If you’re among around one million individuals living in the United States living with interstitial cystitis, often referred to as IC You’re aware that this condition has a major impact on your day-to-day life. However, you need to know that you’re not on your own since there are numerous organizations and support groups that are aware of the struggles associated of people suffering from interstitial cystitis. These groups provide valuable resources and advice on coping with, living, and flourishing with the illness.
If there’s no organization or group to deal with IC within your local area or in your neighborhood, you could begin your own group by contacting the Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) which will provide helpful advice regarding becoming an ICA support group leader. Beginning your own group can be extremely rewarding since you’ll be playing actively in connecting people together with the same problems.
Once you’ve created your group, you need to spread the word to announce your upcoming meetings. A lot of general practitioners, urologists as well as gynecologists and hospitals will put up announcements in their waiting rooms with information about the most appropriate support groups for their patients. Informational flyers are available in the libraries, in supermarkets and on bulletin boards in community and in hospital newsletters. Some groups host guests like pain management experts and provide participants with informative handouts with the latest information regarding IC.
A few of the subjects and issues that are discussed during the common IC support group meetings are:
Treatment topics, including conventional as well as alternative strategies
Nutrition, diet, and exercise
Self-help techniques and tips
– Treatment of pain
– Reduction of stress
– Pregnancy and sexuality with IC
Support groups are an excellent way to share personal experiences with others who are able to offer support and up-to-date information on interstitial cystitis. Even though IC is prevalent in women and men of all ethnic and social classes, many people aren’t aware of the condition and its pain-inducing results. Many aren’t comfortable discussing the illness with people who do not suffer from it.