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We are delighted to announce that the Spring 2024 IC Optimist is now available for our members. It is now available on all member pages and is also available for purchase in the ICN Shop. In this issue: (1) Inside AUA 2024 - Highlights from the Course on IC/BPS Every Spring, the American Urology [...]

With food inflation wreaking havoc on budgets throughout the country, Americans are looking for ways to save money. This is especially true for those of us also managing chronic health conditions like IC. On top of our usual costs of medications, co-pays and other treatments, we also have to figure out how to stretch [...]

One of the fun parts of traveling or being out and about can be eating different foods than usual. Road trips are made for snacks. But really, any time you're on the go, snacking is an option! Whether you're going on vacation, spending time outdoors this summer or just in the midst of a [...]

Eileen* has suffered with IC/BPS symptoms for many years. In her late 20's, her bladder pain and symptoms have prevented her from working regularly and living independently. Now on Medicaid, finding physicians to actually treat her many symptoms has been remarkably difficult. Her case is complex and her symptoms are intense. Over the years, [...]

Love it or hate it, social media has become incorporated into modern life. In fact, 77.4% of American adults have social media in 2024, and the average user spends 143 minutes a day on it.(1)(2) While social media can have its benefits for offering support for IC patients, some recent studies have found its [...]

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects up to 5-10% of individuals worldwide, making it one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders. Although IBS does not shorten a person’s life span, living with IBS presents a myriad of challenges that can significantly impact one’s quality of life. From navigating social situations to managing work responsibilities, individuals with IBS constantly face dilemmas that [...]

Finding the right gift idea for moms can be challenging. In fact, when asked for gift ideas, most moms answer they don't care. That's not at all helpful when you're shopping! And, having been a mom myself for 14 years now, I get it. Honestly, most of what I truly want can't be bought [...]