How You Can Help Barbara Flanigan and Her Search For the Cause of IC (Editors Note – I’ve wanted to share Barbara Flanigan’s story and theory about IC for many years. Barbara was the founder the first Interstitial Cystitis Association here in California in 1983. She has always had one key goal in her volunteer work, [...]
One of the most powerful phone conversations I've had with an IC patient occurred about twelve years ago. The phone rang, I answered "IC Network. This is Jill. Can I help you?" All I heard on the other end was deep, heartbreaking sobs from someone so overcome with emotion that they were unable to speak. When the tears finally [...]
By Jill H. Osborne MA From Dr. Drew’s astonishing rant about IC and endometriosis last Spring to a patient fundraising project which raised over $4000 for IC research this Fall, we share the highlights and “best of” moments in 2014! Do you agree? Most Promising Treatment of 2014 - LiRIS I continue to believe that [...]
Allright, I'm angry right now. Yes, ANGRY. Thoroughly and completely pissed. Why? Because, in 2014, an IC patient in the South of the USA was told that the reason that she had IC was because she was angry about her ex-boyfriend. Yes, he really, REALLY said that. This was after she had been diagnosed by [...]
Do you hide your IC from family and friends? Do you say "I'm fine" even when you're not? A man with IC was told by his urologist NOT to tell anyone that he was experiencing severe bladder pain. The attitude was "be a man" and, for a couple of years, this courageous IC patient suffered [...]
FIRST PLACE - CHRISTY KEYES - $100 gift certificate Christy Keyes wins first place this year for a gorgeous yet satirical poster that utilizes color and text powerfully. Using a carnival theme, she shares the frustration that patients face every day as they struggle with a variety of symptoms and frustrations. Brilliantly done…. and the [...]
On this, the last day of IC Awareness Month, we honor those patients and providers who are no longer with us. Many helped the IC movement become the vital, vibrant community of 2014. Daniel Brookoff MD was the first doctor who advocated for the aggressive and compassionate treatment of the pain of IC. C. Paul [...]
When a 2012 research study was released that showed the children of smokers were at high risk of developing severe urinary disorders including the symptom of IC, we were stunned (1). Children between the ages of 4 through 17 who sought care from a pediatric urologist for severe urinary symptoms were included in the study. [...]
Interstitial cystitis and bladder pain patients often experience sudden and unpredictable "flares" or worsening of their symptoms. There are a few distinct types of flares. A "bladder wall" flare occurs when the bladder wall has been irritated, most often by eating or drinking an acidic or caffeinated food or beverage. While some patients report pain [...]
While pain is not always a symptom in IC, for the men and women who have it, it can be agonizing, as if razors are cutting our bladders. Yet, for years, patients have been told that it’s all in their heads and that they just need to ignore the pain. Hogwash!! Would you deny a [...]
