The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide: Your Guide to the Latest Treatment Options and Coping Strategies [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

The last time I was diagnosed with IC was in 1983. Apparently things have changed significantly in this field since then. When I was first diagnosed I was only 24 or so, and it was hell trying to get anyone to recognize I had a 'real' problem which was not female related, nor was it 'all in my head'. My husband and I were frantic to find a solution, and at that time they did not understand what was causing this nor basic treatments for it, though they were experimenting with DMSO which eventually solved the problem for several years. The tendency for many doctors to dismiss my pain and agony of this condition as being 'mental' was the first step on my path to med school and neuroscience in spite of my deafness.

This book provides all the current information that a patient needs to know. I actually read the book in an evening, it was that clear. Since knowing what doctors usually write like in medical journal Moldwin deserves praise for writing such an understandable and intelligent book! I am beginning to realize that this condition is obviously something which plagues a lot of women (and to be fair, some men). I also am pleased to note that finally it is being taken seriously by physicians, and that most likely, this is something I will have to spend my life dealing with.

It certainly makes it easier to deal with it (and knowing I will have to have outpatient procedures) when I know the doctors take it seriously. I've already implemented some of this doctor's recommendations and find they are helping somewhat. I highly recommend this book to anyone going through this, and I also recommend contacting a support group (I cannot since I am deaf) which will help deal with the emotional and mental fallout from this condition.
Karen Sadler,
Science Education,
University of Pittsburgh

His discussion of IC treatment options is the most comprehensive we've seen to date, with explanations on how the treatment is supposed to work as well as known research results and side effects. In addition to the old standards (DMSO, Elmiron & others), he also covers most of the newer proposed treatments (BCG, Capsaicin, etc.). These chapters alone are worth the price of the book.

Another highlight is the discussion of related conditions to IC, such as pelvic floor dysfunction, vulvodynia, urethral syndrome, UTI and others. The pelvic floor discussion explains pelvic floor physiology and how, over the long term, pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to a cycle of bladder pain and irritation. Men with IC will appreciate his chapter titled "The Male with Interstitial Cystitis." In addition to covering conditions commonly confused with IC, such as diseases of the prostate, bladder, seminal vesicals & pelvic floor, he also outlines a treatment plan subtly different from that used with women.

IC patients seeking new information on pain management will find his discussion of narcotics extremely useful as they consider various pain medications. He differentiates between short- and long-acting narcotic therapies, and the side effects associated with various medications. His discussion of the concerns over the use of pain medication will ease many unnecessary fears for IC patients. Inspired writing!

And, a first in print, he offers a discussion of pregnancy and IC, including a guide for patients considering C-section versus vaginal delivery!

The "Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide" is likely the best mass-market book to be published on IC in recent memory. It is destined to be on the shelves of every clinic and every patient seeking guidance. Both newly diagnosed patients and grizzled IC veterans will find new and helpful information included.

Jill O, Founder & CEO Interstitial Cystitis Network

I really wanted to LOVE this book. I have been impressed with Dr. Moldwin's work on Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and IC and I really liked his support for aggressively treating IC pain. But to underplay just how badly some IC patients react to certain procedures just doesn't make it a survivor's manual. It's a wonderful source of information and a good starting point for educating your doctor. ...