In the Summer 2016 IC Optimist:
The summer issue of our flagship magazine, the IC Optimist, is now being delivered to our subscribers around the world. In this issue:
(1) Editorial: Eight Potential Causes of Bladder Injury
If you’ve wondered what could have triggered your IC symptoms, editor Jill Osborne offers a new editorial covering eight potential ways that the bladder can be irritated. The newest, number 8, could blow your mind!
(2) The Latest Research – Why Are IC patients Deficient in Some Good Bacteria?
The MAPP Network’s discovery that IC patients have dramatically different bacteria levels not in their bladder but in their bowel casts a new potential villain in the IC story, the overuse of antibiotics, perhaps during childhood. While this may or may not explain the actual cause of IC, it could explain some of the related conditions!
(3) Feature Story – Are You Struggling With Loneliness?
Stacey Shannon covers the very delicate topic of loneliness. Many patients have shared that they’ve lost friends after their diagnosis and finding new ones can certainly been challenging when you’re struggling with bladder symptoms. Throw in the righteous anger of missing out on important occasions or feeling left out, loneliness is something that most of us have struggled with. We hope that this article acknowledges your struggles yet also gives you a gentle nudge to try again. You have so much to give to your family, friends and community. Don’t let IC stop you
(4) Remarkable Patients With IC – Louisa Joy Wise
Our newest remarkable patient with IC is Louisa Joy Wise, a world class australian folk musician. Louisa plays many instruments and has been a featured performer at music festicals around the world. If you love fiddle or celtic music, she’s a new artist for you to follow!
(5) Meet The IC Expert: Dr. Eliot Lander
Dr. Lander gives us an update not only on his research with stem cell therapy for IC but also on his novel use of liposomes to deliver Elmiron to the bladder wall. He’s a true innovator!
(6) Inside AUA 2016
The annual American Urological Association conference always dedicates a portion of their program to IC and pelvic pain. We summarize the new research studies presented, including several that explore autoimmune dysfunction.
(7) Real Men Get Real Pelvic Pain
Dr. Jeannette Potts and colleagues again advocated for better diagnostic and treatment procedures for men struggling with urinary tract symptoms. The goal is to stop prostatocentric thinking and to teach urologists how to access for pelvic floor dysfunction and injury.
(8) Consumer Alert – IC Patient Develops Aortic Aneurysm After Taking Cipro
If you’ve taken or are currently taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics (i.e. Cipro, etc.), the FDA no longer encourages their use for simple UTI’s due to serious potential side effects including tendon rupture, central nervous system dysfunction and several other conditions. One patient shares one of the worst known complications, the development of an aortic aneurysm.
(9) When Furniture Makes You Sick
In our self-help tip of the month, we focus on the dangers of toxic chemicals when introduced into the home, particularly fire retardants. If you’re buying a new couch, chair or even infant chair seat, read this article first.
(10) The Latest Clinical Trials
Clinical trials offer patients the opportunity to try cutting edge therapies usually at no cost and in some of the best urology clinics in the country. We highlight two key studies currently seeking patients.
(11) IC Diet Project: Savor The Flavors of Summer
Registered dietitian Julie Beyer offers several summer recipes that are, of course, IC friendly and filled with fresh, seasonal flavors including: Grilled Chicken Kebobs, Roasted Corn With Herb Butter, Low Acid Confetti Tomato Salsa, Pear and Honey Coleslaw, Creamy Macaroni & Broccoli Salad and Summer Milksahe Ideas!
(12) Self-Help Tip: Summer Exercise Ideas
If you haven’t gotten out and enjoyed these glorious days of summer, here are some IC friendly ideas!
(13) 2016 IC Awareness Month Kit
Once again, IC Awareness Month begins in a few short weeks and we’ve included several ways that you can be involved. Remember, every patient voice is powerful. If you’re not being treated well in your community or by your doctors, this is a great way for you to fight back!
Pages: 36
Publisher: Interstitial Cystitis Network
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About The IC Optimist
The IC Optimist is the quarterly patient and provider magazine for members of the Interstitial Cystitis Network. Each quarterly issue contains practical, helpful and informative articles written by IC experts that will give you hope. From the latest research to interviews with the best clinicians in the world, we believe that you’ll find practical tips in every article that will help you better understand and/or manage your interstitial cystitis. Each issue also include s superb feature stories, self-help strategies, consumer awareness notices, IC diet articles and, whenever possible, patient stories. Best of all, your purchase of an ICN Subscription or individual issue (e-book or print) helps to make possible our free IC support services.
