.jpg)
11.11.2009
The IC Chef in ICA Update
.jpg)
8.19.2009
"Cafe ICA"
This newsletter offers IC medical highlights, self-help and coping strategies, ICA news, and a variety of resources that would be of interest to an IC patient.
You can check out their Web site and join the mailing list here: http://www.ichelp.org/Newsroom/CafeICA/tabid/92/Default.aspx
8.10.2009
Interstitial Cystitis Network Newsletter
- Breaking News
- Tips
- Latest Research
- Videos
- Helpful Resources
- Products
- And so much more!
It is really a great thing to have to skim through and keep updated on the topic.
To subscribe to the newsletter visit: http://www.ic-network.com/newsletters/. You can also choose to subscribe to their quarterly magazine or follow the IC-Network on Twitter.
Just check it out! It is easy to unsubscribe if you don't like it.
4.22.2009
Diagnosed one year ago this month
My whole life I hadn't experienced symptoms of the disease (and if I did, they weren't severe enough to notice) until January 2008. My diet had always consisted of lemonade and everything spicy. Then during the month of January 2008, I went to a local clinic five times for a recurring bladder infection/urinary tract infection. I knew something was wrong because I had never had a UTI in my life.
I spoke to my mom, who had actually been suffering from IC off and on for a few years and she said my symptoms were very similar to the disease. I didn't want to believe her, because I saw her go through the pain and how she had to change her diet. With her advice, I changed my diet to one similar to hers, but my symptoms still worsened. In April 2008, I went to her specialist and after the long grueling tests the doctor walked back in the examination room and said, "It's not that bad, you'll be fine," and I was devastated. He went on to tell me how he's lactose intolerant (this was during a time when I had an ice cream addiction, so his lecture did make feel a little better).
Since my diagnosis, I haven't taken any medications, such as Elmiron, because I was afraid of the terrible side effects. When I experienced flares, I took Pyridium to help with the pain. But after a year of being on an interstitial cystitis diet and learning more about what my body can handle, I can actually say I feel a lot better. Not only my bladder health, but my general health as well.
The hardest part of having interstitial cystitis is having to change your diet. But after having the disease for a year, I have found that it is a lot easier dealing with the strict diet rules. Once you get creative in the kitchen, the possibilities are endless. That's the reason I wanted to start this blog, I wanted to give create fun and IC-safe meal options for someone suffering from the disease.
For more information about interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome visit click here or check out the resources I have listed on this blog.
4.17.2009
Feline Interstitial Cystitis
Anyway, I saw a recent post about Holistic Cat Care mentioning feline interstitial cystitis and while it doesn't directly pertain to us humans, I thought it was an interesting article. I did enjoy reading it and identifying the link between feline IC and human IC. Who knows, maybe researchers can use this link to learn more about the disease to find cures.
If you would like to see the post click here.
4.13.2009
IC in the news
Bladder issue usually overlooked
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am writing to ask if you would give me information on interstitial cystitis. I was told I had this after I had a polyp removed from my bladder. I know it has to do with the lining of the bladder wall. What causes it? What's the treatment? Does it get worse? -- J.M.
ANSWER: Interstitial cystitis is also known as painful bladder syndrome. It's a fairly common condition that is commonly misdiagnosed. It affects more women than men. It occurs at any age, but typically, the onset is around age 40.
Frequently, a woman has symptoms for years and years and is told she has repeated bladder infections. Antibiotics, however, provide no relief. Trips to the bathroom are numerous, and nighttime urination disrupts sleep. Bladder pain can be severe. Urination often relieves the pain temporarily. Intercourse also can be painful.
One explanation says the protective covering of the bladder lining has thinned or has disappeared, and urine irritants come in contact with the sensitive bladder lining to produce pain. How this comes about is something that isn't known with certainty.
Symptoms can get worse, but treatments exist. One is the oral medicine Elmiron. Amitriptyline and gabapentin are also used for pain control.
If you find that a particular food causes increased pain, stay away from it. Spicy foods, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, chocolate, coffee, tea, carbonated drinks and alcohol are some things on the list of irritants for many with this problem.
If you feel lost about the diagnosis and its treatment, contact the Interstitial Cystitis Association at (800) 435-7422 or www.ichelp.org for information on treatment and support for this mystifying ailment that can completely throw life into turmoil.
3.23.2009
Who knew an innocent breakfast could be fatal?

3.12.2009
Broadcast news clip of woman with interstitial cystitis
CBS in Atlanta recently did a news report on a woman who suffers from interstitial cystitis. Kim Waitz has an extreme case of IC, and the disease has completely changed her life. The news clip has a lot of good information about interstitial cystitis and can answer a lot of basic questions.
For more information on interstitial cystitis from this news source, check out their Web site here.
2.25.2009
Health Magazine Names America’s Top 10 Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants

See who made the list:
Panera Bread - Whole-grain bread and fresh fruit are centerpieces here, and there are plenty of vegetarian options. Health says that most of the chicken is antibiotic- and hormone-free, a rarity in large chains.
Jason's Deli - The chain is very dedicated to organic food - one-fifth of all its ingredients are organic, "from blue-corn tortilla chips and whole-wheat wraps to field greens and spinach."Au Bon Pain - Considered a "pioneer in healthy fast food." Au Bon Pain's chicken is hormone-free and antibiotic-free, also.
Noodles & Company - Pasta is a filling enough meal that it's easy to omit the meat, but if you want protein, your choices include hormone- and antibiotic-free chicken and organic tofu.
Corner Bakery - Not a lot here on the cafe chain's green cred, but a quick look at the menu reveals that beef, which has the largest carbon footprint, is found sparingly here.
Chipotle - "Chipotle won high marks for its commitment to organics, hormone- and antibiotic-free meats, and produce sourced from local suppliers, which is revolutionary in a chain this big," said Health.
Atlanta Bread Company - This sandwich chain was praised for the freshness of its veggies and other ingredients.
McDonald's - Believe it or not, it's in the top 10 for healthy choices - but with the burger recently named the Hummer of our diet, the company isn't scoring many environmental points with its menu.
Einstein Bros. Bagels - Bagels and cream cheese and fresh veggies combine for plenty of meal options with a small footprint.
Taco Del Mar - Baja-style Mexican cuisine is a growing trend, says Health, and the menu shies away from beef and chicken in favor of fresh ingredients and fish.
Click here to view the full article.
1.26.2009
Teacher retires because of interstitial cystitis

12.12.2008
Christmas Angels Program
Visit the IC-Network.com to learn more.
12.05.2008
Living Beyond Disease

You can find excerpts of O'Donnell's book on the GodIsAVerb.com blog. The blogger, Jodi McDonald, has also attended some of O'Donnell's lectures. Visit O'Donnell's Web site to find out more about her touching story or to purchase a book at LivingBeyondDisease.com.
12.04.2008
Making it through the holidays with food sensitivities
- Search for popular holiday recipes alternatives that you can make for your holiday dinner or take with you to a family dinner.
- Try to avoid the foods that you know will make your symptoms flare.
- If you are going to a holiday dinner, see if the host/hostess will be willing to work in some alternative foods that you can enjoy.
- And if it is just a holiday party, go by my mom's motto (who also has IC), "when in doubt, eat before you go."
12.02.2008
A Pilates Video for People with Pelvic Pain
I have had a hard time with fitness in the last few months. Every time I try to jog or use the elliptical I have to cut my time short because I almost pass out from pelvic pain or I have to run to the restroom to handle my extreme nausea.
I came across the New Dawn Pilates workout video on the Pilates Workout DVD blog. It was created with those suffering from pelvic pain in mind. The video is a daily pilates workout that can be customized to fit the viewer's needs and pain levels. New Dawn Pilates is carefully choreographed and instructed by Occupational Therapist and Pilates Instructor, Jenny Buttaccio. Jenny also suffers from chronic pelvic pain from Interstitial Cystitis.
The DVD is only $29.99 and can be purchased on the New Dawn Pilates Web site. This would even make a great stocking stuffer for someone that suffers from IC!
11.20.2008
November is Bladder Health Month
Visit health.USNews.com for more information and a list of various urological conditions.
10.23.2008
Dr. Robert Moldwin speaks on interstitial cystitis
Watch Video Now
10.20.2008
October 20 - 24 as National Interstitial Cystitis Awareness Week

An estimated one million Americans suffer from interstitial cystitis (IC), a painful, and often debilitating, chronic condition in which the bladder lining becomes irritated and inflamed. The condition mostly affects women, who make up an estimated 90 percent of IC patients.
“Imagine you have a deep paper cut that you pour an acidic liquid onto, continuously. That is only a fraction of what many IC patients feel in their bladder and pelvis on a regular basis," Susan Wysocki, President and CEO of National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health, said. "Some IC patients describe throbbing, stabbing pains and muscle spasms that take their breath away."
Monday, October 20
• PBS “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind: Interstitial Cystitis” special begins to air nationally. Check local listings for more information
• 123 IC contest winners & 2008 IC Ambassadors announced on AllAboutIC.com
• Updates to All About Interstitial Cystitis groups on Facebook and MySpace
Tuesday, October 21
• IC Week Podcast: “Interstitial Cystitis 101”
Wednesday, October 22
• IC Week Podcast: “Talk to your health care professional when the going gets tough” with WPWH’s Susan Wysocki
• IC Week Podcast: “When the going gets tough, Don’t let IC isolate you!” with ICN’s Jill Osborne
• Check out real patient stories and encouraging words on AllAboutIC.com
9.23.2008
Interstitial cystitis petition of support!
https://www.allaboutic.com/allaboutic/123ic/index.html
Send to all your friends!
9.19.2008
Biopharmaceutical company recieves $12 million for interstitial cystitis research
Check out the full article at: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2008/18/c5645.html
9.17.2008
Pain Reliever lotion?

This deep penetrating lotion helps stop pain, reduces inflammation, and actually speeds the healing process -- it helps injuries heal at the cellular level.
It is important to note that this lotion is not a drug, but a combination of two natural, amazing products, blended in a special way.
This lotion will help those who are suffering from pain now, or who have in the past, and those who wish to have less pain in the future.
It has broad application: it works amazingly well for arthritis and other chronic painful conditions, and it is also extremely effective in treating the normal aches and pains we all encounter in our daily lives -- sports injuries, stubbed toe, bruised shins, minor burns, tennis elbow, twisted ankle, sore back, arthritis pain, herpes, some headaches, etc.
The two products are DMSO and Honey, two of nature's miracle products. The inventor, Mr. Raymond, has used DMSO for many years. Being an inventor, with several U.S. Patents, he had experimented with different ingredients to help lessen, or eliminate, DMSO's minor side effects, and to improve its effectiveness.
It was finally discovered, after sampling many ingredients, over an extended period of time, that the combination of the DMSO and honey created a unique product, combining the benefits of both, as well as lessening the minor side effects of the DMSO.
The combined product, which is called "The DMSO.BZ Solution", is so unique, and effective, that it has been granted provisional "patent pending" status by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. It is believed that almost every person can benefit, and improve the quality of their lives, by properly using this lotion. Research indicates that this formulation is unique in the world.
DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide), was originally discovered as a natural by-product of the wood pulp paper industry, and has been in use commercially since 1953. It is claimed that DMSO is one of the most studied but least understood pharmaceutical agents of our time, at least in the United States, where it has pretty much been keep secret from the public.
According to Stanley Jacob, MD, a former head of the organ transplant program at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland: DMSO has been used for over fifty years worldwide, and some 11,000 articles have been written on its medical and clinical implications; in 125 countries throughout the world, including Canada, Great Britain, Germany, and Japan, doctors prescribe it for a variety of ailments, including pain, inflammation, scleroderma, interstitial cystitis, arthritis, and even elevated inter-cranial pressure (pressure on the brain).
DMSO, while it works its wonders, can be a little irritating to the skin. Honey actually helps protect the skin and helps to moisturize it, while also being anti bacterial in its own right. DMSO also has a characteristic odor, taste and smell, more obvious to some than to others. Some liken it to garlic. The proper blend of the honey lessens these side effects. The honey provides a silky softness to the skin, while not being sticky.
The DMSO.BZ solution of DMSO is generally applied topically, to the skin. There is usually a rapid reduction of swelling, inflammation, and pain. At the same time the process of the healing of tissue at the cellular level is actually enhanced and promoted. Numerous clinical studies support these facts. The solution is so safe that many people take it internally, and some actually inject it in problem areas.
Some notables say this about DMSO:Dr. Julian Whitaker, in his "Health and Healing" newsletter states: "DMSO: A Truly Unique Compound". He then goes on to tell about how it has helped him personally and some of its many uses. He also talks about MSM, a derivative of DMSO, and how beneficial it is also.
Dr. David Williams, in his newsletter "Alternatives" states: "DMSO. Today you'd be hard-pressed to find a sports team that doesn't use this wonderful pain-relieving liniment." DMSO is also used extensively to treat injury to animals. Kevin Trudeau, in his best seller, "Natural Cures They Don't Want You to Know About", states that DMSO is a "miracle" product, and he further discusses why DMSO has been kept from the public. It has been alleged, because the major patents have long since expired, that the drug and medical lobbies have attempted to prevent wide spread knowledge of this product from going mainstream, as they cannot profit from it.
Mr. Raymond has arranged for this product to be distributed by a long established internet firm, Painease Products. For complete information go to their web site: http://www.dmso-use.com/.
There you will find copies of articles, as well as copies of U.S. Government issued patents proclaiming the many medical benefits of this unique product. You will also find documentation of actual usage of this product over an extensive time period.
For additional information you may email them at: relief@painease.com, or call Roger at: (310) 398-8939.