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 One of the things that I'm most proud of is our patient magazine, the IC Optimist. We started this in 2004 because we received many requests from patients who wanted a printed resource that they could share with their families and friends. And, of course, it's one way that patients without access to the web stay connected. But, most of all, it's how we fund the free IC support services offered on our website. When you purchase the IC Optimist, you're saying that you believe that patients need support and, with this purchase, are helping to make that happen.
We did we call it the IC Optimist?? Because we are, and continue to be, so very optimistic about the future of IC and the tremendous advances that are being made each month to help us get to the bottom of this condition. Unlike other IC newsletters, ours are entirely patient focused. We want to you to find direct, immediately useful information in every edition. Our lead stories are always unique and diverse, such as covering IC in Appalachia or the 2008 breakthrough of creating IC phenotypes. We include the latest research, urgent consumer awareness alerts (such as the heparin recall that affected several IC patients) as well as practical stories on self-help, diet, exercise and more. You'll also find stories by many of the best writers in the IC movement including Bev Laumann, Julie Beyer RD, Gaye Sandler and Stacey Shannon.
Each issue runs between 28 and 40 pages! - Jill O., ICN President IC Optimist Magazines by MAIL
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IC Optimist - Fall 2011
If you were considering having a medical device, would you want to know what the potential risks as well as benefits are? Patients considering InterStim might be surprised to learn that 500 adverse event reports can be found in the FDA database, including 22 fatality reports. In our lead story, we explore the issues and suggest that an independent review panel to investigate. With the holiday season fast approaching, we share our favorite IC holiday recipes, a new cookbook AND Stacey Shannon offers a fabulous article on money saving tips that will still allow you to enjoy a memorable and joyful holiday season. Shelia Ricks shares her disability success story and Nicole McDonald offers a unique insight into IC. Lastly, health educator Tom Robinson reminds us of the most important coping strategy of all, self-compassion!
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IC Optimist - Summer 2011
This summer issue of the IC Optimist is traditionally dedicated to sharing the latest IC research presented at the AUA conference and this year we're focusing on new, exciting potential treatments currently under study. Honey, for example, was found not only to have a beneficial effect on the bladder wall but another study found that sugar, when added to an antibiotic, helped to clear up more stubborn infections. We've interviewed Dr. Eliot Lander about his stem cell therapy research. September is IC Awareness Month and we've included a kit that you can use from home to help spread awareness that IC is real and treatable. Two IC patients share lovely stories about adoption and creating an IC friendly birthday celebration. Bev Laumann shares two flavorful fish recipes. Also included are self help tips and the latest consumer alerts.
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IC Optimist - Spring 2011
This issue of the IC Optimist introduces the concept of an IC Diva. With strength, courage and a wee bit of an attitude, we live our lives with neither regret nor apology. Rather, we celebrate life and try to live it to its fullest. New ICN contributor Nyeema has written a brilliant, funny and inspirational story that will inspire you to fulfill your divahood! We love it. We discuss, indepth, the new AUA Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of IC/BPS. Did you know that exercise can reduce pain?? IC writer Stacey Shannon shares the latest fitness tips. Wendy Cohan RN has released a fabulous new book covering holistic treatments for IC and shares an article with us exploring the role of gluten sensitivities and the bladder. Is the cost of Elmiron driving you to bankruptcy? We share ideas and tips to reduce the cost and, if necessary, try other more affordable medications.
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IC Optimist - Winter 2011 Guide to Managing Flares
We begin 2011 with an issue dedicated entirely to managing IC flares, the bane of many an IC patients. This issue will give you practical, easy tips that you can use to manage and prevent the most common IC flares, including new hour by hour customized "rescue plans" that you can use to control your symptoms and, we hope, reduce the length of your flares. If you're uncertain about what a flare is or what you can do to manage and prevent them, this guide is a must read!!!
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IC Optimist - Summer/Fall 2010 Edition
The Summer/Fall 2010 issue of the IC Optimist is likely one of the most controversial issues we've released with two stories on medicinal marijuana, how research has shown that it helps neurologic pain and new research which suggests that it could be a new, possible bladder instillation for IC. Whether you are pro or con the use of medicinal marijuana, there's no denying the research is compelling. We've offered the latest IC research news from the 2010 AUA Meeting. The ICN survey on alcohol and IC revealed that straight alcohol was better tolerated than wines and beer. You'll also find a compelling story of a teenager with IC, how patients fight flares with on-line games and many new summer drinks from our recently completed summer drink contest.
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IC Optimist - Spring 10 Edition
The Spring 2010 issue of the IC Optimist includes several new articles and resources for patients. If you're interested in a natural approach to treating IC, you'll find the interview by Diana Brady fascinating as she shares two decades worth of experience in holistic strategies. Susan Bilheimer contributes an article on chronic pelvic pain. You'll also learn about a new safety alert about compounded DMSO. Julie Beyer shares IC friendly gardening tips and Bev Laumann tackles the complex issue of soy and IC. Of course, we have the latest IC research, IC news and a new self-help tip of the month! Enjoy!
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IC Optimist - Fall 2009 Edition
The 2009 issue of the IC Optimist includes several new articles and resources for IC patients, including: the New 2009 IC/PBS Food Guide, How Nurse Practitioners Tackle IC, IC & the Military Healthcare - One Patients Experience, the latest IC research, a report from the 2009 International Continence Society Meeting, A Self Help Tip of the Month on How to Avoid Unnecessary Surgeries and a Fresh Tastes by Bev Column on IC Friendly Breads.
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IC Optimist - Winter 2010 BY MAIL
The Winter 2010 issue of the IC Optimist includes several new articles and resources for patients including The Latest IC Research, Feature Story: It's A Girl - She's Having A Baby Part 3, Is The IC Diet Making You Angry?, Can A Medication Trigger an IC Flare?, An IC Disaster Kit, IC Friendly Ezekiel Bread, Book Review of Ending Female Pain, Hot Drinks to Warm Your Spirits & a Self-Help Tip of the Month - The Ultimate IC Friendly Bathroom.
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IC Optimist - Summer 2009 Edition
In the Summer 2009 issue, we offer a wide variety of feature articles including: Back To School Strategies For Students with IC, Ketamine Bladder Syndrome, AUA 2009 Conference Report, The Latest IC Research, IC Friendly Steak Barbecues and Marinades, Five Ways to Calm Vaginal Burning, Book Reviews and more!
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IC Optimist - Spring 09 Edition
The IC Optimist is your source for the latest IC news and practical self-help strategies. The Spring 2009 issue of the IC Optimist shares: The Treatment and Mistreatment of Chronic Urgency and Frequency (feature story), "On Faith" (editorial), She's Having A Baby: One Woman's Story With Pregnancy, Finding an IC Friendly Wine, The Latest IC Research, IC in the News, Put Some Spring Into Your Step, Great Ways with Eggs (A Fresh Tastes Column) and I Refuse to Wear Granny Panties (Self-Help Tip of the Month). Of course, it also shares the latest new IC resources to be found in the ICN Shop.
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IC Optimist - Winter 09 Edition
This theme of this issue of the IC Optimist is SURVIVAL. ICN writer Stacey Shannon has contributed a great article about surviving IC catastrophes such as what do when you can't find a restroom, when you lose your doctor and when you can't find the right foods to eat. Our self-help tip of the month provides some great ideas to keep your head and heart moving in a positive and encouraging direction. Of course, we've also covered the latest IC research including another possible new name for IC, hypersensitive bladder syndrome. More articles cover the use of probiotics, IC friendly winter sports, a new time release supplement Q-Urol and a great IC Friendly Winter meal! Last but not least, our ICN Editorial covers the woefully inadequate coverage of IC in many medical schools.
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IC Optimist - Fall 08 Edition
The IC Optimist is your source for the latest IC news and practical self-help strategies. This expanded issue of the Fall 2008 IC Optimist includes: A New Approach to IC and Prostatitis (Feature Story), IC Awareness Week (Editorial), How the Bowel Can Trigger Bladder Pain, The Latest IC Research, Is Your Car IC Friendly, Holiday Foods and Parties along with book reviews for Healing Pelvic Pain by Amy Stein PT and Confident Choices: A Cookbook for IC and OAB by Julie Beyer RD! Also includes our holiday resource catalog.
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IC Optimist - Summer 08 Edition
This expanded Summer 2008 issue of the IC Optimist offers articles, including The Natural Vs. Traditional Approach to IC, Conference Reports from AUA 2008, NIDDK Int'l Symposium and ESSIC, American As Apple Pie - A Fresh Tastes Column by Diet, The Latest IC Research, Self-Help Tip of the Month, Summer Friendly Recipes and more!
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IC Optimist - Spring 08 Edition
This expanded Spring 2008 issue of the IC Optimist offers a wide variety of new articles, including The International IC Experience, Why Weight Gain (Or Loss) Occurs in IC, The Unhealthiest Drink in America, IC & Pregnancy: It Can Be Done, The Latest IC Research and more!
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IC Optimist - Winter 08 Edition
Includes: Surviving The Economic Crunch: IC Patients Share Their Money Saving Strategies, Reducing The Costs of Prescription Medications, The Latest Research, IC In the News, Heparin Recall Affects Patients Using Bladder Instillations, Patient Assistance Programs, Generic Medications, Fresh Tastes by Bev & More
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