Product Description
Interstitial cystitis, chronic inflammation of the bladder, can have a devastating effect on the lives of both sufferers and loved ones. This handbook reviews the latest medications and their side effects, surgeries, and alternative treatment options. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

IC Book
This book has alot of really good information in it. I have been trying alot of different things with my urology doctor to try and figure out why I have had all these symptoms and trying to diagnose my problem. Now with this book I think that I have some kind of idea where to turn and maybe how to deal with my IC. But somethings are still bothering me about my symptoms and what to eat and how to deal with the way I'm feeling. So hopefully this will work out.

The Definitive IC Book
After being diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis (aka Painful Bladder Syndrome) in 2006, I headed over to Barnes & Noble as soon as I could, and I've learned everything I needed to know about IC from this book. More than a doctor could tell me face to face, more than the urologist handed out to me. I even carried it around with me for quite awhile because it really is THAT GOOD of a reference.

The author, Dr. Robert M. Moldwin, discusses in-depth about tests/diagnoses, medication - both oral and through a catheter, which foods are most likely to cause flares, the role particular vitamins can play in treatment, surgeries, co-existing illnesses, sex, organizations/support, and how males can deal with this mostly-female, chronic, relatively unknown illness.

This book is very detailed, very organized, and simply a must-have for anyone diagnosed. If you have a loved one with IC, it's also recommended.

This is a good book.
I found this book helpful in understanding my condition. I now have a strategy for coping with this very painful condition.

A must for IC'ers
First let me say I do a lot of research on health and have published articles on natural remedies. When I first got IC I read, "Solving the Interstitial Cystitis Puzzle: A Guide to Natural Healing" which is also a good book that I recommend but it only covers "alternative treatments" and is based largely on the theory that your Ph level controls IC. Which I think highly of the Ph theory overall, and do think it helps to alkalize your body, it is not going to cure most cases of IC. Plus, it takes longer and when your privates are on fire and you're running to the bathroom every 5-10 mins you want relief ASAP.

"The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide: Your Guide to the Latest Treatment Options and Coping Strategies" does offer therapies that can help immediately or much faster. One of which is the prescription Drug, Elmiron (but very $$$), which I have found to be a Godsend. Thus, I would read this book first then the other.

If you have IC I highly recommend both books. Each book offers different ideas, solutions and remedies and since all IC patients suffer from different foods and in different ways, you really need both books.

While you are waiting on your books, drink lots of water and try kegals. Both have helped me a lot. You may not be able to tolerate kegals if you are in a flare, don't do them. Wait till the flare subsides.

Stay away from alcohol (especially beer), sodas and chlorinated water. It is worth it to buy bottled water (I tried Britta, but bottled is better). I recommend Deer Park water because it's Ph is 8 (and the plastic bottle is thinner than traditional water bottles thus, not as harmful to the environment).

Good Luck and feel free to ask me any Qs!

The best IC book
This is probably the best IC book ever written and will ever be written.Dr. Moldwin is also a great dr!If you have IC, you NEED this book! ... Read more

Product Description

Many women have been led to believe that a urinary tract infection signals the beginning of a chronic, painful problem that is fated to reoccur despite treatment. The good news is that You Don't Have to Live With Cystitis. Dr. Larrian Gillispie, a female uro-gynecologist widely recognized in the scientific and medical community and one of the few doctors with expertise in the area of pelvic pain, has shown that women can break out of the vicious cycle of cystitis. From the outset, You Don't Have to Live With Cystitis has helped millions of women. This updated edition reflects newly discovered causes and treatments:•Immediate steps to reduce suffering
•The surprising role of excercise and lower back problems
•Updated treatment and prevention options --
from diet to surgery
•How antibiotics may cause hormone problems
•Which method of contraception may cause problems
•The effects of stress on the uninary tract
•Newest treatments for interstitial cystitis
•Cystitis in children and during pregnancy and menopause
Plus

•A Complete Guide to Commonly Prescribed Medications
•Essential Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
•An Anti-Cystitis Diet ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

A MUST BUY FOR IC SUFFERERS!
Wow I was so relieved to read this book after suffering my entire life with Interstitial Cystitis! Answers to questions I have always had were answered and easily explained in terms anyone could understand. Reading this book was like a trip down memory lane for me. Suddenly I was remembering my childhood and all the times I would rush home from school because I had to use the restroom and then when I got there nothing! Then being sick for hours and the next day I was fine. I was in and out of doctor's offices my entire childhood. I felt broken...that is the best way to describe myself. I was broken. Somehow everyone else had parts that worked but me! When I read each chapter, and believe me if you suffer from IC you do not want to put this book down because you can relate to just about every chapter in the book, you are amazed at how the body works and why you suffer the way you do. Eating the right foods can ease the discomfort and eating the wrong foods can trigger it! The book does not cure you of your IC but it does educate you on how to control it and live a symptom free life. I ordered and started reading the book because I was in a terrible flare up of symptoms and after reading the book and making some dietary changes I am happy to say that the symptoms have all but gone and I am hopeful that I will be able to control them in the future when they return. The book gives you hope that IC is manageable and life is once again a good thing!

Cystitis
The book was very informative, but seemed like most of the book was about Interstitial Cystitis which is good if this is your problem, but not enough time spent on normal Cystitis.

You Don't Have to Live Withe Cystitis
This book will help anyone concerned with bladder pain that antibiotics does not help.In my case I was treated for UTI's many times, but the pain persisted until I changed my diet due to the tips in this book.I did see an urologist to be sure I did not have a more serious problem, so I advise doing so.I am fine when I adhere to the tips found in this book.DA

There are better and more current books now available for IC!
[...]

I'm not aware of any IC support group leaders who currently suggest this book to newly diagnosed patients simply because it is older, out of date and provides information which, today, would be considered controversial. Spinal surgery, for example, is rarely considered today for interstitial cystitis and, of course, only for patients who have a proven spinal defect that could be influencing their bladder function. Rather, the most common therapies are non-surgical, such as the use rescue instillations, antihistamines, etc. etc.

The author certainly deserves credit for bringing the importance of diet to the forefront. She brought attention and publicity to the IC movement and helped to build awareness for IC.

For newly diagnosed patients looking for up to date information on IC, I strongly suggest the book "The IC Survival Guide" by Robert Moldwin MD (New Harbinger Publications), as a much better choice. It is written by a well respected doctor by both patients and the medical field. He is known world wide as a leader in the IC research movement and his book is the #1 recommended resource today by patient groups around the world.

IC Pain - Gone!!! (and so is other pain like neck and back)
With over 30 years of IC pain, I was tolerating only water and green beans until I read this book. The author, an IC sufferer and doctor, includes a wealth of suggestions which I immediately was easily able to incorporate into my diet and life style. Yes, the foods IC sufferers cannot tolerate are listed in her book which I found very helpful!

As a high school teacher and a mother of a medical doctor, the knowledge I acquired in this book led me to a FOOD SUPPLEMENT which has STOPPED my IC pain-it's been over 8 years that I have been taking this, not to mention no more neck and back pain, severe menstrual pain, a decrease in allergies, a clearer complexion, etc. YES! - A miracle food supplement for me! Prior to the discovery of this food supplement, my urologist offered an option of removing my bladder and wearing an external bag! I was about to give up teaching because I felt like a zombie from the IC pain that awakened me every hour during the night, let alone, all the trips to the lavatory in between every high school class period! The food/drink/vitamin information in this book and the food supplement I discovered have stopped the IC pain, as well as other pain.

What a fabulous domino effect! I started noticing that this same food supplement was stopping other pains! Prior to my taking this food supplement, the orthopedist recommended that I have neck and back surgery after years of recurrent episodes of excruciating pain when repeated physical therapy sessions and pain medications failed to provide relief. To avoid surgery, I went to a chiropractor for the first time in my life which continued for five years with therapy visits required every two months to stay pain free. I then went to a neurologist for a second opinion of the chiropractor's progress on my neck and back. The neurologist said I would always need to be under the chiropractor's care if I was to avoid the neck and back surgery . . . until the FOOD SUPPLEMENT stopped my neck and back pain! I have not seen my chiropractor in over 8 years or any other doctor for neck and back pain since taking this food supplement!!!

I take one tablet after breakfast every day and I am pain free!!! Basically, it is a naturally-occurring substance in everyone's body that feeds the nerve endings so that they are healthy and pain free; but, in some people this substance does not replenish itself as fast as the body expends it and, thus, the pain. This food supplement is a naturally-occurring source of organically-bound dietary sulfur that replenishes this deficit without side effects. It contains no solvents, sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, corn, dairy products, coloring, flavoring, or preservatives.

A well-known urogynecologist in Connecticut who sees many IC patients refers her IC patients to me to supply them with this food supplement.

...

Thank you, Dr. Gillespie, for the knowledge in your book is what led me to discover this food supplement which has returned me to a normal life!!! I have been able to continue teaching which has allowed me to provide the financial support to meet the educational needs of my son who is now a Physical Education teacher and my daughter who is graduating this May from the University of Connecticut Medical Center in Hartford, Connecticut, as a medical doctor and to support my husband as he was caught up in the corporate buyouts and found himself unemployed until he changed careers and is now a U.S. Post Office employee. I can only imagine where my family and I would be had I not read your book!

You will refer to her book over and over again - as I have!!! ... Read more

Product Description
Interstitial Cystitis is not just a disease of the bladder. My observation is the etiology of IC is a manifestation of accumulating body imbalances.

The foundation of recovering from IC begins with alkalizing the body. Included in the healing process are treating leaky gut, balancing hormones, addressing allergies, detoxifying the liver, and healing the digestive and endocrine systems. Stress management, nutrition and lifestyle changes are also included in order to heal body, mind, and Spirit.

I healed IC. Others are healing, too. This book outlines my discovery and recovery from IC and the knowledge I have gained through my continuing communication with others. We are empowering ourselves and regaining our lives naturally and holistically by following healthy guidelines. Remember, a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

This Book is a LifeSaver!
Was diagnosed with IC and this book really helped me to understand IC and what I am up against and what I need to do to heal myself. It's so wonderful to know that one can heal oneself. This book self empowers you!

Quackery
I am honestly surprised to see so many positive reviews of this book "Solving the Interstitial Cystitis Puzzle: A Guide to Natural Healing". It contains many questionable medical practices: including "allergy testing" foods by holding the test food in one hand, holding out the other arm & seeing if someone can push it down to show "muscle weakness" caused by the allergenic food, coffee enemas, citrus flavored laxatives, and recommendation of foods (tomato, lemon, lemonade, grapefruit juice, soy, cayenne pepper, fruit juices, vitamins C & B) known to actually provoke or worsen IC symptoms.I cannot recommend this book to any IC patient and am returning the book to amazon.com.

Solving the Interstitial Cystitis Puzzle: A Guide to Natural Healing
After months of bouncing between doctors who were unable to help me, Amrit's book has given me a systematic way of dealing with interstitial cystitis in a holistic way.I have read another book on healing from IC, but this book is much more detailed and specific about the how's and why's.Examples include her tables on acid-forming and alkaline-forming foods, and food sources for minerals, her detailed information about herbs and supplements, and explanation of how to do muscle responsetesting.I applaud Ms. Willis for taking the time to gather this information which quotes many medical experts and holistic practitioners. People who suffer from IC need information that yields results and gives them confidence to move forward. This book does just that.

A helpful book for anyone suffering from IC
I purchased "Solving the Interstitial Cystitis Puzzle" three years while doing as much research as I could in order to find relief from the severe IC symptoms that I had been suffering since 2004.I had known for quite some time that approaching IC as a full body disease and not simply as a bladder disease was probably a better explanation for IC, and this book confirmed my suspicions, as well as provided well researched and well thought out information about how to alkaline your body in order to prevent chronic inflammation and therefore help eliminate the pain from IC.I am forming a Colorado Springs based IC support group next month and Amrit's book is at the top of my list of recommendations for anyone newly diagnosed with IC, or for anyone suffering from IC who is fed up with conventional treatments.My only question for Amrit Willis is: When can we hope for a revised edition or a new book about IC?

Good Info, Hard work
This book explains IC very well. We do have control in healing this, but it takes hard work.There is no magic pill or easy button to push with IC. For everyone, IC is different. We have different reasons in our body for causing the symptoms.This book helps sort them out.Much is diet, and this book will help you learn what foods can heal your body.If you are serious about healing and willing to make a huge lifestyle change with diet, then buy this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

the info you need to have.
New to this "syndrome", I have been thoroughly confused about what I can and cannot eat.This book gave a very good simple introduction on the usual "trigger' foods, and was upbeat enough to emphasize the things that a person CAN do with this affliction.The recipes are OK, but the real value, I thought, was in explaining the new way of living and eating that a person has to adapt to.

IC Information & Cookbook
This book had information about how IC has affected the author which was helpful to me because I had just recently been diagnosed.There are many recipes which are tasty.She also has a nice selection of different ones to try.It helps to try the different foods and find out which ones are good for you.

Eat Interstitial Cystitis
Doctor said I had Interstitial Cystitis in 2008. I was relieved to know my pain would be in controlled (after having this since 2007,) now that I knew what it was. Unfortunately the medication I was prescribed for; I can't afford ($800) bottle of mediation for a 3 month period that only had a 20% chance helping my discomfort. So then, I went onto the internet to learn more. This book helped me allot! I learned more about IC. I got into the habit of avoiding some foods (that I ate all the time) in replace of trying new foods. I would drink more and more water than anything else. Also this cookbook helped me learn how to cook meals. Eventually it eliminated most too all my pain. I was so focused in my condition I decided to dedicate my life to this book. I saved money to pay my medical bills off and stuck to the IC diet. No chocolate, artificial sweeteners', fish/seafood, coke or alcohol (the list is endless.) I even lowered my sodium and yeast in take. Went onto the diet for months and stopped seeing the expensive doctor, lost 9 pounds and in control. WATCH OUT! :)

book isn't so helpful
I was disappointed with this book. Much of the information is outdated, and the recipes just weren't that good. Way too many pre-packaged, store bought stuff which is difficult for IC patients to use. She also uses too many items that most IC patients can't eat.I was really looking for a cookbook with from scratch recipes using only ingredients that are generally considered IC-safe.But this isn't it--since you have to go through each recipe and modify it to take out ingredients, whats the point? I do that with my regular cookbooks anyway, and they have better recipes.
so, I'm still looking for a solid, safe, from scratch IC cookbook.

A Taste of the Good Life: A Cookbook for an Interstitial Cystitis Diet
Bought this book for my wife who suffers from IC, and she loves it. She has suffered from inflamations due to eating some of the wrong foods, but that will be a thing of the past because of the recipes found in this book. As a plus, this book arrived quicker than any book I have purchased from ASmazon.com to date. I ordered it on Friday Dec 26 and it was delivered to my post office on the following Sunday Dec 28. I picked it up on Monday. Thanks. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
A holistic perspective of Interstitial Cystitis withinformation on various alternative treatments, herbs, and naturalproducts in relation to healing from IC. There is a special section onvitamins, minerals, and IC, as well as a discussion of possiblereasons why alternative treatments may not have worked for some ICpatients in the past. Along the Healing Path offers a lot of helpfultips and information for IC patients who want to take a morenatural/holistic approach to healing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (36)

Good book for my wife.
Good book - my wife is suffering with IC and this book is chock full of good ideas.

Great Book for finding out how you can heal yourself!
IC is very painful and one can't help but feel hopeless and helpless when one learns that they have it along with hearing from standardized doctors that it's incurable.
This book totally relates to what you are going through and let's you know that
you CAN heal yourself!

Along The Healing Path
This is a very helpful and inforitive book. Irelaly get help from reading the book. Thanks.

inspiration to take matters into your own hands
this book has pointed me in such a direction that in six weeks' time after finishing the book and starting alternative therapies, i am actually on 1/6 of the dose of my ic medication and 1/4 of the dose of my asthma medications that i've been on for over 20 years.

reading this book allowed me to open my mind and say "hell, no!" to the people that would have you think that you can't beat this thing.your body is amazing!poisoning it w/ synthetic medications and chemicals is just a band-aid, not a cure! (this is just my opinion, of course.) :O)

w/ acupuncture, nutrition, herbs, and loose teas, i am almost the person i was before november of 2009 when i experienced my first ic flare.

i feel terrible that some people finished this book feeling that it was a waste or that it was about not eating sodium; i am so thankful that i was able to be inspired by it!if you believe in anything strong enough, it's that much easier to make it a reality.
if you start off not believing that you will be cured, you will not be.
think positive, be healthy, and enjoy your life!

Nothing new here.
I am not very much pleased with this book . She just give you an idea that mercury can be toxic to your body and that you need to find your own healing path. The herbs information can be easy find in Internet. ... Read more

Product Description
REVISED! New edition of Confident Choices: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet. Over 90% of interstitial cystitis patients report that food choices can affect their symptoms! This easy to use workbook can help you determine your personal food triggers and get you on your way to feeling better!BONUS sections include information on nutrition supplements, food intake and voiding diaries, and planning sheets. Confident Choices: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet also includes information on exercise, stress management, emotional issues,while illustrating success stories with patient stories. Confident Choices concludes by providing you with a wealth of IC resources!Long awaited by the interstitial cystitis community, Confident Choices: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet was written by a registered dietitian who knows what it is like to live with interstitial cystitis. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Wonderful Diet Guide for IC Sufferers
As I've said before in my reviews to educate the passive reader, Interstitial cystitis is a chronic and debilitating disease of the urinary tract and bladder that affects approximately one million people. It may not be just one singular illness but one incorporating many different illnesses. There is an inflamed and irritated bladder wall that leads to many bladder symptoms. The bladder wall of an IC patient will have stiffening and scarring of the bladder, less bladder capacity as a result of the scarring, small pinpoint bleeding on the bladder (glomerulations) and ulcers in the bladder lining (Hunner's ulcers). 5-10% of IC sufferers will have Hunner's ulcers, the rest have a non-Hunner's type. So much isn't known about the illness, even though it has been around for a while now.

Most IC patients are put on a battery of medications and self help strategies. The #1 key factor in symptom management always seems to be diet. It is the main focus of books, and the diet pages on All Info About Interstitial Cystitis [...] get the most page views and emails. Everyone with IC seems to want to know more about how diet affects them and how they can get the diet to customize to them. Confident Choices seems to answer that call. I was impressed at the ease of the language, talking to the lay person in simple terms and attitude. The recipes recreated in the book were both simple to make and delicious upon fixing them to sample. I found that they did indeed work for me and did not cause me to "flare" (becoming symptomatic).

Julie Beyer is a registered dietitian and health educator that became diligent about the IC diet when she was diagnosed with the disease. Throughout her exchanges with other ICer's, she became acutely aware of what is important to the average IC patient and focused on how to customize the standard elimination diet that so many of IC patients need. At 15 chapters, this book is filled with not only recipes and explanation of the diet, but with worksheets and questions for the patient as well. With it in a convenient spiralbound binding, you can theoretically undo the book and copy the worksheet pages over and over again to use with your doctor or specialist. It is a very helpful book that I found to be an enjoyable read while learning more about the diet than I knew prior to opening the pages.

I look forward to the new printings of this book and any future offerings from this author. You can find more about her at her website.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Learm about cells and layers that make up the bladder and possible reasons you may have IC.
This was the first book I have ever bought on IC. Diana Brady has nice drawings on the bladder make up and structure.Read about how cells are affected in your bladder along with nerves and the muscle layer being inflamed. There are several reasons a person may have IC this book offers several remedies you can take to help work with the problem. I love the book.
I've had IC since I was four years old. I got the flu and went to a hospital for dehydration. Shelley my nurse put an IV in me and a catheder in me I screamed that night at the hospital. I got a urinary tract infection when I got home that turned into IC with in 3 days. I'm 33 I've had IC for 29 years. When stomach acid goes into the bladder, I drink up a little baking soda in warmed water. Cold fluid and air aggrevates the nerves and muscle layer in the bladder.
Good luck finding a remedy that fits you, it takes a while some of the ones in the book are worth a try and they may take a while to kick in, its a slow process to improving a bladder that internally damages its self. Drink more water and don't check your bladder to often, it becomes a habit and it puts more acid down and makes you go more. Most of all relax -read the book, its excellent! ... Read more

Product Description
To Wake In Tears is the revolutionary book that introduced the herb marshmallow root to the IC community back in 1998. It was the first book to look at IC from a holistic perspective claiming that IC is not just a bladder disease. In order to truly heal from IC, the whole body must be treated. Within the story of how the author healed herself from a severe case of IC are a multitude of practical, safe, helpful tips for IC patients to use to help themselves heal. Like Simone's other two books (Along the Healing Path and Awakening Through the Tears), this book is empowering, inspirational, and ground breaking in its discoveries of various physical connections with IC, as well as offering ideas of how to address them safely, naturally, and without the use of toxic medications and invasive medical procedures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (67)

This book helped me fully recover from IC & other chronic pain
I bought this book back in 2001 (9 years ago).I couldn't put it down, read it over the weekend & started doing some of the things the author did to heal.Within weeks I could tell a difference and I kept trying more things she wrote about & researched other natural things to try.I had suffered from IC, endometriosis, vestibulitis, migraines, IBS for 10 years back then & after seeing countless doctors & not getting any help, finding this book & realizing you can do more natural, soothing things to heal was such a blessing.I continued to feel better & within a year or so I had completely recovered from all symptoms except from some flare ups from vestibulitis (which eventually completely healed after becoming pregnant with my first child in 2003).I was 33 at the time & was told after being diagnosed with endometriosis at 19 that I would probably have trouble getting pregnant but it took 3 months for me to become pregnant (I'm sure detoxing me body was a huge help).Since then I've had a second child and have been symptom-free from everything since 2003.Thank you Ms. Simone for writing about your path to recovery.I will always be grateful.

informational
This book gives you a very good understanding of Interstitial Cystitis and what to expect. She also gives good advice. This book is a must if you have this problem.

Required reading for Interstitial Cystitis patients
I was diagnosed with IC nearly ten years ago (at the age of 20).If only I had found this, and Catherine Simone's other two books, sooner.No matter how mild or severe your IC, you will benefit from reading To Wake in Tears, Along the Healing Path, and Awakening Through the Tears.

I bought all three at the same time and found useful information in each of them.To Wake in Tears and Along the Healing Path have a lot of the same information, but the latter has a reference section on herbs, minerals, vitamins and alternative therapies.The author is quite repetitive (she says the same thingmany times in different ways).It's a bit annoying at times and quite helpful at others.

You may or may not agree with everything Catherine writes, but if you are open-minded and want to try different things, I guarantee you will not regret your purchase.Catherine Simone couldn't be more right when she says that every person's body is different and you will ultimately have to heal yourself.On the other hand, if you're looking for a doctor to prescribe you a miracle pill, you'll probably want to save your money to pay for the drugs.

One of the first to share her IC story...
I both applaud and thank Catherine M. Simone for having the courage to share her personal IC story with the world.I too suffer from IC and during the difficult beginning stages of being newly diagnosed with IC I was incredibly disoriented and depressed to find my world changed by a chronic and painful disease."To Wake in Tears" is both an appropriate title and an anthem for all of us living with IC as there have been countless times that I would dream thinking that IC was just a nightmare, only to awaken with tears as the horrendous pain of IC was still part of my body.Thanks again for this book as well as the other two IC-related books that you have written-from one IC patient to another.

If you have IC you need this book
I was struggling with urologists who wanted to "treat" my bladder with invasive things - not to mention they all wanted to do something different.I was pretty hopeless.Everyone kept telling me this was an "incurable disease."Well Catherine has healed and continues to do well as have others. This book explains how she did it.I started many of her suggestions months ago and I am feeling better.I believe these suggestions can lead many of us to permanent healing.It is not easy, but to get your life back it is worth it.
T in MI ... Read more

Product Description
Buy both and save! Confident Choices: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet and Confident Choices: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder are now available in a value pack! ... Read more

Product Description
This is an excellent book for chronic cystitis sufferers. They love it because it helps with pain and stress.Their doctors love its well-researched background. And, their yoga teachers love its simple, clearly laid out exercises. 'Anyone chronic cystitis should have this book. The section 'Yoga for a Bad Day' has been particularly helpful for me, as repeated attacks of cystitis leave me too exhausted for other types of exercise.' R. L., Student'As one of the first women board certified in Urology, I have, for some time observed that many chronic problems attributed to the bladder (or other pelvic organs) are actually caused or exacerbated by muscle contraction in response to pain. This condition lies beneath the radar of standard medical explanation. Here, at last, is book identifying this problem and offering practical ways for people to help themselves.' Dr. Muriel R. Friedman, MD'This book is highly recommended to people working on healing themselves. It should be required reading for students and teachers of yoga therapy.' Dr. Alakananda Devi, M.B., B.S. (London), Alandi School of Ayurveda.'An excellent blend of eastern yoga and Western Medicine to the benefit of both.' Shar Lee, Senior Yoga Teacher. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Pelvic floor
I recommend seeing a physical therapist about your pelvic floor, if it is already damaged (you have IC, pelvic floor pain, pudendal neuralgia..) then you will need physical therapy treatments and doing these poses alone won't heal you.Make sure not to sit without one of those donut seats. This book can be a good start.
Do yourself a favor and google Rhonda Kotarinos.

AIA:IC Highly recommends
Cystitis: A Time to Heal With Yoga and Acupressure

By Dawn R Mahowald and Dr. Emmey A Ripoll
AuthorHouse, Inc ©1999,2002 ISBN 1-4033-8870-9

This book explains the different types of cystitis and the difference between yoga, acupressure, and acupuncture. Written in everyday speech, it is simple enough for the layperson yet thorough enough for practitioners. It gives eight weeks of exercises and poses, with tips for those with IC. Also listed are certain poses to avoid, "Yoga for a bad day", and tips on the IC diet and ideas to keep patient's flares to a minimum.

I tried some of these poses and felt more relaxed and calm throughout the day. There are simple illustrations to show you how to do the poses and where to press for the acupressure. At 165 pages it gives you plenty of options and tons of guides to help you on what path you should take to decrease your chronic pain. The author reports that 90% of their students have a decrease in their symptoms following the program. That is fabulous for us IC patients!

There is the tip to do the lessons right before bed as the yoga tends to decrease your night urinary frequency. What great news that is for us as well!. You don't need alot of space, a maximum of 3 feet by 6 feet is recommended.

There is also no equipment to buy.

The All Info About Interstitial Cystitis website (http://cystitis.allinfoabout.com) Highly recommends this book for anyone with Interstitial Cystitis as a way to manage their symptoms and chronic pain.

This is a great alternative book for someone with IC!
I have Interstitial Cystitis and I think this is a great alternative book for people with IC.Dr. Ripoll and Ms. Mahowald have a very practical, no nonsense, but kind and sensitive approach to the subject of IC and helpful exercise.At first, I was a little intimidated by the thought of doing yoga (I also have no burning desire to stand on my head or anything like that), but the yoga in this book is easy, uncomplicated, and very well laid out for someone who has been in pain for a long time with IC (14 years in my case).There are a lot of hand drawn illustrations (as opposed to some of the more colorful yoga books with photos I've seen, but never bought) which get theidea of each exercise across very well.

I like this book and really do feel more relaxed and less stressed after I do one of their exercise sessions.I would recommend it very highly to anyone with IC (even if they are 54 years young like I am). ... Read more

Product Description
New research estimates three to eight million women and one to four million men in the United States may have Interstitial Cystitisalso called IC, a life altering, painful bladder condition. The great news is that dietary modifications can help relieve the symptoms of IC which include urgent, frequent, and painful urination. In order to spread the word, Julie Beyer, MA, RD, a dietitian and IC patient, has written Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators to help educate dietitians and nurses who provide diet counseling to bladder disease patients. "Much of what we know about diet and IC is based on what IC patients have told us," said Beyer who has authored two other books on IC and diet, "For years, IC patients were insistently and consistently reporting that caffeinated beverages, tomato products, spicy foods, and acidic fruits increased their painful symptoms. Now, thanks to the work of Robert Moldwin, MD, and Barbara Shorter, EdD, RD, we have research to support what the patients have told us all along."In 2009, Beyer worked extensively with other IC and diet experts to standardize what is now known as the "Interstitial Cystitis Food List." "We have the basic diet identified,' said Beyer, "However, the rest is dependent on a patient determining their personal trigger foods which can vary greatly from patient to patient. That is where nutrition educators come in!'In addition to addressing the basics of an IC diet, the book summarizes the epidemiology of IC, describes what a typical IC patient may be experiencing, and outlines the modified elimination diet process that has helped so many IC patients gain control of their symptoms. 'Not only is there a great opportunity here for nutrition educators to expand their practices," said Beyer who has helped thousands of IC patients over the past 12 years, 'It is tremendously rewarding to help a patient reclaim a life they thought they had lost!" ... Read more

Product Description
If you are suffering from a medical condition, especially Interstitial Cystitis, or simply want to want a healthy diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrate, this book includes simple and easy to follow recipes for one or two people. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Don't waste your money on common sense recipes
I was extremely disappointed in the pamphlet like expensive recipe book.I wish I would have read the reviews before purchasing and wasting my money on something that is useless. There isn't even much variety in vegetables. Also most of us are not familiar with UK foods of Yorkshire pudding, filo, or puff pastry.I do not recommend the book but instead read "you don't have to live with cystitis" where the Dr. gives ideas.

More like a pamphlet than a cookbook
I expected an actual cookbook with lots of recipes.This "book" only contains 48 simple recipes.As an IC sufferer I was hoping for some creative and appetizing recipes.Don't waste your money.

Boring Recipes with Lots of Onions
This book has very few recipes, many of which are completely plain.She uses almost no spices at all, including any that are fine on an IC diet.Besides most of the recipes have onions as the ONLY flavoring, and if you are like me, you can't eat onions, no matter how thoroughly cooked.

A simple, easy to follow and handy little book!
My mum has been suffering with Interstitial Cystitis for many years. Unfortunately there is no cure and the best medical treatments on offer only provide moderate symptomatic relief.Most clinicians agree that diet can profoundly affect the regularity and severity of painful flare-ups.Because of this I have been on the hunt for advice about which foods to avoid and those that might be neutral or even beneficial.Of course trial and error has played a big part over the years, but foods to definitely avoid are high in salt and acids.The advice in this book together with the simple short recipes has provided my mum with reassurance and helped reduce her symptoms.The book is clearly written for non-medical lay people that may have struggled for some recipe ideas.

Don't Waste Your Money
My Wife Has IC, and we struggle with finding good tasting recipes.I was ordering A Taste of the Good Life: A Cookbook for an Interstitial Cystitis Diet by Beverley Laumann, the most well known of the IC cookbooks when I found this cookbook.I'd never heard of this cookbookat any of the IC websites, but thought, what the heck, even if there's just one or two good recipes, that's something.Well, I'm sorry to say that this is hardly a real cookbook.Recipes are so basic and flavorless, it's shocking that anyone even published it.Here's an example: Chicken with Mozerlla
Ingredients, Chicken, butter, oil, mozzarella.
Instructions: Friy in oil, then transfer to grill and cover with cheese.

We don't need help taking an existing recipe and making it totally flavorless by removing everything but the basics.We need a cookbook that has creative recipes that are filled with flavor so that the person suffering with IC can experience what it's like to eat flavorfull and fulfilling food again.This book is a total disappointment.I feel almost insulted by how basic and flavorless the recipes are. ... Read more

Product Description
Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a chronic, painfulinflammatory disease that affects the bladder wall.An estimated750,000 Americans have this disease.The multidisciplinary focus ofPatient to Patient: Managing Interstitial Cystitis & OverlappingConditions makes this book particularly helpful and unique.It is ourgoal to fulfill the needs of the many IC patients who suffer with morethan one disease or condition.In order to accommodate theseindividual needs, our comprehensive book covers a broad spectrum ofaccompanying conditions, such as fibromyalgia and chemicalsensitivity, as well as diet, exercise, massage, and traditionalmedical interventions.

Patient to Patient is a compilation of our personal experiences (fromboth a patient and spouse perspective), extensive up-to-date medicalresearch, and shared stories from IC patients across the country. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Good Book
I really liked this book, i just wish it discussed more overlapping diseases that go w/ IC.some were left out.

Covers A Lot of Material
This review was written by Dawn R. Mahowald.

This book really covers a lot of useful material for someone with IC.Medical issues, diet suggestions, and information for spouses and family are all covered.I particularly liked the chapter on environmental and chemical sensitivities.There are many of us with IC who can and have made great strides in improving our condition by making a few well chosen changes to our environment.This and many other helpful ideas in this book also lead into one of the authors' main themes - taking charge of this disorder and regaining our confidence in ourselves.

Also close to my heart, as a yoga teacher for people with IC, was "Chapter 3 - Reclaiming Comfort in Your Body" and the illustration on the preceding page, "Pain Pattern of IC".Gaye and Andrew's approach of gentle, supported stretches and a "...conservative approach to exercise..." is a very helpful philosophy for anyone with IC or who is in the middle of a flare-up.It also points out that we don't necessarily have to suffer with secondary sources of pain if we pay attention to some of the little details of our body.

Clear and constructive
I have suffered with problems for many years now and having gone from one doctor to the next, needed someone who could clearly and in plain english give me some answers. This book does not promise miracle cures but sets out the issues in a manner which provides you with hope!

Very helpful resource, however....
I cannot improve on Jill Osbourne's review, and would say ditto or "Amen" to it. I have read the book, and return to it as a resource... and have referred it to others. I wish it had ended on its last sentence, a blessing, in chapter nine, namely:" I hope to send you off on your own successful marathon of living more happily, despite the presence of this chronic disease." However, chapter 10 finishes the book. It's titled: Collecting and sharing individual stories.It has vignettes of 6 persons with IC. Assuming readers of this specialized book are mostly those struggling with the physical and emotional pain of IC,I can't imagine why one would add a chapter which, if the reader weren't frightened and depressed already, would guarantee such a response. It's a stretch to find anything hopeful or helpful in the stories chosen, unless persons who continue to suffer what they're suffering are a model of human survival no matter what. As the 2nd to last sentence in chapter 9 is:"The support of other people cheering you on is essential." it is hard to understand ending up with chapter 10 which is in effect a Greek chorus, saying if you think it's bad now, it can and might become much worse. My suggestion is, definitely buy, keep and learn from the book.But whether you skip chapter 10 or not, consider reading two other books as follow up. Holistic nurse Amrit Willis's book titled: "Solving the Interstitial Cystitis Puzzle, My story of Discovery and Recovery" provides a hopeful approach to gaining control of the symptoms of this chronic disease that has worked for her, and many others for whom she has provided generous guidance.Additionally "Kitchen Table Wisdom" subtitled Stories That Heal by Rachel Remen, M.D.is extremely insightful for helping us respond to a chronic disease. Both books facilitate a sense of hope,meaning, and self empowerment.

A Self - Help Encyclopedia for IC patients!
At a time when IC information is now readily available in the marketplace, it is always a pleasure to highlight books that go above and beyond the call of duty in providing help and new resources to patients and families in need. Gaye & Andrew Sandler's "Patient to Patient: Managing IC and Related Conditions" is a new and exciting resource for couples & families living with IC. We were excited to see topics which hadn't been discussed so thoroughly or innovatively before.

The self help chapter offered the most useful discussions we've ever read on managing urgency & frequency. The pain management strategies were exceptional. Their discussion of sex, menopause & pregnancy is outstanding. This book will light the way for patients entering perimenopause. The hormone replacement discussion is the best I've ever seen in relation to IC. The chapter on pregnancy will become a bible for patients contemplating motherhood. From medication to physiology, prenatal vitamins to breastfeeding, this chapter is a much needed addition to the IC community. Bravo!

From the husbands perspective, the chapter on Living with IC - A Spouse's Perspective confronts issues that so many couples and families grapple with daily. From adjusting expectations to understanding how IC will change family dynamics on a day to day basis, this chapter will be read aloud, in bedrooms and kitchens, in many IC homes.

"Patient to Patient: Managing Interstitial Cystitis & Related Conditions." is the result of years of wisdom and work by this remarkable husband and wife team. We give it our highest rating. Five stars! It is far above the other self help books out there today! - Jill Osborne, MA ... Read more

Product Description
Already a best-seller in the interstitial cystitis community!From the author of the popular Confident Choices: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet, this cookbook includes over 200 recipes. The objective? Recipes that are quick, nutritious, and safe for most people with "fussy" bladders. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Caution! Not everyone with IC can eat all of these foods!
It's recipes are strictly written for the existing food list making many unsuspecting suffers feel that the recipes, even though they may have foods that they might not be able to tolerate, are now magically safe to ingest. IC is an individualized disease and as such some of us are able to eat for example a pear and others of us will be in flair hell from one bit!

In other words this book is not the solution for everyone.Be very careful with your choices. If a food has been known to cause you problems, it may still and if you make these recipes as they are written they could be a recipe for a flair!
As with everything in the IC survival world remember, it's your body and you know how it will react to the wrong foods.
Be cautious.

The author is known for her well placed wisdom when it comes to coping with IC and OAB.
As a fellow suffer of these illnesses I was eager to get my hands on this much needed cookbook to navigate me through the painful pitfalls of eating the wrong foods which result in a flair. However, It did not meet my needs, maybe it will be a good fit for you.
I also felt that the lack of nutritional breakdowns was another downside to this book.Everyone reads labels for the content, especially if you suffer from IC or related illnesses.

ok
I guess I was dissapointed in the book as the list of items I was givin to not eat does not necessairly coinside with the book.

Good, but uneven
As a source book for Interstitial Cystitis, this is very useful.As a cook book, it's not entirely trustworthy.The recipes I have used all have needed modification to work well.For example, the recipe for Spinach Feta Quiche calls for 2 ten ounce packages of frozen spinach, and a nine inch pie crust.I tried that, and the filling overflowed the pan when I put it in the crust.I used 1 package of spinach the next time, and it was just the right amount, and was delicious.Don't even try the microwave scrambled eggs.Like eating a sponge!

Simple, Appealing and Practical Diet Resource for IC Patients
Julie Beyer's latest book, "Confident Choices: A Cookbook for IC and Overactive bladder" will be a lovely addition to IC libraries around the world. A perfect complement to her first book "Confident Choices: Customizing the IC Diet," Julie uses this new publication to walk the novice patient through essential IC diet basics and she does it in a style that is simple, easy to understand and inherently practical.

As the first book written by a registered dietitian with IC, Julie's focus is on educating a patient about healthy, balanced diet, particularly for patients who feel confused and overwhelmed about what to eat when you have a tender, irritated bladder. It's a perfect resource for patients who are afraid to eat for fear of causing an IC flare. The section on "rescue menus" will be greatly appreciated by patients currently struggling with a sensitive bladder. Yes, Virginia, you can eat when you have IC but you must choose your foods carefully.

With a positive and encouraging tone and style, Julie reminds her readers about key nutrition basics. She focuses on keeping the IC diet simple and practical. Her are some highlights:

* She offers an excellent list of IC friendly food substations. For example, pear or blueberry juice can be used in place of lemon juice or vinegar in many recipes.
* For patients embarking on an elimination diet, she offers a step by step guide on how to determine which, if any, foods you are sensitive to.
* She offers sample menu ideas for every meal
* A variety of very appealing recipes for each meal are included
* The printable shopping list will help patients ....

Some of you may wonder how this book differs from the best selling "A Taste of the Good Life: A Cookbook for an IC Diet," written by Bev Laumann. Like Bev, Julie has an impressive knowledgebase. You know that you're reading material that has been created with a tremendous amount of thought and research. Where Bev's book is ideal for patients who love to cook and spend time in the kitchen, Julie's books are perfect for patients who want to approach diet simply or who simply don't want to spent a lot of time cooking. The recipes are simple and very appealing.
... Read more

Product Description
Classic urinary tract infection and inflammation has pain, frequency, bleeding, backache and /or fever in any order or combination. It is also known as cystitis. No figures are kept because it is so very common, but in the 25 years since Angela introduced self-help and prevention, attacks in the UK have dropped by 50% from their high in 1971 when they were over 25 million a year. The medical profession generally has not changed its treatments at all, still only offering antibiotics, poor quality urine sampling and futile trips to helpless urologists who may cause further procedural damage. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Very Informative
Having suffered from cystitis my entire life and only now that I am 38 figuring out that there is a name to this chronic problem, I am very relieved to know that it is not all in my mind and research has been done on the subject of interstitial cystitis. This book has answered a lot of my questions and some that I didn't know I had! I use it as a reference book and look up new facts whenever I am plagued by a new symptom or question. IC sufferers no longer have to live in the dark and suffer alone. They can educate themselves and feel confident in taking charge of their own health. I know I do! This book is the third book I have purchased on the subject of IC and I continue to educate myself as technology and research changes.

Urinary //tract Infections, Sexual Cystitis and Interstitial Cystitis
This book was so great I bought one for my family Doctor so he could help others and understand how cystitis works. It is a great reference and answer book.

The Patient's Encylopedia of Urinary Tract Infections
This book is interesting but I thought some of the suggestins were a little "weird".I thought a lot of the information wasn't really necessary, all I wanted to know was how to avoid getting urinary tract infectins.

An Absolute Must For Any Cystitis Sufferer
This is the Bible for the cystitis sufferer.Excellent tips and tools to help you deal with the discomfort and pain but most importantly to prevent infections from happening in the first place!I used to get UTI's every six months like clockwork but since I started following the instructions in this book I've taken control and know how to take better care of myself.Don't just keep suffering - do something about it and this is a great way to start. ... Read more