possible triggers. Others believe that
autoimmunity and genetics played a role in their IC. Still others cite personal habits and
stress as a major contributor to their IC. What's the answer? We're not sure. But, the
answer to IC may be here in this collection of answers.
We'd like to thank the ICN users who responded with their heartfelt answers. We
suggest that you ask this same question to your local support groups. We're going to
keep this survey going for several months to collect as much data as possible. If you'd
like to discuss this with other patients, please visit our message board on the same
topic!
***Participate in our newest survey “What does your family think of your IC?” now at the
ICN Survey Center.
(13) Lesa’s Pregnancy Journal
Have you read Lesa’s most recent entry to her on-line IC pregnancy journal? So many
IC patients are of childbearing years and they worry about their ability to have children.
It is a gift that ICN volunteer Lesa is inspiring others by offering a weekly pregnancy
journal sharing her own journey into motherhood. She is giving hope to so many others
who would like to have children. If you are considering pregnancy, drop into our
“Considering Pregnancy” message board to talk with other potential parents. Current
expectant parents can gather in our “Expectant Mothers” message board. If you have
had children, please come discuss the joys and frustrations of motherhood in our “Moms
with IC” message board.
ICN Message Boards
(14) Self Help Tip Of The Month – Honor Your Strength
IC patients often make two mistakes:
(1) Some give the burden of health care to their physician. They walk into their doctor’s
office demanding medication. They expect a pain pill or anything simple that will make IC
go away. Yes, medication is appropriate at times, but it's not the only strategy that
can reduce discomfort. Be willing to explore the wide variety of self help strategies
discussed in the ICN patient handbook (http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/). With
current law in the USA, if your physician is prescribing stronger pain medication, they
must justify the need for that in your medical records. Bring your pain and voiding log to
your appointments. Share copies with your physician and make a list of the
non-medication strategies that you are also using. This will demonstrate that you aren't
"drug seeking" and are responsible, active patients building all of your personal skills.
(2) Some don't communicate with their doctors about how much it really hurts. Women
often feel embarrassed to talk about it, especially if they have discomfort around the
clitoris. Men worry about not being perceived as "a strong man." It is not your burden to
live life in pain. It is important that you tell your doctor exactly how you feel. Where
does it hurt? How often does it hurt? What does it feel like? Is it dull? Sharp? Does it
feel hot? or Electrical? Is it localized in your abdomen, or is it your urethra that hurts
the most? Be as specific as you can be.
Pain left untreated may cause physiological changes in the body that can prolong pain,
perhaps indefinitely. This is called "central sensitization" and explains why patients who
have their bladder removed, often still experience bladder pain. It is vital that you seek
treatments that will reduce the inflammation in your bladder and control pain. A great
reference book is The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide by Robert Moldwin, which talks
clearly about all of the current treatment options available and has an awesome section
on the use of pain medications. It’s only $14.95 and available for purchase through the
ICN marketplace. See below for more info.
How can patients help themselves? Look at IC as a chance to make some important,
long awaited changes in your life.
1. Document your IC symptoms, voiding and pain with a diary. Keep track of it on a
daily basis so that you can help your doctor understand what is happening with your
body.
2. Talk with other patients about how they handle their flares via our message boards.
Check out our page Coping with Flares which offers common flare coping strategies, like using heat, a TENS, etc.
Talk with your physician
about other suggestions.
3. If you've always been a junk food junkie, living on diet soda and coffee, then IC is
your reason for finally eating healthy, fresh food. There's no doubt that diet can cause
intense discomfort and pain for some patients. You wouldn't pour diet soda, coffee or
acid on a wound on your hand, so why are you pouring it on a wound in your bladder.
Wouldn't that create more irritation in that wound over time? Wouldn't that prevent
healing? Yet, it would. So, take the challenge. Go a week, two weeks or a month
without coffee or soda and see how your feel. Odds are, you'll be feeling much better
because your bladder won't be irritated every day.
4. If you're addicted to cigarettes, then IC and a threat of bladder cancer (well
documented as a result of smoking) is the perfect excuse to quit.
5. If you're in a job that you hate, then consider this the chance to look for a career or
an employer who will make you feel better personally as well as to be gentler on your
body. It's not your burden to exist in the job from hell. Look for other opportunities.
Remember the golden rule... don't quit your current job until you have a new job.
6. Surround yourself with friends and family who believe in you. Walk away from poison
relationships. Focus on encouraging, helpful and healthy relationships.
7. If you're in a relationship that is abusive, ask for help from a professional. Non-profits
around the country provide shelters for women (and men) in difficult situations. Talk
with a minister or counselor and look for ways to make your life safer. Just because you
have IC doesn’t mean that you deserve abuse. You deserve loving care and
compassion.
8. Make your home more comfortable and stress free. If you're worried about keeping
your house clean, take it slowly. Do one task a day. Ask your friends to come over for a
special painting or cleaning day. Your friends want to help you. Give them the chance.
If you can afford it, consider hiring a cleaning service once or twice a month.
9. Exercise gently when you're up to it. Our bodies are made of muscle that likes to
move. So, give your body a chance to maintain muscle health. Every morning, walk for
ten minutes even if it is just around your neighborhood or house. But, if it hurts, stop
and rest. Don't push through the pain. Wait for another day.
10. Be honest about your anger and do something about it. IC patients are often very
angry and irritable. Who wouldn't be if they were up all night in a flare? Don't take it out
on your family and those that you love. It's not your fault or their fault that you have
IC. Find a healthier way to express it. Writing in a journal every day can be a great way
to purge those feelings first thing in the morning so that you can approach the day with
a lighter heart.
11. Build your relaxation and stress management skills. We're not born with the skills to
handle the new stresses of IC. We have to learn them. We recommend the "The
Relaxation and Stress Workbook" as a good way to begin. Remember, the more relaxed
you are, the better.
12. Build better communication skills. Married couples can have a difficult time when one
partner has IC or any illness. Sex can become a very sensitive topic, particularly if the
IC patient has to say "No" and the partner interprets that as an "I don't love you
anymore" statement. Every relationship runs the risk of illness. The partner with IC
didn't ask for it. The partner supporting the IC patient never imagined that they would
have to talk about bladders so much. But, both should realize that the situation could
be easily reversed. So, if you're having trouble communicating to each other, seek out
guidance from a minister, good friend or therapist. Don't expect to be able to read the
minds of your partner, or that they can read yours. You need to learn how to talk about
it more effectively.
13. Prevent isolation and depression. It's very easy to stay at home, alone. Yes, some
friends and family don't understand. Some may walk away. But you will also have those
who believe in you and you can make new friends with other, compassionate IC
patients. Don't go 24 hours without calling and talking with someone. Break the isolation
of IC. Have a video party. Invite friends over to lunch. Go to church. Life doesn't end
with IC and new, wonderful things are in your future. Who knows, you may be the
patient who testifies next in front of Congress!
14. Reward yourself frequently. Having IC takes a lot hard work that people around you
may not notice. As you’re working, caring for your family and/or children, caring for your
house, having medical tests, trying treatments, you could be feeling frustrated that no
one seems to notice. You’ve never worked harder than you are doing today. So, reward
yourself! Dedicate one afternoon a week to a fun activity that you will enjoy doing,
whether it be a video, a walk in the park, a visit with friends, or some time alone to
walk through a bookstore. Remember and honor your strength in 2001! You have never
been more prepared to handle whatever happens in your life than you are today,
because you are truly one day older and one day wiser.
(15) California Power Woes
As much as we love to live in California, our current power crisis is putting a lot of
pressure of families and businesses in our state. We’ve been told to expect mandatory
rolling blackouts for the next week, if not for the next several months. What this means
is that our office phones and power may be office for up to 2 hours at a time during the
business day.
Can we predict when it will happen? No. We’ve all been assigned power grid numbers
and these are randomly selected during the day, literally minutes before the power is
turned off. So, if you try to call our office, please be patient. If the power is out, we
simply can’t answer the phones or use our computers. Luckily, though, all of our web
site equipment resides in Pennsylvania. So, our web site and chats will be up and
running for the duration.
(16) Currently Available in the ICN Marketplace
What is most comforting during a cold winter evening? Why a heating pad of course.
Missy from Colorado recently ordered our new IC friendly bladder heating pad and gave
it a rave review.
“I love the heating pad -- it's not too heavy, smells great, and it is the perfect shape
for reaching bladder pain areas! We had unexpected relatives come in from Colorado,
and the heating pad was an absolute lifesaver amidst the flurry of cleaning and
cooking!” – Missy from CO
The shape of a triangle, the pad extends from the just below the belly button right
down to the pubic bone. Its unique design and sections allows the pad to bend and flex
into the most comfortable position for you. Handmade in soft flannel, it is filled with rice
& fall spices (clove, nutmeg, cinnamon) for a soft, soothing scent. $18.50 - public price
($15 for ICN subscribers)
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
**************************************************
Jill Osborne, Founder
"I believe that people of gentleness and caring can change the world… one unseen,
unsung, unrewarded kindness at a time." – Author unknown.
The information in the IC Network is provided with the understanding that the ICN
(staff, volunteers, users, columnists) are not rendering medical services. Information
found in text, e-mail, message boards, chat rooms are not medical recommendations nor
should they replace necessary "face to face" consultations with a qualified medical
professional.
(1) ICN “Meet the IC Expert” Guest Lecture Next Tuesday - Dr. Robert Moldwin, author
of “The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide.”
(2) Upcoming Chat Schedule – Dan Shoskes MD & BJ Czarapeta to speak in February
(3) Guest Lecture Transcripts Now Available
(4) Introducing CystaQ, a new ICN sponsor.
(5) “A Winter Dinner” – An IC friendly winter meal by Bev Laumann
( 6) “Positive Moves For The New Year” – Stretching & toning in the New Year by Gaye
& Andrew Sandler
(7) Genetics and IC – Research study looking for families to participate
(8) New Patient Resource – Free Medical Records Kit Now On-Line
(9) Upcoming IC & Bladder Conferences
(10) IC Research Update
(11) New IC Pain Resources On-Line
( 12) Survey Center - Wonderful & Revealing Responses to our “What Caused Your IC?”
survey. Read them now!
(13) IC Pregnancy Journal
(14) Self Help Tip of the Month – Honor Your Strength in 2001
(15) California Power Woes & the ICN Offices
(16) Currently Available in the ICN Marketplace
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ICN Chat Central
Where: ICN Chat Central
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Meet The Experts of IC - Guest Lecture Series
- Dr. John Warren on the genetics of IC & the antiproliferative protein
- Dr. Ken Peters on BCG
- Dr. Alan Kwon on pain management in IC patients.
- Dr. Stanley Jacob on DMSO
- Dr. Marshall Stoller on SANS
- Dr. Steven Siegel on Interstim
- Bev Laumann on the IC Diet
- Terry Jo Myers
- Joanne Yount on Vulvar Pain & Vulvodynia
- Dr. Jerome Weiss on Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- Dr. Lori Birder on Nitric Oxide & L-Arginine
- Dr. Josephine Briggs on the role of the NIDDK in IC research
- Dr. Tony Buffington on IC in cats
- Dr. Elizabeth Vliet on hormones, menopause and IC
Meet The Experts of IC - Guest Lecture Series
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CystaQ
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Fresh Tastes by Bev -A Winter Dinner"
In a small dish combine 2 teaspoons of cooking oil, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and
1/8 teaspoon of ground allspice. Rub the spices liberally over the surface of the meat.
Pierce well with a fork on all surfaces. Oven-roast as usual.
3 lbs. sweet potatoes, cooked; or two 15-oz cans cooked yams
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup apricot nectar
1/2 cup hot water
3 tsp. grated orange peel
1 Tbsp. margarine
1/2 cup sliced almonds
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Positive Moves For The New Year
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ICN Patient Handbook
Remember, it’s not good enough to walk into your doctor’s office and say “I don’t feel
any better” or to say “I still have IC.” They need much more than that, including facts
on the health of your bladder. How often are you urinating? Has that gone up or down
in the past week or month? What is your pain level? Is it changing? When did you last
have a urine culture? What other tests have you had? What treatments have you tried?
How long did you take them?
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April 7-10, 2001: 16th Annual Congress of the European Association of Urology, Geneva
Switzerland
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National Library of Medicine: PubMed
Urinary levels of substance P and its metabolites are not increased in interstitial cystitis.
BJU Int. 2001 Jan;87(1):35-38.
Interstitial cystitis. Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
Can Fam Physician. 2000 Dec;46(12):2430-4, 2437-40.
PMID: 11153410; UI: 21027550
Treatments used in women with interstitial cystitis: the interstitial cystitis data base
(ICDB) study experience.
Urology. 2000 Dec 20;56(6):940-5.
Pentosanpolysulfate inhibits mast cell histamine secretion and intracellular calcium ion
levels: an alternative explanation of its beneficial effect in interstitial cystitis.
J Urol. 2000 Dec;164(6):2119-25.
Bladder epithelial cells from patients with interstitial cystitis produce an inhibitor of
heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor production.
J Urol. 2000 Dec;164(6):2112-8.
Re: a prospective study of interstitial cystitis: results of longitudinal followup of the
interstitial cystitis data base cohort.
J Urol. 2000 Dec;164(6):2029-30.
Editorial: interstitial cystitis-the great enigma.
J Urol. 2000 Dec;164(6):1921.
Improvement of interstitial cystitis symptoms and problems that developed during
treatment with oral IPD-1151T.
J Urol. 2000 Dec;164(6):1917-20.
Intravesical bacillus calmette-guerin and dimethyl sulfoxide for treatment of classic and
nonulcer
interstitial cystitis: a prospective, randomized double-blind study.
J Urol. 2000 Dec;164(6):1912-6.
Comparison of cystoscopic and histological findings in patients with suspected
interstitial cystitis.
J Urol. 2000 Dec;164(6):1908-11.
Complete transurethral resection of ulcers in classic interstitial cystitis.
Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2000;11(5):290-5.
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Pain Management and IC
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ICN Survey Center
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Lesa's Pregancy Journal
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(By Jill Osborne) It’s a new year and time to make some changes in our lives, especially
about how we handle IC. When we were born, no one promised that we would have an
illness free life. In fact, it is a normal, albeit very uncomfortable, part of life. Illness
happens. Pain happens. Accidents happen. IC happened. Before we go one step further,
let's reiterate that having IC is NOT your fault. But, it is your responsibility to learn as
much as you can about treating IC, treating pain (if needed) and building your personal
skills. The gift of this experience is that you will never, ever walk away from someone in
pain. You know what it is like to be alone and suffering. You know how important it is to
reach out a hand in friendship and support.
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ICN Marketplace
The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide by R. Moldwin (2000)
ICN Five Star Rating!
$14.95 - public price ($12 for ICN subscribers)
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A Taste of the Good Life: A Cookbook for an IC Diet by B. Laumann (1998)
ICN Five
Star Rating!
$24.00 - public price ($20 for ICN subscribers)
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NEW! A Delicate Balance: Living Successfully with Chronic Illness by Susan Milstrey
Wells (2000)
$16.00 - public price ($12.90 for ICN subscribers)
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Breaking the Bonds of IBS by Barbara Bolen, Ph.D. (2000)
$14.95 - public price ($12 for ICN subscribers)
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The Chronic Pain Control Workbook by Catalano & Hardin (1996)
$18.95 - public price ($15.15 for ICN subscribers)
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Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook, 5th ed. (2000)
$19.95 - public price ($16 for ICN subscribers)
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The Endometriosis Survival Guide by Margot Joan Fromer
$13.95 - public price ($11.25 for ICN subscribers)
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Angry All The Time
$12.95 - public price ($10.30 for ICN subscribers)
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Healing Fear by Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D. (1998)
$16.95 - public price ($13.50 for ICN subscribers)
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Perimenopause by Huston, M.D. & Lanka, M.D. (1997)
One left
$16.95 - public price ($13.50 for ICN subscribers)
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Illness and the Art of Creative Self Expression-Stories and exercises from the arts for
those with chronic illness. by John Graham-Pole, MD (2000)
$13.95- public price ($11.25 for ICN subscribers)
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Thriving with Your Autoimmune Disorder - A Woman's Mind-Body Guide by Simone
Ravicz, Ph.D., M.B.A.(2000)
$16.95 - public price ($13.50 for ICN subscribers)
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The Loneliness Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D. (2000)
$14.95 - public price ($12 for ICN subscribers)
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