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 Association annual meeting unites urologists and researchers from around the world in their quest to find the best treatments for patients with interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome. We review the fabulous course on IC/BPS taught by Drs Toby Chai, Quentin Clemens and Anne Ackerman training the newest generation of urologists around the world.
(2) Inside AUA 2024 – A Microbiome Inspired Theory
Dr. Anne Ackerman asked “Could IC be really reflective of some type of infection or problem that we are not recognizing because we are still using technology that is more than 100 to 150 years old?” While phenotyping disproves this for all patients, there is evidence that some of us may have a damaged urinary biome that could be causing bladder symptoms.
(3) Editorial – It’s Time For The Great Divide
We have a call to stop using the term “interstitial cystitis” for the majority of patients in the USA. Only patients with Hunner’s lesions would be labeled as IC with the rest of us diagnosed as bladder pain syndrome. It’s time. Hunner’s lesions patients deserve their own research and treatments tailored just for them.
(4) New Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Treatment Guidelines Released
New guidelines should dramatically improve patient care around the USA and validate the need for patients and their provides to explore physical therapy as a viable and important treatment option.
(5) Is Neuromodulation Safe or Dangerous?
Would you agree to have a medical device implanted in your body if there were more than 44,000 filed adverse events? What if some fatalities have been reported? A new study has been released which reviews the safety of neuromodulation, required reading for anyone considering this treatment method.
(6) An Unusual Case of Bladder Pain – Does Your Belly Button Hurt?
Do you have painful belly button? Does it weep fluid? Does it trigger bladder pain when you touch it? You could have a urachus, a tube that connects the top of the bladder to the belly button. In 98% of births, it usually disappears but in 2% it remains and can trigger IC symptoms.
(7) Current Clinical Trials – New Pain Studies Seeking Participants
(8) A New Antibiotic Approved for UTI
Learn about Pivya, the newest antibiotic approved by the FDA for the treatment of three distinct pathogens, including e-coli.
(9) Feature Story: Social Media Increases Inflammation
This shouldn’t be surprising yet it is remarkably worrisome. Does our social networking habits affect our overall health. Absolutely,
(10) Self-Help Tip: Fifteen Rules for Intimacy
In the spirit of relationships and romance, we share some great date ideas and 15 rules to help improve intimacy.
(11) Self-Help Tip: Fifteen Date Night Ideas For When You Are In A Flare
(12) IC Diet – Eggs are an IC Patient’s Best Friend
Pages: 36
Publisher: Interstitial Cystitis Network
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