Join Us & Become An ICN Subscriber!

The IC Optimist is the quarterly magazine written for our ICN patient and professional subscribers. Our goal is to be encouraging and supportive, hence the title "The IC Optimist."

We are completely and entirely optimistic about IC/PBS. Research is very productive as we learn, each month, about new possible treatments. In our experience, most patients stabilize within the first six months and then slowly improve over time, dependent in great part on their dedication to following the IC diet and trying treatments. There are excellent self-help strategies that can dramatically improve your quality of life.

There is no reason for any patient to feel shame or guilt. IC is real and treatable.

We offer several subscriptions:

- For patients on budget, it's available for as little as $30 a year by email in our Basic Subscription.

- Print versions are available to our Angel Subscribers for $60 a year, which also includes a 15% discount for most purchases in the ICN Shop.

- Both International and Medical Professional Subscriptions are also available.

- Back and the current issues are also available for purchase

You can subscribe in three ways:

(1) By phone: (707)433-0413 or (707)538-9442

(2) By fax: (707)538-9444

(3) Via our ICN Mail Order web site: Click Here For Ordering Details

Seven Reasons To Join Us

#1 - The ICN is here when you need us the most. You may been in pain, frightened and suffered for years. At the ICN you will find a community of women and men who not only understand your pain but also give you hope! We believe in you.

#2 - If you feel lonely and isolated, we can help you meet others in our support forum. You can ask questions about your IC and gain wisdom from other patients. You are NOT alone! We've provided more than 30 million free support sessions to patients in need since our founding.

#3 - The ICN can help you learn about various treatments and cutting edge clinical trials.  In 2011, researchers at Harvard Medical School recognized our effort and resources by naming our website one of the two highest quality websites on IC on the web today. We were the ONLY IC patient organization/website to receive this recognition.

#4 - When you struggle to find foods that won't irritate your bladder, we give you the latest IC Food lists. The 2012 ICN Food List and our new iPhone and iPad application will help you select bladder friendly foods while shopping or eating out.

#5 - When you have flares, you can come to our website to learn the best flare management tips. In our Flare Resource Center, we show you the difference between a bladder wall flare and pelvic floor muscle flare (and others) , offering you strategies to reduce both types quickly and, we hope, effectively. Our printed 2011 Guide to Managing IC Flares is a fabulous resource guide.

#6 - If a medical professional tells you that IC is "all in your heads" or, worse, refuses to provide any treatment or pain care, you can find more compassionate physicians in our on-line database, the only one of its kind available on the web today.

#7 - If you need to hear a kind and compassionate voice or have questions that no one could answer, many of you call the ICN offices to speak with our staff (all pelvic pain patients) and/or Jill directly. We work hard to give you the hope, encouragement and occasional kick in the pants needed to get your life back again. From employment discrimination cases to medical malpractice concerns, we share our resources and offer the best referrals that we can find.

How does this all happen? Patients Like YOU

Patients like you who help fund our work by becoming subscribers to our magazine and/or who make gifts and tips to support our cause. We have made a profound and positive difference in the lives of thousands of IC patients. Please help us continue this mission by purchasing an ICN subscription!

Thank you for supporting us and the continuation of our work. Wone're trying to help as many patients as we can.

You can join us in three ways:

By phone: (707)433-0413 or (707)538-9442

By fax: (707)538-9444

Via our secure web site: Click Here For Ordering Details

Are you financially limited?

If you can't afford to purchase a subscription, take heart. Remember, our entire website and support activities are free for all. We do occasionally have damaged copies of various IC books donated by publishing companies and authors that we can send, for free, to patients in need. For additional information, please call our office at: (707)538-9442.