It is Interstitial Cystitis (IC) awareness month across the USA, and now IC patients and the rest of us have the opportunity to inform ourselves of the plight of the sufferers and of the best ways of coping with and tolerating this condition. This year the focus is on discrimination. Most of us have probably never spared a thought for those who might suffer from bladder pain syndrome or IC if we have not experienced it ourselves. For many of us, if denied bathroom access, it is no big deal however some sufferers’ lives revolve around the possibility of bathroom access wherever they go.
Many patients need to urinate up to 60 times per day. Pain is felt as the bladder fills and so constant relief is sought. Others feel an urgency to pass urine all the time or pain is continually experienced and sexual intercourse becomes impossible. While dealing with all of the symptoms and obstacles associated with IC, those who have it are often discriminated against. 63% are unable to work but those who do are constantly battling with having to frequent the bathroom.
Thankfully, there are ways to improve the condition. Diagnosing the condition early enough means that symptoms can improve with time. There are many treatments and physical therapies that may be employed to ease symptoms and improve quality of life. Diet is a huge factor when IC has been diagnosed. If changes are not made to diet, then IC can get worse and serious health problems will follow.
This month patients are exchanging their stories and experiences of living with IC on the IC Network website and Facebook. Patients are getting quite involved and along with striping their hair blue, they are asking their city councils for more research funding for IC. In addition, they are approaching state representatives in the hope that proclamations in support of IC patients will be passed.
Interstitial Cystitis should not be confused with common cystitis, which is caused by an infection that is easily treatable with antibiotics.