Here at the ICN, we have a very optimistic and encouraging point of view that we share through our magazine, the IC Optimist. Each quarterly issue contains practical, helpful and informative articles written by IC experts that will give you hope. From the latest research to interviews with the best clinicians in the world, we believe that you'll find practical tips in every article that will help you better understand and/or manage your interstitial cystitis. Each issue also includes superb feature stories, self-help strategies, consumer awareness notices, IC diet articles and, whenever possible, patient stories. Best of all, your purchase of an ICN Subscription helps to make possible our free IC support services. We simply couldn't offer the 300,000 free support sessions that we do each month without the generous support of our subscribers. We thank you for your help. You really do make this happen. - Jill Osborne, ICN Founder

SEVEN REASONS TO SUPPORT OUR WORK
#1 - The ICN is here when you need us the most. You may been in pain, frightened and suffered for years. At the ICN you will find a community of women and men who not only understand your pain but also give you hope! We believe in you.

#2 - If you feel lonely and isolated, we can help you meet others in our support forum. You can ask questions about your IC and gain wisdom from other patients. You are NOT alone! We've provided more than 30 million free support sessions to patients in need since our founding.

#3 - The ICN can help you learn about various treatments and cutting edge clinical trials. In 2011, researchers at Harvard Medical School recognized our effort and resources by naming our website one of the two highest quality websites on IC on the web today. We were the ONLY IC patient organization/website to receive this recognition.

#4 - When you struggle to find foods that won't irritate your bladder, we give you the latest IC Food lists. The 2012 ICN Food List andour new iPhone and iPad application will help you select bladder friendly foods while shopping or eating out.

#5 - When you have flares, you can come to our website to learn the best flare management tips. In our Flare Resource Center, we show you the difference between a bladder wall flare and pelvic floor muscle flare (and others), offering you strategies to reduce both types quickly and, we hope, effectively. Our printed 2011 Guide to Managing IC Flares is a fabulous resource guide.

#6 - If a medical professional tells you that IC is "all in your heads" or, worse, refuses to provide any treatment or pain care, you can find more compassionate physicians in our on-line database, the only one of its kind available on the web today.

#7 - If you need to hear a kind and compassionate voice or have questions that no one could answer, many of you call the ICN offices to speak with our staff (all pelvic pain patients) and/or Jill directly. We work hard to give you the hope, encouragement and occasional kick in the pants needed to get your life back again.

If we've helped you, please help us help other patients
by becoming an ICN Subscriber today!