We don't often talk about changes in body image and weight as a component of IC. However, the two seem to go as hand-in-hand with the disease and have quite an impact on IC patients. Patients struggle enough to live a normal life going about daily business while managing pain and frequent bathroom trips. [...]
For the IC/BPS patient, chemo induced cystitis is a real concern. Joy*, a 73 year old woman, contacted our office in a dire situation. Three months after her diagnosis of IC/BPS, she received a second diagnosis of breast cancer (Stage 2B), underwent a mastectomy and began chemotherapy treatment. Of course, she was very concerned [...]
Don't Let IC/BPS Stand in the Way Of Socializing It’s a New Year, with new social events that we can look forward to and hopefully enjoy. From Easter to Mother’s Day, the Fourth of July to a special birthday, you can celebrate without irritating your bladder and/or pelvic pain. Remember, not every IC’er is [...]
While asking for help sounds like it shouldn't be that difficult, the reality is most of us struggle to do so. Our feelings get in the way. We have pride and don't want to admit we need assistance. We have stubbornness that insists we can continue doing things like we always have. However, living [...]
With the holiday season officially in full gear, it's time to think about gift buying. Coming up with holiday gift ideas for IC patients isn't quite as difficult as it might seem. Of course we are all different, but there are some things we'd all be pretty happy to have. This list of 20+ [...]
If you struggle with your pain in your jaw muscles, neck and/or shoulders you may have Temporomandibular (TMJ) Disorder. Your jaw muscles may be stiff, have limited movement, or worse, your jaw locks. Ear pain, pressure, fullness, tinnitus can also occur as well as dizziness and vision problems. TMJ flares are common and treatment [...]
Family relationships can be marvelous or stressful -- or both! And no other time of the year is family stress more evident than during the holidays. Guess what can cause IC flares? Stress. Then that flare leads to more stress as you try to navigate family gatherings while not feeling well. The cycle goes [...]
We are delighted to announce that the Fall 2022 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 [...]
Does any flavor scream autumn more than pumpkin? It's the quintessential flavor of fall. And, even better, pumpkin -- both canned and fresh -- is an IC friendly fruit! Fall is the perfect time to enjoy a variety of pumpkin recipes that go far beyond pie. You can enjoy pumpkin in all sorts of [...]
When you're dealing with a chronic health issue like IC, chances are you spend a lot of time at home. A lot! I have had times where leaving the house meant going to sit on my back patio. For that reason, having a cozy living area is important. And as the weather gets cooler [...]
