Dawna
The latest book on Interstitial Cystitis "To Wake In Tears" had many interesting facts and suggestions. I found that the book; however,was not on-point with regards to a few issues. First is the issue of the author claiming that she got IC from a cathetor, and second, the author claiming that she is cured. I do not believe that a cathetor placed in someone for a surgery would instantly create sores all over the bladder wall; hence, instantly destroying the bladder lining creating I.C.- An ulcerated, destroyed bladder lining is a true characteristic of I.C.. If a bladder is damaged by a cathetor, wouldn't the wound(s) just be of a physical nature and not one of a disease?? Second, the author rejoices because she is cured from I.C. No where in her story does it state that she had a cystoscopy with a hydrodistension to see if she was I.C. free. This procedure is the only way to properly confirm whether or not a person's bladder is inflicted with I.C. It disturbs me when false hope could be offered to an I.C. sufferer. I am not saying that going into remmission is a bad thing; however to be cured of I.C. is a far different issue. Remission will save precious moments, an I.C. cure will save a precious life. I am an I.C.sufferer, I can not say how I got I.C., but what I can say is that as far back as I can remember there were always signs of I.C. symptons. I just did not know what I.C. was to pay attention those signs. For years there were signs, but only when the symptom of pain flared up did I concentrate on what I had.