How to Find Support When You Have Interstitial Cystitis or Painful Bladder Syndrome

How to Find Support When You Have Interstitial Cystitis or Painful Bladder Syndrome
By Kristi Patrice Carter

If you’re one of the estimated one million people in the United States living with interstitial cystitis, commonly referred to as IC, you’re well aware that the condition can have a profound effect on your daily life. But, you should also know that you’re not alone as there are many support groups and organizations who understand life with interstitial cystitis. These groups offer invaluable resources and information about coping, living, and thriving with the condition.

If there isn’t a group or association for IC in your area or neighborhood, you can always start your own by contacting the Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) who will offer helpful information about becoming a support group leader. Starting your own group can be a highly rewarding experience as you’ll play an active role in bringing individuals together who are dealing with the same issues.

Once you’ve established your group, spread the word to publicize upcoming meetings. Many urologists, general practitioners, gynecologists, and hospitals will post notices in their waiting rooms about relevant support groups for their patients. Informative flyers can be posted in libraries, at supermarkets, on community bulletin boards, and in hospital newsletters. Some groups feature guest speakers such as pain management specialists, and offer participants informative hand-outs containing the latest news on IC.

Some of the topics and issues discussed at a typical IC support group meeting include:

- Treatment topics including traditional as well as alternative approaches

- Diet, nutrition, and exercise

- Self-help tips and techniques

- Pain management

- Stress reduction

- Sexuality and pregnancy with IC

Support groups can be a wonderful place for sharing personal experiences with like-minded individuals who can offer understanding as well as helpful up-to-date information about interstitial cystitis. Although IC affects both men and women of all cultures and socioeconomic groups, many aren’t familiar with the condition or its painful effects. And many people aren’t comfortable discussing this type of condition with those who don’t have it themselves.

To find out if there is a group in your area, contact the ICA for a list of local groups or for more information on starting your own:

Interstitial Cystitis Association of America (ICA)

(800) HELP-ICA or (800) 435-7422

www.ichelp.org


In addition to joining a support group, there are some other things you can do to take an active role in living with and controlling your IC. Educate yourself and those around you as much as possible about the condition, its treatments and the latest research. Find a doctor who is compassionate, supportive, and knowledgeable about the troubling condition. Besides the many IC organizations, the internet, your local public library, and university libraries will all have information about interstitial cystitis.

Any of the following organizations can also offer additional information about interstitial cystitis:

American Foundation for Urologic Disease

(800) 828-7866

www.afud.org


American Pain Foundation

info@painfoundation.org

www.painfoundation.org


American Pain Society

(847) 375-4715

www.ampainsoc.org


American Urogynecologic Society

(202) 367-1167

www.augs.org


International Association for the Study of Pain

(206) 547-6409

www.iasp-pain.org


Interstitial Cystitis Network (ICN)

(707) 538-9442

www.ic-network.com


Multinational Interstitial Cystitis Association (MICA)

info@multinationalica.org

www.multinationalica.org


National Kidney Foundation

(800) 622-9010

www.kidney.org


National Foundation for the Treatment of Pain

(831) 655-8812

www.paincare.org


Society for Women’s Health Research

www.womenshealthresearch.org

Are you or a loved one suffering from interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome? If so, help is available. Please visit www.interstitial-cystitis.net for the latest information and treatment option for this extremely painful but treatable condition.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristi_Patrice_Carter
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Find-Support-When-You-Have-Interstitial-Cystitis-or-Painful-Bladder-Syndrome&id=576208