y: Today like many days is not a good day for me. As I prepare to go sit in a tub of extremely hot water to try to get some type of relief my spirit is weak and tired. The pain is often intense and has not subsided since I was stricken with this disease. When I was 23 years old, I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the bladder, its cause is unknown. Unlike common cystitis, IC is not caused by bacteria and does not respond to conventional antibiotic therapy. IC can affect people of any age, race or sex. Recent epidemiological data suggest that there may be greater than 700,000 cases of IC in the US. The disease has left my bladder scarred, stiff and thin and because of this, urine toxins leak into my surrounding tissues. I experience the following symptoms daily, day frequency of urination, the sensation of having to urinate immediately, which may also be accompanied by pain, pressure or spasms, testicular, scrotal and perineal pain plus muscle and joint pain. I have experienced additional symptoms within the last few months that include increased muscle aches and swelling in my upper spinal area. I am 27 years old and I feel like an old man, which is very scary. This disease depresses me greatly. I often think about dying at a young age crippled in a hospital bed. I live in pain everyday and I thank God that at least all days are not as bad as today. I am reaching out to you all because I need your prayers and support. I know my prayer is that they one day a cure will be found for this painful disease. There are only treatments, which only provide limited and short relief. The following is a statement released by the Interstitial Cystitis Association. The effect of IC on an individual’s life should not be underestimated. IC can be debilitating and may cause the patient to experience feelings of helplessness and despair. Because of the ICA’s success in educating the scientific community about the seriousness of this condition, there has been great progress. Today, more than ever before, there is an improved understanding and awareness of IC by the medical community and the public at large. Privately and publicly sponsored research is underway to help find effective treatments and a cure for IC. Until that happens, the ICA will continue to help IC patients and their families deal with the effects of the disease by providing information, education and support. The ICA will also continue its efforts to educate the medical community and the public about interstitial cystitis and to fund research on IC. Please keep me in your prayers and God bless.
