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About Jill Osborne

My Google Profile+ Jill Heidi Osborne is the president and founder of the Interstitial Cystitis Network, a health education company dedicated to interstitial cystitis, bladder pain syndrome and other pelvic pain disorders. As the editor and lead author of the ICN and the IC Optimist magazine, Jill is proud of the academic recognition that her website has achieved. The University of London rated the ICN as the top IC website for accuracy, credibility, readability and quality. (Int Urogynecol J - April 2013). Harvard Medical School rated both Medscape and the ICN as the top two websites dedicated to IC. (Urology - Sept 11). For many years, Jill served on the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Panel (US Army) where she collaborated with researchers to evaluate new IC research studies for possible funding. Jill has conducted and/or collaborates on a variety of IC research studies on new therapeutics, pain care, sexuality, the use of medical marijuana, menopause and the cost of treatments, shining a light on issues that influence patient quality of life. An IC support group leader and national spokesperson for the past 20 years, she has represented the IC community on radio, TV shows, at medical conferences. She has written hundreds of articles on IC and its related conditions. Jill has a Bachelors Degree in Pharmacology and a Masters in Psychology, Jill was named Presidential Management Intern (aka Fellowship) while in graduate school. (She was unable to earn her PhD due to the onset of her IC.) She spends the majority of her time providing WELLNESS COACHING for patients in need and developing new, internet based educational and support tools for IC patients, including new live IC Support Group Meetings via Youtube and the “Living with IC” video series. Jill was diagnosed with IC at the age of 32 but first showed symptoms at the age of 12.

Can Scoliosis Contribute To Bladder and Pelvic Pain?

If you have spent much time in an IC support group or forum, you’ve undoubtedly seen some patients share that they have a curve in their spine, known as scoliosis. It’s been a point of discussion here at the IC Network for the past 25 years. We now understand just how and why scoliosis [...]

By |2024-08-27T10:56:58-07:00August 21st, 2024|Front Page Feed, Our Blog|Comments Off on Can Scoliosis Contribute To Bladder and Pelvic Pain?

Favorite Summer Drinks – High Protein Milk Shakes

There’s nothing quite so satisfying as an ice cold milkshake on a hot summer afternoon. The challenge? Aside from often insane calories, many of the milkshakes available from fast food outlets are filled with extra ingredients that can irritate, such as preservatives, colorings and flavorings. It's better to make milkshakes at home, using high [...]

By |2024-08-27T10:48:16-07:00August 20th, 2024|IC Diet Project, Our Blog|Comments Off on Favorite Summer Drinks – High Protein Milk Shakes

Bladder Tuberculosis Can Mimic IC/BPS

One of the questions we always ask patients who contact the ICN for assistance is to ask if they were traveling prior to the onset of their symptoms. Why? Because certain diseases can be contracted while traveling. Case in point: Tuberculosis (TB), a deadly infection that most often infects the lungs but can also [...]

By |2024-08-27T11:00:07-07:00August 15th, 2024|Latest Research, Our Blog|Comments Off on Bladder Tuberculosis Can Mimic IC/BPS

Why OTC Supplements Have a Place In IC/BPS & Products Available Today

I am often asked what I think about OTC supplements and their use by IC patients. I never anticipated selling supplements via the ICN website because I was focused on patient education and research. That changed in the early 2000's when some doctors began telling patients that the only treatment for IC/BPS was Interstim®, [...]

By |2024-08-27T11:04:33-07:00August 9th, 2024|Front Page Feed, Our Blog|Comments Off on Why OTC Supplements Have a Place In IC/BPS & Products Available Today

Ten Common IC/BPS Mistakes

Interstitial cystitis (bladder pain syndrome) is a complex pelvic pain syndrome that is sometimes difficult for patients and their providers to treat. Why? Because the symptoms that you associate with your bladder and IC can be caused by things outside of your bladder wall. Yes, really! Having to use the restroom every 30 minutes [...]

By |2024-08-27T11:10:23-07:00July 25th, 2024|Front Page Feed, Our Blog|Comments Off on Ten Common IC/BPS Mistakes

IC/BPS Clinical Study: Now enrolling patients with bladder pain associated with IC/BPS

Working toward a life less interrupted for people with IC/BPS. Living with interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) can be debilitating, but Ironwood is sponsoring a clinical research study of a new potential treatment that could offer relief. The IC/BPS Clinical Study will evaluate an investigational, foam-based drug designed to inhibit pain receptors [...]

By |2024-11-04T13:58:21-08:00July 12th, 2024|Latest Research, Our Blog|Comments Off on IC/BPS Clinical Study: Now enrolling patients with bladder pain associated with IC/BPS

Consumer Alert – Xylitol Now Linked To Cardiovascular Disease and Strokes

One of the challenges that many IC patients struggle with is dry mouth, a common side effect of both antihistamines and antidepressants. To ease these symptoms, we have often turned to dry mouth products that contain xylitol. A sugar alcohol, xylitol has long been considered safe for use in humans and is commonly found [...]

By |2024-08-27T11:16:20-07:00June 24th, 2024|Consumer Alerts, Latest Research, Our Blog, Research|Comments Off on Consumer Alert – Xylitol Now Linked To Cardiovascular Disease and Strokes

Tailbone (Coccyx) Injuries Are Common in Bladder & Pelvic Pain Patients

Have you ever fallen on your tailbone? Were you an ice skater, gymnast or football player and experienced multiple falls? Even one fall could play a role in your IC/BPS symptoms today. Now that we know to ask about tail bone injuries, we’ve found that they are remarkably common in the IC patient population. [...]

By |2024-08-27T11:18:34-07:00June 24th, 2024|Front Page Feed, Our Blog|Comments Off on Tailbone (Coccyx) Injuries Are Common in Bladder & Pelvic Pain Patients

Favorite Summer Drinks – Italian Sodas

Enjoy A Soda Again, Italian Style Does Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper or SevenUp trigger a flare? Are you desperate for something similar that WON'T irritate your bladder?? Let me introduce you to an Italian Soda, which is a lighter, more refreshing soda without the acids, caffeine and irritation caused by retail brands. There are [...]

By |2024-08-27T11:21:13-07:00June 21st, 2024|IC Diet Project, Our Blog|Comments Off on Favorite Summer Drinks – Italian Sodas

Favorite Summer Drinks – Bladder Friendly Iced Coffees & Frappuccinos

Many newly diagnosed patients balk at stopping their favorite summer drinks. From diet coke to a frosty lemonade, surely you can enjoy your favorite drinks on a hot afternoon. Have no fear. We have many bladder friendly summer drinks the that you can enjoy without triggering a flare. #1 - Refreshing Iced Coffees & [...]

By |2024-08-27T11:25:06-07:00June 21st, 2024|IC Diet Project, Our Blog|Comments Off on Favorite Summer Drinks – Bladder Friendly Iced Coffees & Frappuccinos
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