Last December I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Wendy Cohan through the virtual world and she was kind enough to send me her latest book about IC.  I have read almost every book written about IC and so I was delighted to hear of a new book on the topic.  What struck me first and foremost about Wendy's book is that it covers new ground in the world of IC including new theories about gluten intolerance and its possible affect on IC patients.  Most IC patients know (or think) there is a link to diet and our IC symptoms, but few books explain how or why this occurs, but Wendy's book does outline this and the last part of her book also provides some resources for trying a gluten free diet (as well as low-histamine, low-oxalate, Body Ecology Diet, and the allergy elimination diets). 

Wendy's book covers a lot of important material in a concise format with the overall theme of the patient seeking out their answers and therefore their own treatment protocol.  I like the fact that Wendy herself is an IC patient so she writes from that perspective but the tone of the book is one of a medical seeker as she is also an RN, and she provides medical examples with lots of research backing up her statements.  It is easy as an IC patient to become angry at IC and frustrated at what sometimes seems like an uncaring and slow to make advancements medical community, but neither Wendy nor her book take on this tone in the least.  Wendy provides the full spectrum of treatment protocols starting with traditional Western and ending with more holistic based, with the overall emphasis of: the patient should choose what is right for them and to continue until "all stones are uncovered" until you find the answers for your individual health concerns. If you are seeking a medically sound, yet holistically friendly based book about IC, then I would highly recommend picking up a copy of "The Better Bladder Book" published by Hunter House  books.  

There is something calming and peaceful about writing the first blog post of 2011.  Outside the snow is falling down making the world smell fresh and clean with winter's white rain.  As I go through the motions at my new job or while folding laundry at home, snippets of my conversation with Dr. Matt Rosenberg flit into my thoughts: IC is a symptom diagnosis...IC can be diagnosed and treated if the PCP nows to look for pain, urgency and frequency.  I wonder how many people will be diagnosed with IC in 2011? 

I hope that the work of Dr. Rosenberg and many other doctors, specialists and people who play an active part within the ICA, ICN and IC patients continue to make a stand and to fight for disability benefits for IC patients, awareness of IC continues to be spread, and better protocols for diagnosing and treating IC continue to become the new and less painful standard for this year.  I am reminded by the example that one small candle can bring light into darkness.  Each of us have a role to play in the world of IC and whether or not you have a medical acronym behind your name, we can continue to shine light and hope for millions who feel a pain and a darkness they might not have been aware of until recently. 

Currently I am reading a new book written by an IC patient and nurse and I am filled with encouragement about connections she found with IC and how consuming gluten can attribute to IC pain and symptoms.  Expect to hear great things about this book and this nurse in upcoming blogs!  I have nothing but hope and encouragement that by continuing to spread our knowledge and our experiences we can shine our small candles of hope to other IC patients.  Well I am off to refill my mug and to enjoy the silence of snow falling on the roof.