ICA Regional Forum / Detroit
Saturday, September 8, 2007

The Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel, Detroit, Michigan
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with Registration from 12 Noon to 1 pm

Featured Guest Speakers
David Burks, MD, and Donna Carrico, NP

Please click here to register today

Or

call 1-800-HELP ICA.

1.2 Recent Senate and House Language a Testament to Strong Advocacy Efforts

Recent specific bill language from the Senate and House indicates just how much all of our persistent advocacy efforts are paying off. Thanks to each and every one of you for your hard work throughout the year that helped to make such strong Senate and House support a reality. This language is so important because it is a directive to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that requires them to fulfill the commitment stated in the language:

The Senate bill language reads:

NIDDK
Interstitial Cystitis [IC] and Painful Bladder Syndrome [PBS]. The Committee is concerned by a pattern of inconsistent funding at the NIDDK on IC/PBS-specific research, and it urges the Institute to make a sustained investment in this area. The Committee urges the NIDDK to issue a request for applications for IC/PBS-specific research in areas that examine predisposition/risk factors, underlying cellular and molecular pathology of IC/PBS and the association/cross-sensitization of IC/PBS with other disorders/diseases. The Committee also encourages translational research in IC/PBS that includes pilot therapy testing and early intervention of lifestyle/behavioral changes to prevent or lessen symptoms. The Committee remains concerned about the lack of clarity surrounding the nomenclature and definition of IC, and it urges the NIDDK to host a meeting of international IC experts that specifically addresses these issues not only to update its own research criteria and clarify its investigative questions on IC but also to ensure that the United States continues to be at the forefront of all IC research activities. In addition, the Committee is discouraged by the lack of progress in the NIDDK-funded RAND study on the epidemiology of IC. The NIDDK is urged to take an active role in the last two years of this study to ensure that any design flaws are addressed, experts are consulted and it is well executed.

CDC
Interstitial Cystitis. The Committee understands the burden of lack of information regarding interstitial cystitis and supports the continuation of these activities at $100,000 over the fiscal year 2007 funding level within the health promotion increase.

The House bill language reads:

NIDDK
Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome IC/PBS. The Committee is concerned about the lack of clarity surrounding the definition of IC and suggests that NIDDK host a meeting of international IC experts that specifically addresses these issues to update its research criteria and clarify its investigative questions on IC. The Committee encourages NIDDK to support research in areas that examine predisposition/risk factors, underlying cellular and molecular pathology of IC/PBS and the association/cross-sensitization of IC/PBS with other disorders/diseases. The Committee also suggests that NIDDK fund translational research in IC/PBS that would include pilot therapy testing and early intervention of lifestyle/behavioral changes to prevent/lessen symptoms. The Committee encourages NIDDK to take an active role in ongoing studies of the epidemiology of IC in order to address design issues and to ensure the consultation of outside experts.

CDC
Interstitial cystitis. The Committee is pleased by the progress made by CDC on educating the public and professional communities about interstitial cystitis (IC). In addition to generating public attention to IC, the Committee encourages CDC to develop and implement a comprehensive structured outreach plan for the provider community.

1.3 News from The Society for Urologic Nurses and Associates

The Society for Urologic Nurses and Associates (SUNA) recently published in their journal, Urologic Nursing, a continuing medical education (CME) article on IC by ICA Medical Advisory Board member, John Warren, MD of the University of Maryland.

The article discusses the importance of urologic nurses in caring for patients with IC. In the June 2007 article, Dr. Warren reviews the typical diagnosis and therapy for this chronic disease. He says urologic nurses have a key role in helping patients manage the disease, as well as providing sensitive counseling and treatment.

According to Dr. Warren, just-diagnosed patients need considerable guidance, so developing a receptive and supportive relationship with a caregiver is key. Most patients find some relief with medication, surgical procedures, and complementary medicine. Urologic nurses can help patients express their anger, develop a self-help program, and identify activities that exacerbate the condition. (Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome; John W. Warren, MD; Urologic Nursing; June 2007; www.suna.org)

To view the article in its entirety, please click here.

1.4 Second Annual Central Ohio Regional IC Meeting will be in September!

September 15, 2007
Wexner Hall
College of Veterinary Medicine
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio

This year's meeting will provide an opportunity to learn from speakers who are authorities in various aspects of the treatment of IC and related disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel disease, and chronic pelvic pain, as well as learn about recent developments in the understanding of the causes and treatments of these problems.
Participants will also be able to:

+ Meet other people living with IC and related disorders
+ Obtain books and other materials
+ Speak with representatives about products to help people living with these disorders

Registration fee is $25, and RSVP is required.

Please click here for more information including registration instructions.

1.5 ICA Medical Advisory Board Member Heads New Pelvic Pain Center

ICA Medical Advisory Board member Robert Moldwin, MD, is now the Director of the Urological Pelvic Pain Center at The Arthur Smith Institute for Urology. The Smith Institute is part of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System's Center for Advanced Medicine.

The new Urological Pelvic Pain Center specializes in the treatment of IC, pelvic floor dysfunction, vulvodynia, chronic prostatitis, and chronic testicular pain. It is one of the few academic centers in the world that provides specialized care in these areas.

The Smith Institute for Urology has a newly designed website that features innovative presentations on IC and related topics.

Click here to check out Dr. Moldwin on The Institute's new website.

Click here to view The Institute's website comprehensive section on IC.

1.6 University of Maryland June Newsletter Now Available Online

Please check out the latest online edition of the University of Maryland Interstitial Cystitis Center newsletter. This new issue is packed with the latest information and findings about The Center's very impressive research projects.

To read the free newsletter, please click here.

2. Voices in the IC Community

2.1 Two Well-Known IC Physicians Recently Promoted

Ananias Diokno, MD

Kenneth Peters, MD

Michigan's Beaumont Hospitals has named Kenneth Peters, MD as the new chair of the department of urology. Dr. Peters is replacing Ananias Diokno, MD, who was promoted in September to executive vice president and chief medical officer of the Royal Oak-based health system.

Both familiar names to many in the IC community, Dr. Peters did his residency and fellowship training under Dr. Diokno at Beaumont Hospital.

Dr. Peters is internationally known for his work on nerve rerouting surgery, interstitial cystitis, and neuromodulation, a developing field that involves implanted devices to treat nervous system disorders.

Our congratulations to Dr. Peters and Dr. Diokno!

2.2 Cyclist on the Move for IC this Summer

Lucy and her son, Chase, testing out the latest Trek bikes.

Once again this June, ICA member Lucy Lehner, RN, along with her son, Chase, both of Marion, Ohio, cycled more than 400 miles in the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA).

Now Lucy is riding all the way across the state of Ohio to help to raise funds for the many efforts of the ICA. Our thanks to Lucy for her tireless dedication and effort!

To read Lucy's recent Marion Star Letter to the Editor, please click here.

To read coverage of Lucy's 2005 GOBA cycling adventure, please click here.

2.3 American Pain Foundation Website Features IC Patient Story

The American Pain Foundation's website features the moving story of the struggles and frustrations of one woman with IC. The woman, Debbie, gives kudos to the ICA for helping her to locate a pain clinic that understood her condition and helped to treat her chronic pain.

To read this story in its entirety, please click here.

3. News YOU Can Use!

3.1 Henry Ford Pelvic Pain Clinic Offers Hope to Women

From Henry Ford News:

For 33-year-old Deanna Kane of Grosse Pointe Woods, having her monthly period was not just a minor inconvenience. For almost 20 years she suffered from excessive pain around the time of her menstrual cycle. "I would be nauseated for days and would literally lie on the couch in a fetal position from the severe pain," she says. Mrs. Kane, a mother of two who is going to school to become a veterinary technician, is not alone. Studies have shown that chronic pelvic pain affects up to 15 percent of American women at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, the disorder can be difficult to manage, causing many women to go through several unsuccessful treatments including surgery only to find that the source of the pain has not been taken care of.

Henry Ford Hospital's Center for Pelvic Pain has brought hope to many women who have been unsuccessfully treated in the past. The center offers women a team of specialists including a doctor and nurse as well as mental health specialists and physical therapists to better treat what is often a complex condition. Just a few conditions that can cause pelvic pain include endometriosis, pelvic infection and/or scarring, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis, lower back pain, abdominal muscle pain, and fibromyalgia.

After almost 20 years of major suffering and unsuccessful treatments, Mrs. Kane was successfully treated by David Eisenstein, MD, the director of pelvic pain and laparoscopic services at Henry Ford. She was diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain due to endometriosis and adenomyosis, a condition caused by abnormal growth of uterine lining tissue both inside and outside the uterus.

"Prior to seeing Dr. Eisenstein, I experienced a very high level of frustration in not being able to find a cure for my pain," says Mrs. Kane. "Dr. Eisenstein truly seemed to understand what I was going through and offered a comprehensive treatment plan. I was surprised at the minimal pain and recovery time after the surgery and, most importantly, I have been pain free since I had the procedure." says Mrs. Kane.

Although Mrs. Kane was successfully treated with surgery, Dr. Eisenstein is quick to point out that surgery in not always the answer to treating chronic pelvic pain. "One unique aspect of our center is that we provide a detailed evaluation of the patient and the condition and offer patients a variety of treatment options. Although surgery can provide a cure for some patients, it is often not the first recommended treatment plan," he says.

According to Dr. Eisenstein, the source of pelvic pain can be very difficult to diagnose and many other treatment options can be very successful in managing the condition. "Surgery in the wrong patient can worsen the pain," he says. Treatment options in addition to surgery include physical therapy and specific medication therapy as well as supportive help,l including behavioral therapy and access to complementary medicine.

For further information on treatment options for chronic pelvic pain, call 313-916-0162.

Click here to read this article on the Henry Ford Hospital website.

3.2 The Latest CFIDS Association Media Coverage

The CFIDS Association's local media outreach to inform reporters about CFS has generated two excellent newspaper stories in the Boston area:

- Mansfield resident Meaghan Peterson is the focus of a section cover story about CFS in the Sunday Sun-Chronicle. You can read the article at by clicking here.

- The Eagle-Tribune features CFS in the health pages, based on interviews with local patient Jean Harrison and the Association's president & CEO, Kim McCleary. View this article at by clicking here.

Also, Fox's The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet highlights CFS with interviews with patients and physicians. (7/24/07): click here to view.

And, the New York Times Science section feature includes interviews with researchers, clinicians and PWCs. (7/17/07): click here to view.

3.3 ICA Call to Action!

Share the YouTube IC Public Service Announcement!
Be sure to share our recent public service announcement! This media spot, produced by the ICA and featuring ICA Medical Advisory Board member Robert Moldwin, MD, and IC patient advocate, Mary Ellen Altieri, RN, began airing in June. Help us to get the word out by sending the following YouTube link to your friends, family, loved ones, and healthcare providers --- anyone whom you want to better understand your condition.

Here is the YouTube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myjd4UMtCfw

Pass it around!

Thanks for your support of this ICA Call to Action!

From the ICA Mailroom:

Thanks again for all your help. This is such a wonderful service the ICA offers [IC Question Corner]. - Kelli M.

4. The Latest IC Research Highlights

Michigan Study Associates Abuse with IC
Peters KM, Kalinowski SE, Carrico DJ, Ibrahim IA, Diokno AC. Fact or Fiction-Is Abuse Prevalent in Patients With Interstitial Cystitis? Results from a Community Survey and Clinic Population. J Urol. 2007 Jul 13; [Epub ahead of print]

These researchers surveyed women with IC and with symptoms of IC, compared the answers with those of controls, and concluded that rates of abuse are higher in women with IC than other women. The IC group included 215 patients with a definite diagnosis of IC and 121 with a medical history that suggested IC. The control group included 464 age-matched women in the United States without IC symptoms. Thirty-seven percent of the IC group reported a history of abuse (including emotional, physical, or sexual), and 22 percent of controls did, a difference that is statistically significant. The investigators looked at incidence and types of abuse in a smaller group of women with IC in their own clinic with IC. In that group, 49 percent reported a history of abuse, a higher proportion than in the investigators' wider survey. Of those reporting abuse, 92 percent reported emotional abuse, 78 percent reported physical abuse, 68 percent reported sexual abuse, and 49 percent reported domestic violence. Clinicians should assess for abuse in women with IC or pelvic pain and refer patients who have been abused to psychologists or other healthcare workers to provide comprehensive care for managing their symptoms. More research is needed to evaluate the role of biopsychosocial therapies, in addition to traditional IC medical therapies, for women with a history of abuse and IC, the researchers said.

Follow-up Study Confirms Poor Response to BCG
Propert KJ, Mayer R, Nickel JC, Payne CK, Peters KM, Teal V, Burks D, Kusek JW, Nyberg LM, Foster HE; Interstitial Cystitis Clinical Trials Group. Did Patients With Interstitial Cystitis Who Failed to Respond to Initial Treatment With Bacillus Calmette-Guérin or Placebo in a Randomized Clinical Trial Benefit From a Second Course of Open Label Bacillus Calmette-Guérin? J Urol. 2007 Jul 13; [Epub ahead of print]

A controlled, randomized study of bacille Calmette-Guérin for IC published in 2005 did not show the treatment to be statistically any better than placebo. A follow-up trial corroborates that conclusion. When the first trial ended, patients who didn't get benefit from BCG were offered the chance to use it again. Of those, 156 decided to try the therapy. Of those, 18 (12 percent) dropped out of the follow-up. Among the remainder, based on their assessment of whether they were better, no better, or worse, only 18 percent said they had experienced improvement. That's the same proportion as in both the placebo group and treatment group in the controlled, randomized study. Some patients had small improvements in their condition based on other measurements. Nearly everyone who participated in this study had some negative effects (called "adverse events"), primarily pain, but also genitourinary symptoms and gastrointestinal disturbances. The rate of adverse events, however, wasn't larger for these patients than for those who had received BCG in the first study. However, there was no difference in adverse events between those who received BCG in the first study and those who didn't. These results are a further argument against routine use of BCG for IC, said the authors.

Research Reveals Role of APF in Basic Cell Processes
Kim J, Keay SK, Dimitrakov JD, Freeman MR. p53 mediates interstitial cystitis antiproliferative factor (APF)-induced growth inhibition of human urothelial cells. FEBS Lett. 2007 Jul 2; [Epub ahead of print]

A study about antiproliferative factor (APF) physiology that took a great step forward in the basic science of APF and its role in IC was presented at the 2007 American Urological Association meeting. Now, the study has been published. These researchers discovered that APF increases the levels of a well-known protein, p53, which is a key regulator of normal cell function. The investigators artificially reduced production of p53 and found that it diminished the effects of APF. On the other hand, forcing production of p53 mimicked the effects of APF. That indicates, said the investigators, that p53 is likely a mediator of the biological effects of APF and implicates the network of p53 target genes in the defects in IC patients' bladder linings.

Basic Research Supports Neurogenic Pain, Organ Crosstalk Ideas
Rudick CN, Chen MC, Mongiu AK, Klumpp DJ. Organ Crosstalk Modulates Pelvic Pain. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2007 Jul 11; [Epub ahead of print]

This study in mice showed that disease that affects the spinal cord can result in bladder-based pelvic pain. Second, it showed that the bladder pain could be made worse when the mice had hot spice in their lower digestive tract, indicating that the pelvic organs affect each other and explaining how spicy food might cause problems for IC patients. Third, it showed that anesthetic in the bladder or colon can ease the pelvic pain. The mice (all female) received injections of a virus at the tail base. The mice had progressive pelvic pain, determined by how they reacted to light touch in the pelvic area with hair-like filaments. The pain was alleviated by instillation of anesthetic into either the bladder or the colon, but not the uterus. The bladders of the infected mice showed markers of inflammation and increased blood vessel "leakiness." Their pelvic pain was also worse when they received a low dose of the hot pepper substance capsaicin in the colon. The colon, however, showed no abnormalities and no blood vessel "leakiness." In addition to supporting the ideas that pelvic organs have "crosstalk" in pelvic pain conditions and that pain in one organ can be prompted by something in another pelvic organ, the study also suggests how dietary modification can benefit patients with pelvic pain such as IC.

Registry Needed to Study Nerve Damage in Surgery, Pelvic Pain
Chartier-Kastler E, Ayoub N, Mozer P, Richard F, Ruffion A. Neurourological consequences of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic repair surgery. [Article in French] Prog Urol. 2007 May;17(3):385-92.

By reviewing the medical literature, these urologists tried to get a handle on whether nerve damage from incontinence surgery might result in complications later, such as pelvic pain or further urinary problems. After this type of surgery, the most common problem is acute urinary retention, which might be related to nerve damage but which is often related to obstruction. Postoperative pelvic pain can also be related to nerve damage, but it can be accentuated by some previously undiagnosed spinal or hip problem. These reviewers said there really is little to prove that neurologic damage is responsible and that the best way to get a good idea of what is responsible is to develop patient registries for similar groups of patients so that the data can be analyzed in the future.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Helps Some Severe Cases of IC
Tanaka T, Kawashima H, Makino T, Kamikawa S, Kato N, Nakatani T. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for interstitial cystitis resistant to conventional treatments. Int J Urol. 2007 Jun;14(6):563-5.

A report of two cases of IC helped by hyperbaric oxygen bolsters the good results of a controlled study in Germany of this treatment. The two patients had IC that wasn't helped by conventional therapies. The patients underwent 20 sessions of inhaling 100 percent oxygen at 2 atmospheres of pressure, 60 minutes a day, five days a week for four weeks. One patient was followed up for 12 months and the other for 9 months. Hunner's ulcers disappeared and patients' pain and urinary frequency improved. The patients had no severe side effects from the treatment. One woman had mild problems with the tubes from her ears to her throat, giving her a temporary problem with hearing.

TRP Proteins Related to Bladder Disease, IC
Birder LA. TRPs in bladder diseases. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2007 Apr 20; [Epub ahead of print]

This article is a review that pulls together information about transient receptor proteins (TRPs) and their receptors and their potential role in the urinary tract. There are 28 TRP "channels," which have been subdivided into seven categories or families. The subfamily, called group 1, is expressed in the lower urinary tract. The subfamily includes TRPV, TRPM, and TRPA proteins, which are thought to play a role in regulation of fluids and signaling chemical and mechanical processes. TRPV1 is the best understood and is thought to be involved in a number of bladder disorders. The TRPV1 receptor is referred to as the vanilloid or capsaicin receptor.

Urologic Problems Will Have Major Social Impact
Litman HJ, McKinlay JB. The future magnitude of urological symptoms in the USA: projections using the Boston Area Community Health survey. BJU Int. 2007 Jun 6; [Epub ahead of print]

Based on the data from the Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey, researchers project that 52 million adults in the United States will have lower urinary tract symptoms, urine leakage, what they called "painful bladder syndrome," or prostatitis in 2025. The symptoms will have a large impact on physical and mental quality of life that is comparable with other chronic conditions. Taken together, these conditions may reach the level of impact that cardiovascular disease (which is considered a "modern epidemic") has now, wrote the authors. They noted that these projections have important implications for medical education, training of healthcare providers, health-services research, and policy and patient education.

Consensus Meeting Tackles Definition, Sets Course for Future
Chancellor MB. A Multidisciplinary Consensus Meeting on IC/PBS: Outcome of the Consensus Meeting on Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome, February 10, 2007, Washington, DC. Rev Urol. 2007 Spring;9(2):81-3.

The Washington, DC, Consensus Group on Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome (IC/PBS) met in February 2007 and produced majority statements defining IC/PBS and supporting the possibility of cautious and deliberate nomenclature change. The 23 participants included researchers, urologists, obstetrician-gynecologists, pain specialists, nurse practitioners, a registered nurse, a pharmacist, and patients. A majority of the group agreed on this definition of IC/painful bladder syndrome (PBS): Pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort related to the bladder, typically associated with persistent urge to void or urinary frequency, in the absence of infection or other pathology. The majority also issued a statement on the potential IC/PBS name change, which recognized that, although the name of IC/BPS may need to change, it shouldn't be changed now because of lack of evidence to support it and also that IC should be retained in the name and positioned first. The group also identified areas that need to be studied, including the definition of the disease, the natural history of the disease, criteria for diagnosis, and effectiveness of treatments. The group will ask the NIDDK to consider updating diagnostic criteria for research. In addition, the consensus meeting members, the ICA, and the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP) will develop state-of-the-art IC educational material for the public and healthcare providers.

Your support is essential for our future ability to serve the thousands of people with IC struggling daily. Every day, people with IC tell us that the ICA is their lifeline -- often their only place to turn for critically needed support and information. The ICA needs your help to continue this momentum into 2007 and beyond. To make your donation right now, please click here. or call 1-800-HELP ICA! The Interstitial Cystitis Association is an independent, registered nonprofit organization that relies upon private donations to fund its programs (including its own research program), services, and distribution of educational materials. Your contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

ICA Resources

NEW! Because You Care: Being Your Own Best Advocate

Living with IC and related conditions can be a challenge. This new booklet in our Because you Care series is designed to help people with IC meet the challenges of chronic illness and find validation, comfort, and relief. We have found that it is very helpful for people with IC to become actively involved in the management of their condition and to be strong advocates for themselves. After all, no one knows as well as you do what it is like to BE you!

Topics covered include medication issues, employment issues, educational issues, insurance issues, disability issues, and three chapters focusing on navigating daily challenges in your own life.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW!

https://secure3.realssl.com/ichelp/store/shop.cgi?page=Topic04.html#BKBYCA07

The Many Faces of IC People Living with Interstitial Cystitis: Their Stories

The ICA has brought together a collection of some of our most popular and inspiring patient stories that we have had the privilege of publishing over the past several years.

This book contains 100-plus pages of inspirational and moving profiles of people living with IC. The Many Faces of IC includes portraits of men, women, and children from a multitude of cultural, ethnic, and philosophical backgrounds.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW!

https://secure3.realssl.com/ichelp/store/shop.cgi?page=Topic10.html#BKMF06

Because You Care: Exploring the Unique Intimacy Issues of People with Interstitial Cystitis

Another first for the IC world from the ICA a booklet about sexual intimacy issues and challenges written from the patient's perspective!

This one-of-a-kind booklet is written especially for people with IC and their intimate partners, offering insight into how IC affects sexuality, as well as successful coping strategies for achieving and maintaining rewarding intimate relationships while living with IC.

The 45-page Because You Care booklet focuses on the following challenges of sexual intimacy and IC: physical, psychological, emotional, social, spiritual, cultural, and other special concerns, such as medications and the concerns of men who suffer from IC.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW!

https://secure3.realssl.com/ichelp/store/shop.cgi?page=Topic04.html#BKBYCI06

IC: Current Concepts Part Two of the ICA's Video Series

This video presentation was recorded at the ICA's University of Maryland Regional IC Forum that took place at the Hyatt Regency in Arlington, VA, in September 2005. The keynote speaker was 2003 National Book Award winner, Carlos Eire, PhD, a Yale University professor who is an IC sufferer. Featured presenters included clinicians and researchers from the University of Maryland: Toby Chai, MD; Susan Keay, MD, PhD; and John Warren, MD. ICA Founder and President, Vicki Ratner, MD, moderated the event.

The most current IC research is explained by the researchers themselves. IC: Current Concepts is designed for both IC patients and healthcare providers. The presentation is available in both DVD and VHS formats.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW!

https://secure3.realssl.com/ichelp/store/shop.cgi?page=Topic09.html#UM05

ALSO AVAILABLE: For those of you who prefer reading IC presentations, we have published a written transcript of IC: Current Concepts.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW!

https://secure3.realssl.com/ichelp/store/shop.cgi?page=Topic01.html#TRUM05

Our Pocket Guide Series Continues!

IC: Expert Opinions, Volume II

With IC: Expert Opinions, Volume II, we have assembled some of the top experts in the field of IC to explore specific topics and special concerns that people with IC often ask about. This is the fourth addition to our Pocket Guide series. Physicians included in Expert Opinions, Volume II: Robert Evans, MD; Christopher Payne, MD; Susan Keay, MD; John Warren, MD; and Kristene Whitmore, MD.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW!

https://secure3.realssl.com/ichelp/store/shop.cgi?page=Topic01.html#XOP205

5. Upcoming Conferences

International Continence Society 37th Annual Meeting
ICS 2007
Rotterdam, Netherlands
20 August 2007 to 24 August 2007
Click here to visit the event web site.

ICA Regional Forum / Detroit
Saturday, September 8, 2007

The Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel, Detroit, Michigan
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with Registration from 12 Noon to 1 pm

Please click here to register today or call 1-800-HELP ICA.

Second Annual Central Ohio Regional IC Meeting
September 15, 2007
Wexner Hall, College of Veterinary Medicine
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio

Please click here for more information including registration instructions.

SUNA 38th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 12-16, 2007
Hyatt Regency
Phoenix, AZ

This year's conference will offer a variety of topics and outstanding speakers. Whether your goal is to learn more about urologic medications, influence health policy, or learn the latest in urologic technologies, there is something for everyone. Preconference workshops on basic urology, advanced practice, and certification review will also be offered. This conference will help you improve your patient care, broaden your horizons, and reach new heights in career satisfaction.

For more information, visit SUNA's website at /portals/0/images/cafeica/www.suna.org or call toll free 1-888-TAP-SUNA.
Click here to visit the event web site.

American Public Health Association
2007 Annual Meeting & Exposition
November 3-7, 2007
Washington, DC

SUNA 2008 ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM
February 28 - March 2, 2008
Tampa Waterside Hotel and Marina
Tampa, FL

This conference, focusing on pelvic pain and pelvic floor disorders, will offer a variety of topics and outstanding speakers, from basic workshops to advanced practice content, all offering current evidence-based information. A certificate of completion will be offered to attendees completing the Urodynamics track. For more information or to submit an abstract, visit SUNA's website at /portals/0/images/cafeica/www.suna.org or call toll free 1-888-TAP-SUNA

6. Products That Can Help YOU Today!

CystoProtek®: CystoProtek®, a patent-protected natural oral dietary supplement in softgel capsule form, has been clinically demonstrated to relieve symptoms associated with interstitial cystitis. The anti-inflammatory properties of the chondroitin sulfate, quercetin and rutin in CystoProtek®’s unique natural formula reduce bladder damage and pain, while its glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronate sodium help replenish the damaged glycosaminoglycan (GAG) protective layer in the bladder.

CystoProtek®’s beneficial effects in interstitial cystitis are believed to be due to this dual action. In two clinical studies, CystoProtek® was well tolerated by patients and reported to be effective in reducing the pain and improving overall symptoms in many women with interstitial cystitis. To find out more about CystoProtek® please visit www.alavenpharm.com or call 888-317-0001.

Desert Harvest Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a powerful anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. A small clinical trial of Desert Harvest whole-leaf aloe vera capsules showed significant reduction in the symptoms of IC. Desert Harvest Aloe Vera’s active ingredient is a polysaccharide, which researchers believe may form an artificial GAG layer in the bladder.

Desert Harvest makes this very concentrated form of aloe vera just for IC patients. They remove the two chemicals in the aloe plant that cause diarrhea, and all of the water and fiber, leaving all of the other ingredients of the plant intact. Desert Harvest dries their aloe without heat. Heat can damage the active ingredients, and adds no fillers or preservatives.

For more information and a free sample, please visit www.desertharvest.com or call 1-800-222-3901.

LoFric Catheters: Astra Tech, Inc. is the maker of the LoFric hydrophilic catheters and kits for intermittent catheterization. LoFric is the only catheter in the world proven to reduce the risk of both UTIs and long-term complications. 100% latex-free. To find out more please visit www.lofric.com.

Prelief: AkPharma, Inc. makes Prelief, a dietary supplement containing calcium glycerophosphate that has been shown in research studies on IC patients to help reduce bladder pain and urinary urgency when used with acidic foods and beverages.

For more information about Prelief, please visit www.prelief.com or call (800) 994-4711.

Minute Maid Acid-Reduced Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate: This product can be found in the frozen food section of most supermarkets, alongside Minute Maid’s other juice products. Although it is reduced in acid, some IC patients may find that they need to dilute the concentrate with more water and/or add some Prelief to lessen the possibility of flaring IC symptoms.

To find out more please visit www.minutemaid.com.

Natural Touch Kaffree Roma: Roma is a multi-grain beverage with chicory that has a full-bodied taste similar to coffee, but without caffeine or tannic acids. It can be used as a coffee or hot cocoa substitute. Roma is distributed by Worthington Foods, a division of Kellogg's, and can be found in many major supermarkets.

To find out more, please click here.

Disclaimer: The ICA does not engage in the practice of medicine. It is not a medical authority nor does it claim to have medical knowledge. In all cases, the ICA recommends that you consult your own physician regarding any course of treatment or medication. © 2007 The Interstitial Cystitis Association. All Rights Reserved.