We are delighted to announce the release of a special double issue of the IC Optimist magazine, an issue which we believe is the most important one released in sixteen years. Today, we have a much clearer understanding why so many IC patients struggle with other, overlapping pain conditions (i.e. IBS, vulvodynia, fibromyalgia, etc.). This issue discusses new research that shows that, at one point, the central nervous system was traumatized. The great news is that it can be treated and restored but not with bladder therapies. We also must work to heal the nervous system and this issue discusses, in depth, how this is done. We apologize for the delay in getting this magazine to you. Between the fires, evacuations, power outages and COVID, we faced many challenges this fall. We hope that this new information will both amaze and inspire you! 2o21 comes with a great deal of new hope!
In this issue of our magazine:
(1) Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions
We start with the results of a life changing pelvic pain conference that revealed why so many IC patients struggle with other pain conditions. Simply put, our sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the “fight or flight” response, is not turning off correctly. In the longest article ever written for our magazine, we share the latest research as well as many of the strategies used to “wind down” the nervous system. The results are nothing short of remarkable and we are ecstatic to share this with you. It just makes so much sense.
(2) How COVID-19 Affects IC Patients
We reveal the results of the very first COVID/IC survey where the great majority of patients reported that their IC symptoms worsened significantly during a COVID infection. Patients who have been in remission for years are now finding themselves with new, severe symptoms and flares. So, I beg of you. Please protect yourself. Stay at home when you can and always wear a mask. There is light at the end of the tunnel but we’ve got to hold tight for the next six months.
(3) Birth Control and IC Symptoms
Stacey Shannon shares the challenging decision that many IC patients have faced – how birth control can influence IC symptoms and what options are available.
(4) The Latest Research
We review the most interesting and promising new research studies released in the past few months.
(5) Confusable Conditions: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
While a syndrome that causes joint flexibility doesn’t sound like it would impact the bladder, it actually can mimic IC symptoms for years. Understanding Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and how it relates to the bladder is important for IC patients.
(6) Flare Management Tips For The New Year
I am delighted to give you a sneak preview of the chapter on flare management tips from a new book that we’ve been working on all of 2020. IC 101: A Guide to Managing Interstitial Cystitis, Bladder Pain Syndrome, Chronic Pelvic Pain and Overlapping Pain Conditions written by Gaye Grissom Sandler, myself and her husband Andrew Sandler. This will be released in Spring 2021.
(7) Ten Tips For Managing Medical Costs
After the year we’ve just had with so many patients now out of work, paying for therapies feels impossible. Stacey Shannon gives us an update on how you can manage and, hopefully, reduce your medical costs.
(8) Living With IC, OCD and Autism
My dear friend Christopher Stuart shares his struggles of life with IC and autism.
(9) IC Diet Project: Winter Favorite Comfort Foods
At this point, we all need a little bit of comfort and focusing on healthy, nourishing foods rather than those very tasty cinnamon rolls is important. We share some of our favorite winter comfort foods.
(10) The Goodness Of Water
IC patient Tierney Langdon shares her love & hate relationship with water and what she needs to do to find comfort every day.
(11) What’s New in the ICN Shop!
Pages: 44
Publisher: IC Network
