Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Support Group

Helpful Information for persons who suffer with "IC"!

I believe these are the most beneficial....tips!

• Add fiber to your diet to promote regular bowel movements

• Eat several small meals instead of one large one

• Try Prelief®, a dietary supplement containing calcium glycerophosphate, which has been shown in research studies on IC patients to help reduce bladder pain and urinary urgency when used with acidic foods and beverages. For more information, call 1-800-994-4711 or go to www.prelief.com.

* Engage in some form of exercise and report feeling better physically and psychologically as a result.

Low impact aerobics Walking Yoga Tai Chi The Body Recall system developed for the elderly and disabled, which includes a range of exercises that can be done in bed.
Most people with IC recognize that stress plays a part in exacerbating symptoms or bringing on flare-ups. Simply dealing with having IC and the accompanying symptoms can be a source of stress in itself. In addition to using regular exercise to combat stress and relieve pain, IC patients suggest:

• Learning basic relaxation techniques
• Using meditation tapes and/or visualization
• Learning self-hypnosis
• Receiving massages
• Psychotherapy to learn coping skills and stress- reduction techniques

• Placing a cold pack,directly on the perineum (area between the anus and vagina in women, and anus and base of penis in men).
Use of antispasmodic or pain-reducing medications before sex and lubricants during intercourse can reduce discomfort. Avoid use of a diaphragm because it puts pressure on the bladder. To reduce pain the next day, take a 20-minute sitz bath and place an ice pack on the perineum for 20 minutes after sexual activity.

• Wear cotton underwear
• Wear low-heeled shoes or slippers to relieve lower back pain. Consider a soft rubbery sole to minimize impact. Use foam inserts in shoes for additional cushioning.

• White, unscented toilet tissue
• White washcloths for genital cleaning and unscented white soaps

• Apply for a handicapped parking sticker if you are severely affected.

Chiropractic treatments Homeopathy
• Educate doctors, others in the health professions, family and friends about IC.
• Write your senators and representatives to encourage them to support funding for research on IC and women’s health issues.
• If you are unable to work, apply for Social Security disability or private insurance disability benefits. See the ICA’s Resource Materials Guide for detailed information on how to make a successful claim.

The first step in gaining control over IC is learning how to help and care for yourself.

* Urinate when you get the urge; don't hold it.

* Do not take medication to stop frequency; part of the disease of IC for most is retention (your bladder does not empty completely) and urine left in the bladder can cause and aggravate hunners ulcers....peeing frequently is a pain in the ass; however; the ulcers are extremely painful. The retention is one of the reason why you pee a lot and the fact that the bladder shrinks; don't do more damage by taking medications such as Detrol........be aware people most urologist don't have a clue when it comes to IC; it is a guessing game for them; unless you suffer with this disease also you don't have a clue.

Drink plenty of water; take vit. E; primrose oil; add Omega 3 to your diet; eat little red meat; do not take Ibuprophen...please is is loaded with acid...take naproxen for pain; Prelief works great; ICE PACKS please....it works what are you waiting for...........especially after sexual intercourse; why suffer the next day............girls....buy a gel ice pack; it molds to the vaginal area...and always wash after sexual intercourse; I suggest using unsented baby wipes; and washing vaginal area with baby wash...very gentle; low on chemicals!

Where white cotton underwear; only where the sexy one for the sexy moments....and no thongs!

Use heating pad for lower back; not vaginal area.....think you have inflammation..........you want to put the fire out; not add to it......use ben gay on lower back...........

STRESS is a big reason for a flare up and a on going flare up...........decrease....!!

Start delegating................my IC was so bad I was bed ridden for almost a year...............I had to learn to ask for help without feeling guilty; I am not superwoman; and I am not God. ASK FOR HELP! This disease can get way out of control; and the depression that can go along with can also be debilitating.....

I had to think of it this way; did I want my husband and kids to do a few extra chores; or did I want to be so sick and depressed that I couldn't do anything with them or be there for the emotionally.

I love you all; I know and feel your pain; I get just as angry; frustrated and depressed at times................I just can't stress how important it is to take care of yourself..................

I have a Neighbor who's daughter who isn't much older than I; she has Secondary Sjogrens it has attacked her lungs; she is terminally ill and without a lung transplant she is going to die...........my heart goes out to her and her family.....but that could be me; you.............we have to be willing to take care of ourselves.

If anyone has any question on how to apply for a handicap plate card or social security I am glad to give information and referral..........God bless