While autumn is full of beautiful colors in many parts of the world, it's also a harbinger of shorter days and colder weather. Combined, these things are the perfect recipe for seasonal blues which can take a toll on mental health. IC patients are more likely to struggle with anxiety and depression, so we [...]
One of the best self-help strategies for managing chronic pain is distraction. Of course, you can't just distract all your pain away. But studies have shown that having something to focus on other than your pain actually makes people hurt less.(1) Finding a distraction can be challenging during IC flares but enjoying a hobby [...]
Interstitial cystitis patients in New Orleans & Atlanta certainly remember Dr. Martha Boone, who provided exemplary care for many years at Tulane University and in private practice. After her retirement in 2020, she felt that she hadn't quite finished her job as a urologist. Patients and colleagues continued to call her because their needs [...]
While some IC patients are sure IC has a genetic component, others feel the opposite as being the only person in their family with bladder issues. Determining whether IC is genetic is certainly a challenge. One thing the vast majority of the IC community can agree on, though, is that there are a fair [...]
We are delighted to announce that the Spring/Summer 2023 IC Optimist has been released and is now available. The IC Optimist is the IC Network’s patient magazine and is read by thousands of patients and providers around the world. Our goal is to give you information that you can use immediately to improve your medical [...]
When my second child was born and decided sleep at night was optional, I also had a 3-year-old who needed me throughout the day. Many nights, I had small amounts of sleep. I blearily remember those days. And one of my memories from that time includes an article on healthy ways new moms can [...]
Do men and women experience IC the same or differently? Understanding how male and female IC patients differ can help healthcare providers provide better treatment and help patients receive more effective care based upon their unique needs. Yet, only a handful of studies have looked at gender in IC treatment and experiences. A recent [...]
As the hot days of summer linger on, we are all looking for ways to stay cool. Diving into the water seems like a great place to start. But, swimming with IC/BPS is something many patients are hesitant about. However, being in water has many benefits, including that the buoyancy of water can support [...]
(Editors Note 2: After the publication of this article, we received our first call from a Vietnam veteran with proven agent orange exposure who developed IC shortly after his military service. We are committed to helping our active duty and veterans who are struggling. Please don't hesitate to give Jill a call (800-928-7496) if you [...]
We, in the IC/BPS community, know the dangers of artificial, non-sugar sweeteners. Nutrasweet (aka aspartame) is a well known bladder irritant that can trigger agonizing pain. A growing number of studies have found significant and potentially life threatening dangers, so much so that the World Health Organization’s cancer agency is considering listing aspartame as [...]
