We are delighted to announce that the Fall 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 care and quality of life. Members can immediately download it from their member page in the ICN Shop. It will be sent by US Mail this week to those with print subscriptions.
In this issue:
(1) Editorial – Reversing the Legacy of Trauma and Abuse
Childhood trauma and abuse plays a very clear and established role in the development of widespread pain and anxiety disorder. Jill tackles this oh so delicate topic by sharing both research and her personal story of trauma, with the message that there should is hope. Now that we understand how and why trauma and/or abuse can trigger widespread pain, we also have much better and more effective treatment strategies. Of course, no widespread pain patient should feel any shame nor blame. We were hurt!
(2) Feature Story: An Unhealthy Dose of Stress
We are delighted to share an article produced by the Center for Youth Wellness that shares yet more insight into how trauma and adverse childhood experiences affect the vulnerable developing nervous system in a child. From physical, emotional and sexual abuse to neglect and bullying, these adverse childhood experiences can deeply impact brain development. Our bodies are not meant to be in a constant state of stress. Higher levels of stress are linked with have been linked with memory and mood control problems. as well as difficulty focusing, poor memory and increased anxiety. We must work together to protect the children in our lives and, for those of us who were victims, address the constant “fight or flight” that we have struggled with for years.
(3) Inside AUA 2023 – A Fantastic Course on IC/BPS
During the Annual Meeting of the American Urology Association this year, a fantastic course was offered on IC/BPS that reviewed not only all of the new changes in treatment, but new information on the urinary biome in the typical IC patient.
(4) UTI Vaccines Showing Great Promise
Two new vaccines for the prevention of UTI’s have the potential of helping millions of men and women, particularly those struggling with recurring infections.
(5) The Latest Research – AUA 2023 Poster Sessions
The IC research movement is alive and well with several new and promising studies presented this year. We share the highlights of eleven new studies, including the latest studies confirming IC phenotypes, the effectiveness of physical therapy (it performs better than bladder treatments), Botox and much more.
(6) The Latest IC Research – Single Low Dose Radiation Treatment Effective in Cats with IC
This study from the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine shares remarkable effectiveness for cats struggling with feline interstitial cystitis symptoms. A single treatment of low dose radiation essentially healed every cat who received the therapy. Absolutely remarkable.
(7) IC/BPS Clinical Study Now Enrolling
A new clinical trial is testing a new pain control method – the use of analgesic foam administered via the rectum. This represents hope for the many men and women who struggle with many types of pelvic pain who are unable to receive traditional pain care and we are lucky that they are working with IC patients first. There are research centers throughout the USA currently seeking patients who would like to try this new pain control method. Very exciting indeed.
(8) Energy Boosters Without Caffeine
What do you do when you desperately need some energy but caffeine is off the table? Stacey Shannon shares an exhaustive list of options that will keep you awake and highly functioning throughout the day.
(9) Self-Help Tip: Mental Health Strategies For Coping With Seasonal Change
Let’s be honest. The stress level in our nation and world is at an all time high. Throw in dealing with a medical condition and the onset of the cold, darker days of winter and it can be easy to slip into sadness and depression. We share some great prevention ideas. Winter is a time of rest and rejuvenation. Let’s use this time to calm and soothe our spirit so that when spring hits, we’ll have plenty of energy for the New Year!
(10) 25 Hobby Ideas You Can Do Sitting Down
When you’re stuck inside during Winter, what are you doing to fill the time? Does it bring you joy? Is it distracting you from pain and stress? We’ve all painfully learned that much of social networking isn’t healthy so let’s bring back the traditional hobbies that you can do alone or with family and friends. Here are 25 great ideas!
(11) Apples: A Fruit You Can Enjoy NOW!
One of the best smells of Fall is the scent of an apple pie cooking in the oven. It’s sensory bliss! We share three of our favorite apple recipes including a traditional apple pie, pumpkin apple streusel muffins and turkey and apple meatloaf. Enjoy!
Pages: 36
Publisher: Interstitial Cystitis Network
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