Blogs, News & Announcements
Feature Article – Anxiety & Interstitial Cystitis
It might surprise you to learn that anxiety is a strongly related condition to IC and pelvic pain. It was the human genome project which made the connection. Researchers trying to determine which section of the human genome correlated with anxiety discovered that a large, distinct subgroup of anxiety patients also had interstitial cystitis. Urologists then confirmed that most of their IC patients also struggled with alarming levels of anxiety. Subsequent research studies now suggest that there is a genomic linkage between the two conditions.
The end result is simple. Most IC patients struggle with varying levels of anxiety. Some report that they’ve always lived with anxiety disorder and/or that other members of their family also struggle with anxiety. Other patients report that their anxiety developed after the onset of their bladder symptoms, suggesting that pain, fear and insecurity about the future might be driving their symptoms. In either case, you certainly aren’t alone. Anxiety disorders affect about 40 million American adults age 18 years and older (about 18%) in a given year, causing them to be filled with fearfulness and uncertainty.
Bladder Photo & Video Gallery
Not sure what IC looks like? - Have someone in your family who just doesn’t grasp what you’re struggling with?
We’ve just updated our online gallery to include several videos and pictures that show what mild, moderate and severe IC looks like! See dozens of pictures here!
We would love to feature your pictures too! If you have a copy of your video or still pictures of your bladder, please send them to: jill@ic-network.com.
[break] [hr] [break]IC Chats & Conversations in the ICN Support Forum
“I’m near remission”
We love success stories! ICN Member mouse shares that with allergy testing, she discovered that she was allergic to dairy, eggs and wheat. By eliminating those foods, her symptoms have improved dramatically. She’s also been working on her pelvic floor and trigger points. Read her inspiring message here!
“My Story and Some Questions”
New ICN member LennyB shares their story about how IC was diagnosed at the age of 21, this after IBS was diagnosed at 15 and epilepsy at 17. She’s slowly improving but has some questions for other patients about how long pain might take to improve, PFD therapy and more. Could you provide some insight and support? Read it here!
“Does Breathing or Stretching Help You?”
New ICN member MiniHart shares that the stress and anxiety of undergoing tests and waiting for answers has made her symptoms worse. She asks if breathing or stretching has really help patients. Our answer, of course, is yes. Can you share your experience? Read it here!
“Costs of Home Instills – What does Medicare Cover?”
ICN member Itsme asks patients who are doing home instillations if its covered by medicare. She’d like to know how much it costs and how difficult it is to get from pharmacies. We know that many of our readers have done home instills with success. Could you please share your experience? ? Read it here!
“Migraine Medications Triggering IC Flares “
ICN member RodeoMom is looking for suggestions from patients who are using migraine medications. Her neurologist wants her on a high acid diet as well as medication, but they are triggering IC flares. She’s looking for advice from anyone who has gone through this. Read it here!
“Exercise Helps Patient Achieve Remission”
ICN member TeachMeMath shares that she’s using Amy Stein’s ten exercises to reduce pelvic pain from the book Heal Pelvic Pain with great success. Anyone else using it? Read her story and suggestions here!
IBS Bowel Blues?
If you’re like many IC patients, you’re also struggling with IBS and your bowels are just as unpredictable as your bladder. Researchers have now given us a giant clue as to why the two conditions coexist. Studies have now shown that the some of the nerves in the bowel and bladder are shared. Thus, when the bowel shows signs of irritation, the bladder does as well. When the bladder is irritated, the bowel shows similar irritation. Simply put, the nervous system in our pelvis is extremely sensitive and it takes very little to overstimulate our bladders and our bowels.
If you are struggling with chronic constipation, unpredictable diarrhea or both, here’s a product that may help. Heather’s Tummy Care offers a fabulous fiber that works very well for patients with a sensitive bowel and bladder. HTC’s Acacia Senegal Fiber is water soluble, gentle on the bowel yet provides enough bulk to help improve bowel function. On the other hand, fibers that contain insoluble fiber, such as psyllium husk or granola, often prove too irritating and can cause yet more pain and discomfort. If your bowels are driving you batty, we suggest giving this fabulous product line a try!
 Heather’s Tummy Fiber Canister |
 Heather’s Tummy Fiber Refill Pouch |
 Heather’s Tummy Fiber Travel Packs |
Take A Survey!
- Help The Research Movement – How Much Does Interstim Cost: The Short & Long Term Costs of Therapy
- Help The Research Movement – IC, Gastritis & Gastroparesis – Do you struggle with stomach problems?
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Spring IC Optimist – Have you gotten your copy yet?
The IC Optimist is the flagship publication of the Interstitial Cystitis Network and is delivered to ICN members throughout the world via print or e-mail.
In this issue:
- Children & IC
- Dr. Robert Echenberg on PGAD
- Dr. Drew’s Disrespect for IC & Endometriosis
- The Latest Research
- Three new pelvic pain clinics open
- Patient story – LiRIS Clinical Trial Diary
- Simply Delicious: The IC Diet Project
- To Bacon or Not to Bacon
Read more about the issue here!
ALERT! Shipping Summer Months During Summer Months
CystoProtek – Cysto Renew – Desert Harvest Aloe – CystaQ
If you rely on supplements to help reduce your bladder discomfort, take note that they are very difficult to ship during the summer months due to heat damage. If you’re in the USA, we strongly encourage you to buy enough NOW to get you through July and August!
Update on MultiRight Low Acid Multi Vitamin
MultiRight, the low acid vitamin complex that has been getting solid reviews from IC patients for not irritating the bladder, should be back in stock within two weeks! This from the manufacturer, Farr Labs!! The price will be increasing to, we believe, $22.99 for a three month supply! You can sign up to receive notice about its return here!
A New Pain Therapy – Pain Shield
PainShield® MD, a new wearable device that delivers low-frequency therapeutic ultrasound, promises to be a non-invasive, drug-free alternative for pain management in patients who suffer from debilitating pelvic pain.
In patients with long-standing, difficult-to-treat pain, PainShield MD has been found to significantly reduce pain associated with a number of pelvic and abdominal conditions, including interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic pelvic pain. A number of patients have been able to reduce or eliminate their use of medications, including opioids.
PainShield MD is lightweight, wearable, portable and smaller than a TV remote can be used almost anywhere and anytime – at home, work or the clinic, or even while sleeping offers simple hands-free operation
Visit their web site, where you can learn more about the clinical effects of PainShield MD, as well as its technical details. You will also be able read testimonials from patients who have benefitted from PainShield MD. Lastly, please download our information brochure which you can share with your health professionals.
