What is IC?
To be honest no one actually knows. There are theories, of course, but to put it in descriptive terms, IC can be another name for "living hell". Imagine feeling like you have to pee almost 24 hours a day, even right after you finish up in the bathroom, and you're almost there. Now add a nice tablespoon of pelvic pain, burning urethra, and in some cases the inablility to walk, drive or work and you're much closer. Now let's add some time, say about 7 years on average to be diagnosed, and I think we've got it.
It's All In Your Head
Oh yes, and let's not forget that most of the doctors you'll see either haven't heard of IC, don't believe you could have it, or tell you that all of these symptoms are psychological and if you would just calm down it would go away. Yes, I have heard these myself.
What we do know (a very short list)
- 90% of IC patients are women
- certain foods and beverages can cause symptoms to flare
- no two IC patients are alike - what causes one patient great discomfort may not bother another
- there are a number of other syndromes or problems that can go hand in hand with IC
- stress can cause symptoms to worsen
- IC may possibly be caused by the breaking down of the bladder lining, hence the irritation causing the need to urinate frequently
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