An estimated three to eight million women and one to four million men in the USA, and millions more around the world, struggle with a rarely discussed pelvic pain condition, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/PBS). They struggle daily with debilitating levels of “razor blade” like pain in the pelvic area, particularly as their bladder fills with urine. Normal daily functions, like sleeping, sitting, driving, working and intimacy are difficult if not impossible.
Yet, mainstream media and society in general rarely talk about bladder diseases, nor are patients encouraged to seek care. Many are told that their symptoms are “all in their heads.” As a result, they can struggle with severe, disabling symptoms for years before obtaining a correct diagnosis. Many still suffer in silence at home alone.
A CALL-TO-ACTION has been issued by patients around the world to raise awareness for IC by observing IC Awareness Month in October 2010. We refuse to remain silent. We choose to fight back and to educate medical care providers and the community at large about the desperate plight of pelvic pain patients.
We have one simple goal for IC Awareness Month 2010 – to empower patients to educate their own communities and providers about IC. It takes more than one voice and more than one set of hands to do the job. We need hundreds if not thousands of patients who will devote just one day or even just one hour, in October, to reach others in their communities.
Continue reading “Interstitial Cystitis is an Urgent Public Health Problem” on the IC Awareness web site.
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