Interstitial Cystitis (IC) or “non-bacterial cystitis” is known as an immune system breakdown disorder because it typically appears if your immune system has been compromised. In IC, the space between the bladder lining and the bladder muscle is chronically inflamed- which will cause pressure and pain. Cracks in the bladder wall allow urine to irritate bladder tissue, leading to a breakdown in the lining of the bladder.
Interstitial Cystitis is not always considered a real ‘disease’ from the perspective of many doctors. When a patient is having the symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection, yet no bacteria is found – the doctor sends the patient away or may suggest they see a specialist who begins looking for more serious complications. The thought of an inflammation without bacteria present in the bladder, is never considered an issue unless they believe it is some sort of cancer or injury. Hence the name “non- bacterial cystitis”.
As for the majority of the medical community, there is no known cause and no known medical cure for Interstitial Cystitis. Some who suffer with Interstitial Cystitis have found help with a drug called Elmiron. But with all drugs, there can be strong side effects. Medical treatments and procedures, such as stretching the urethra, catheters & self catheterization, also a procedure done under anesthesia called Hydrodistention, have helped some, but the amount is a small percentage.
But there is hope! Andrea Nichol’s relates her experience with Interstitial Cystitis over a 6 year period and the agonizing pain and discomfort she lived with before she took matters into her own hands.
For more information and steps to heal from Interstitial Cystitis read more from Andrea Nichols’ story at:
http://www.evenbetterhealth.com/interstitial-cystitis.asp?gclid=CIDp3On_9LICFegWMgodkhUAww
