Our special Spring / Summer 2022 double issue of the IC Optimist 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. This was a whopper of an issue to put together with not just one, but two new guidelines for the treatment of IC and pelvic pain. This will answer your questions and give you yet more treatments to explore with your medical team!
Members can immediately download it from their member page. It will be sent by US Mail this week to those with print subscriptions.
In this issue:
(1) Editorial – Should Primary Providers Treat IC/BPS
With a shortage in urology specialists around the USA, the AUA makes the case that IC patients can and should be treated by primary care providers rather than urologists, unless the case is more complex. Is this doable? We have doubts.
(2) New IC/BPS Guidelines Released
The American Urology Association gave us a surprise last month, the sudden release of new, updated guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of IC/BPS. They acknowledge, for the first time, that they no longer consider IC as a bladder disease, but rather a pelvic pain condition. They also acknowledge that there are distinct patient groups, each requiring different treatment approaches.
(3) Hydrodistention Survival Guide
One of the most feared tests that some patients face is a hydrodistention with cystoscopy. Thankfully, todays testing is much less traumatic than tests performed several years ago. That said, it can still be challenging. We share our best survival tips to help you get through the test successfully and have a quick recovery.
(4) AUA 2022 Highlights – IC / BPS Course
Dr. Quentin Clemens taught this years course on IC/BPS during the annual American Urology Association’s annual meeting. He shares the research supporting the change in guidelines and provides his unique treatment priorities in his clinic.
(5) New EAU Guidelines Reflect Future of IC/BPS
The European Association of Urology has also released their new guidelines for pelvic pain and, remarkably, they no longer encourage the use of the terms “interstitial cystitis” and “chronic prostatitis.” They consider IC/BPS as a pelvic pain syndrome driven by an underlying neuromuscular dysfunction. If patients have pain perceived from their bladder, it would be called primary bladder pain syndrome. If patients have pain in the bladder and any other part of the pelvis, it would be called chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
(6) Being A Mom With IC – 15 Strategies to Make Motherhood a Bit Easier
Stacey Shannon shares a wonderful article offering tips and strategies to mothers with IC.
(7) AUA 2022 Highlights – The Latest Research
After the year we’ve just had with so many patients now out of work, paying for therapies feels impossible. Stacey Shannon gives us an update on how you can manage and, hopefully, reduce your medical costs.
(8) Vitamin D and Your Health
Did you know that vitamin D can directly influence not only your bone health but also your pain levels? It’s not unusual for IC patients to have low vitamin D levels. We review why this is important and what your treatment options may be. Having your Vitamin D level tested is important!
(9) Pelvic Pain Car Buying Tips
When you have pelvic pain, sitting in a car and driving long distances can be difficult. From the comfort of the seat to the smoothness of the suspension, some cars, SUV’s and trucks are notorious for causing and triggering IC flares while others offer smooth rides that make driving a joy. We share our best tips here!
(10) The 2022 Kleen Fifteen® & Dirty Dozen®
We review the latest lists to find those fresh fruits and veggies that are the safest for you and your family to eat.
(11) The IC Diet Project: Bladder Friendly Mexican Cuisine
It’s a mistake to assume that mexican food should be avoided for those with a sensitive bladder. Bev Laumann shares her love of mexican food, as well as tips and recipes that are bladder friendly and can be enjoyed again!
