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IC Optimist – Winter 2025
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Description
What would cause a red, inflamed bladder to heal? We begin the year with a fabulous new study that found that lactoferrin, a simple protein found in colustrom, reduced IC symptoms, reduced systemic inflammation and, most importantly, red inflamed bladders became pink and healthy after 4 to 6 months of use. Remarkably, Hunner's lesions apparently healed as well. This simple OTC supplement marks a new day in IC and UTI care.
In this issue:
1. Editorial - Choosing Sunshine
Our editor, Jill Osborne, shares the successes she has gained after starting trauma therapy to help her manage anxiety. From catastrophic fire storms to loss of her parents, a new cancer diagnosis to recovering from major surgery, she's had a very challenging 20 months. One key insight has been the recognition that we don't have to cling to stressful, sad or painful events in our life quilt. We can, instead, redesign that quilt, removing sections that we don't like and adding new sections that represent who we are, and who we want to be, today.
2. Latest Research - Lactoferrin Found To Prevent Bladder Flares & Reduce Hunner's Lesions
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer last summer, I asked my oncologist “why me?” and “why now?.” Her answer was surprising. Only 15% of breast cancer is linked to genetics. For the rest of us, it’s the result of environmental exposures and/or stress. The latter gave me great pause and I explored, in depth, the research that has linked to cancer to stress and grief, along with the relationship that intense stress has with the onset of IC.
1. Editorial - Choosing Sunshine
Our editor, Jill Osborne, shares the successes she has gained after starting trauma therapy to help her manage anxiety. From catastrophic fire storms to loss of her parents, a new cancer diagnosis to recovering from major surgery, she's had a very challenging 20 months. One key insight has been the recognition that we don't have to cling to stressful, sad or painful events in our life quilt. We can, instead, redesign that quilt, removing sections that we don't like and adding new sections that represent who we are, and who we want to be, today.
2. Latest Research - Lactoferrin Found To Prevent Bladder Flares & Reduce Hunner's Lesions
What would cause a red, inflamed bladder to heal? We begin the year with a fabulous new study that found that lactoferrin, a simple protein found in colustrom, reduced IC symptoms, reduced systemic inflammation and, most importantly, red inflamed bladders became pink and healthy after 4 to 6 months of use. Remarkably, Hunner's lesions apparently healed as well. This simple OTC supplement marks a new day in IC and UTI care.
3. Latest Research - Elmiron®/pentosan Maculopathy Appears To Progress After Stopping The Medication
We have unfortunately learned that the retinal damage associated with Elmiron® use is apparently progressive, even after stopping the medication. This is vital information to share with patients who are considering this now controversial medication and is particularly important for patients who are considering settling any product liability lawsuits. Lifetime eye care is, in my opinion, a reasonable addition to any settlement given this new data.
4. Latest Research - New Findings Show Antibiotics Damage Mucosal Layer
We've long known that the overuse of antibiotics could trigger drug resistant infections but this new study finds that they also damage the mucosal layer in the gut, perhaps leading to the development of inflammatory bowel disease. Could they also be damaging the mucosal layer in the bladder?? It certainly gives use yet more research to be wary when it comes to using antibiotics.
5. Common Causes of Pelvic Pain
One of the most recent trends in the ICN offices are patients who have recently reported that their symptoms began directly after they began lifting heavy weights. This new workout trend could trigger the onset of urinary symptoms and pelvic pain. We explain why.
6. A Damaged Ligament Could Cause Bladder Pain & Hunner's Lesions
A few years ago, a patient with severe Hunner's lesions was cured after she underwent surgery to repair a prolapse. This stunning case study introduced a new related condition to IC, posterior fornix syndrome. Essentially, the USL ligament not only supports the vagina, it also supports key nerves. When damaged, the nerves become dysfunctional and inflamed, leading to the onset of lesions in the bladder. If your IC onset coincided with a difficult childbirth, pelvic injury or prolapse, this is worth considering.
7. Childhood Trauma Now Associated With Major Disease
Now that we have linked widespread pain with a traumatized central nervous system, the role of adverse childhood events has become quite clear. This vital discovery should remove all shame and/or blame you may feel because you have struggled with a variety of pain conditions throughout your life. This is not your fault and, most importantly, we now have better treatments that can help.
8. Pamper Yourself From The Outside In
Coping with both IC and major life stressors?? Honestly, you've never worked as hard as you are right now. Bev Laumann shares some easy ways to find comfort.
9. Ten Self-Care Resolutions for 2025
It's a new year, which gives us a chance to ask "how do I feel?" and "Is there room for improvement?" With the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be very easy to skip things that are actually quite important for our long-term health. Stacey Shannon gives us some great tips for 2025.
10. How To Be Your Own Best Health Advocate
Do you trust your doctors?? Are you confused about what they are saying?? Not sure if treatment will be covered by your insurance?? In 2025, our health care system is becoming more and more difficult to navigate, particularly as insurance companies deny essential care. Stacey Shannon shares tips that will empower you to take charge of your medical care.
11. Supermarket Strategies
The IC Diet can be quite confusing if you've become dependent on manufactured and/or fast food. Jill shares quick and easy picks when you are shopping for food!
12. 2025 ICN Food List
We are delighted to share our new ICN Food list, the first to break down dietary changes based upon your phenotype. Our goal is to help you identify foods that you could be sensitive to and find healthy, enjoyable alternatives.
Publisher: Interstitial Cystitis Network
Pages: 48
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