ICAMA

Anxiety and IC

mbrizman — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:40:07 -0800

Anxiety is probably the #2 issue that I deal with in treating this condition of IC. Second, to the bladder itself. If many of you have read my dissertation then you can certainly understand many of the reasons why this happens. In addition, it happens because there is a common message of no hope! To make matters worse, what others may express as their experience may bring anxiety to someone else unintentionally. I am posting today to first say, that I cannot discuss any of you with others of you, no way, never! And secondly to remind everyone, that, seriously, we are all so very different.

Orgasm! There--I said it!

mbrizman — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:20:44 -0800

Women are often embarrased to speak about their sexuality. More often than not, they have reall problems with sex and pretend that they do not. I cannot tell you the number of women that see me and tell me how they "fake" it with their significant others. While others may even worse, pretend to not have pain!!! This is especially common with women (and men) who have IC or other related chronic inflammatory conditions. The facinating thing, is that when the body is treated holistically for that chronic condition, such as the IC, the peripheral problems go away, i.e., problems orgasming or painful sex. In my humble opinion, this is the way in which the human body should be approached.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

mbrizman — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:19:13 -0800

Preventing and treating colds and flus is common place in my profession. We do not advise flu shots. Many patients insist that they must get one each year. There are manyr easons why we might suggest against, here is one:

http://www.naturalnews.com/023662.html

Week End Reading: The bridge is being built slowly, but surely.

mbrizman — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:02:02 -0800

http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/2008/01/09/embracing-alternativ...

One more note for Week's End

mbrizman — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:00:32 -0800

I had a new patient this week. Actually, not an IC patient, but a child of an IC patient. That patient quit their job bc of debilitating symptoms that made it impossible to fly for work regularly. This patient is brand new. On the opposite side of the spectrum, I have a patient that has been in treatment for I think one year now, and this person just accepted a job in a foreign country that will mandate monthly air travel and a whole new set of environmental and cultural challenges, and this person felt up to the task. This would not have been possible on year ago. The contrast between these two individuals, espcially coming in the same week illustrates the contrast of finding the path and the change that comes with the journey along it.

Week's end

mbrizman — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:30:11 -0800

Well, somehow another week has passed and it is Friday. Time moves too quickly these days. And, in looking back on this week I think the thing that stands out in my mind (in reviewing the forum conversations and conversations with patients) the most is the struggle for each of you to defend your dietary and treatment practices (choices) to others. I think there is a huge chasm in thinking between Western medicine and alternative medicine--and this chasm extends to dietary practices as well. There is so much to say on this subject, but trying to keep things simple, I hope I may humbly interject some suggestions: 1) don't try to defend your ideas to others. It takes a lot of energy to do this. That energy may be better spent on trying to rest and get yourself better.

Tragic

mbrizman — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:50:28 -0800

Someone told me some very disturbing news today about a person who killed herself bc she had IC and other chronic health problems.

I dont know more than this, but, I do know how heavy-hearted it feels to know that someone ended her life because she felt that she could never be healthy again. In thinking on this, I am reminded of how desperate a person can be to be truly heard when suffering with chronic illness. And, how many accusations of "this is in your head" kind of mentality faces them. When I listen to stories about anyone, but especially a young person ending his or her own life I think to myself--did anyone listen?

Not Exactly IC--But Massively Important!

mbrizman — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:03:25 -0800

Aside from learning how to take better care of ourselves. We need to learn how to take better care of our environment and the health of our society and our world from so many different perspectives. Pleaser ead this article and let's all make a difference!

http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080506/MULTIMED...

Week's End

mbrizman — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:30:11 -0800

As I was glancing at the topics of conversation this week, I noticed commentary on the emotional section of my dissertation. I was really touched by Jeanette's response regarding parenting and bowel function. In writing the dissertation, I was so focused on the explanation, it never really occurred to me that it might change the parenting of my adult patients thereby changing the course of thier children's lives. What are great thing! Education encompassing so many aspects of our lives and our health is fundamental to not only the treatment, but the prevention of this condition. And, that this writing is beginning to have a positive momentum in this direction really touches my heart. (click read more for continued blog)