The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide: Your Guide to the Latest Treatment Options and... by Robert M. Moldwin

Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
I usually do not get self-help books, but since finding out for the second time in twenty years that I have full blown IC and being told to read some books on this...well, if I have to do it, this is an excellent book for reference. It is hard to find physicians that are willing to treat their women patients and the female public at large as if we have half a brain. This doctor writes clearly and concisely, but he doesn't 'dummy' down the topic, nor does he patronize the women who are going to be the major group purchasing this book. The last time I was diagnosed with IC was in 1983. Apparently things have changed significantly in this field since then. When I was first diagnosed I was only 24 or so, and it was hell trying to get anyone to recognize I had a 'real' problem which was not female related, nor was it 'all in my head'. My husband and I were frantic to find a solution, and at that time they did not understand what was causing this nor basic treatments for it, though they were experimenting with DMSO which eventually solved the problem for several years. The tendency for many doctors to dismiss my pain and agony of this condition as being 'mental' was the first step on my path to med school and neuroscience in spite of my deafness. This book provides all the current information that a patient needs to know. I actually read the book in an evening, it was that clear. Since knowing what doctors usually write like in medical journal Moldwin deserves praise for writing such an understandable and intelligent book! I am beginning to realize that this condition is obviously something which plagues a lot of women (and to be fair, some men). I also am pleased to note that finally it is being taken seriously by physicians, and that most likely, this is something I will have to spend my life dealing with. It certainly makes it easier to deal with it (and knowing I will have to have outpatient procedures) when I know the doctors take it seriously. I've already implemented some of this doctor's recommendations and find they are helping somewhat. I highly recommend this book to anyone going through this, and I also recommend contacting a support group (I cannot since I am deaf) which will help deal with the emotional and mental fallout from this condition.Karen Sadler,Science Education,University of Pittsburgh