Several hundred thousand people are afflicted in Canada, and it is estimated that half of these people go from doctor to doctor seeking a diagnosis for their ailment!
Interstitial cystitis (I.C.) is a chronic disorder of the urinary tract characterized by inflammation of the bladder, the causes of which are unknown. Although stress and diet can trigger attacks and intensify pain, they are not the cause.
Symptoms :
– frequent urination, day and night;
– need to urinate 30 or more times day and night;
– pain inthe abdomen, urethra, bladder, vagina, penis, lower back and pelvic region;
– the pain can be very violent and powerful, and should not be taken lightly;
– difficulty in urinating, which increases as the disease progresses.
Diagnosis: this is one of the most difficult diseases to diagnose. Diagnosis is by exclusion, meaning that all other possibilities must be ruled out before confirming IC, including cancer.
Until recently, there was a C.I. organization in Quebec that had been operating for 15 years. Unfortunately, it closed its doors, but I hope to remedy the situation in the coming weeks.
If you would like information or advice on how to ease the pain, please contact me at:martin4218@hotmail.com.
For more information and resources on IC, visit our “Mosaic of communities” page, “Interstitial cystitis” section.