One of the best ways to adjust to having a chronic illness like interstitial cystitis is to meet other people who are learning to cope with a similar condition. In fact, patients who participate in local or online support groups generally express a higher level of well-being than those who do not have support. Not only do patients benefit from sharing coping strategies with each other, but also, many support groups invite leading IC researchers and physicians to share the latest information about treatments.IC support groups can be found in nearly every state. Some are sponsored by physician offices or clinics and others are run by veteran IC patients. Some support groups meet regularly in person, others provide primarily phone or email support. Both the Interstitial Cystitis Network and the Interstitial Cystitis Association have support group listings.
What if you are too sick to go to a meeting or the meetings in your area are not convenient? You may want to try the Interstitial Cystitis Network's Online Support Forum. The nice thing about an online support group is the 24/7 accessibility. You may even meet someone from your area that can help you find local resources!
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate
Take Control and Help Yourself!
For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: Confident Choices®: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.
For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: Confident Choices®: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder
For health care workers: Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators
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