The Interstitial Cystitis Solution

I am a urologist in Atlanta and I have been treating IC since 1985.A patient suggested this book to me and I read it and reviewed it this weekend.I am sending an email on Monday to suggest that all 2500 of my IC patients read this book.There are NO new treatment options in the book. But, it does an excellent job of explaining theissues with IC and outlining the possible treatments.Ms. Cozean is a physical therapist and the section on the relationship between the pelvic floor and IC is amust read!I have never recommended a book to my patients and I strongly suggest that all ICpatients read this book!I have NO relationship with the author and indeed, have never heard of her before last Friday.I am delighted to have this book to suggest to my many IC patients.Thank-you!!

Written by Nicole and Jesse Cozean, the Interstitial Cystitis Solution is the best book written about interstitial cystitis in twenty years. If you are newly diagnosed with IC/BPS, it will give you a road map on how to approach your treatment and self care. If you’re a grizzled IC veteran, it provides the latest information about why IC symptoms often persist and how you can find relief. It may also challenge everything that you believe about IC.Twenty years ago, IC treatment focused on repairing a damaged bladder wall. In 2017, we now understand that many of the urinary symptoms that IC and chronic prostatitis patients experience may originate from and/or be exacerbated by dysfunctional pelvic floor muscles and/or nerves. The authors wrote “The bladder doesn’t live in isolation. It’s intricately connected with all the muscles, ligaments and tissue that surround it, collectively known as the pelvic floor.”While the initial cause and/or injury may be different in patients, the Cozean's explain that many patients end up caught in a vicious cycle of bladder dysfunction, muscle tension, inflammation, pain and nerve up-regulation that leads to the chronic bladder symptoms we know as IC. They said “muscle tightness amplifies and contributes to pain and urinary symptoms.” They offer a three stage recovery plan that focuses on restoring muscle function and blood flow, as well as calming the nerves, reducing inflammation and treating pain.The best parts of this book are the two chapters which discuss the anatomy of the pelvic floor and how physical therapy should be conducted. Did you know, for example, that if urethral sphincter muscles are tight they can cause an urgent need to urinate, burning pain in the urethra or the stinging that might occur during urination? That three specific muscles can directly cause bladder and urethral symptoms while other muscles cause the pain that you might experience while driving, sitting or during intimacy. It’s an eye opening journey into the anatomy and complexity of the pelvic floor. They are way more important and influential to bladder function than you (and your physicians) may realize.Their discussion of pelvic floor physical therapy is outstanding. In 2001, the first study of PT and IC showed that 70% of patients responded to therapy with a greater than 50% improvement of their symptoms. A few years later, another study found that 90% of participants experienced an improvement in their symptoms. Men with chronic prostatitis also responded very favorably to physical therapy. It took large NIH studies in 2009 and 2012 to convince the urology community as a whole that physical therapy not only works but works better than many traditional therapies.The Cozean's explain that many physicians and physical therapists haven’t had any training in pelvic floor anatomy and therapy. Patients too may not believe that their symptoms are coming from somewhere other than their bladder or may find the concept of physical therapy “down there” off putting. They wrote “If your physical therapist can recreate any of your urinary or pain symptoms by touching a muscle in your pelvic floor, then that is something that can be treated.”Lead author Nicole Cozen PT, DPT and WCS has an impressive array of credentials. She’s has a doctorate in physical therapy and is one of 275 certified women’s care specialists in the USA. This very rare specialty required extensive training in the pelvic floor anatomy and function. At her Southern California clinic, Pelvic Sanity, she specializes in the treatment of pelvic pain in men and women. She’s got the chops to explain IC within the context of pelvic floor dysfunction and she does it well.The only weaknesses in the book relate to some of the bladder specific discussions that she may not have been aware of as a physical therapist. The discussion of DMSO did not include research which found the FDA approved dosage potentially damaging to the bladder muscle. DMSO fell out out of favor due, in great part, to the concern about the above study as well as the growing popularity of the heparin-lidocaine instillations. The section on sacral neuromodulation was far too enthusiastic given the hundreds of serious and/or life threatening adverse events filed with the FDA. The diet discussion has an excellent discussion of pH and correctly says that diet is different for everyone but somewhat dismisses the data that we’ve gathered on bladder & food sensitivities over the years. These are all minor points that should not discourage anyone from reading this truly exceptional book.The Interstitial Cystitis Solution is an outstanding educational tool and should be required reading for patients and their medical care providers. It WILL completely change the way you look at IC and, I hope, will give you several new ideas to explore especially if you are in pain and/or struggling to find a treatment that works.

This book is a trove of practical and positive information on diagnosing, treating, and recovering from interstitial cystitis (also known as painful bladder syndrome). Nicole and Jesse Cozean expertly gathered all the most recent research on IC, debunk longstanding myths, and clarify treatment protocols ranging from oral medications, bladder instillations, surgery, and diet to even alternative and complementary treatments. Unlike many health books that cherry pick data to lure the reader into some cure-all, The IC Solution distinguishes between proven remedies and emerging research and gives an honest and insightful overview of what actually works, and what is worth trying. While some alternative therapies and mental health are a pillar of the holistic treatment plan, they are specified as complementary. I sincerely appreciated this balanced and objective approach to complementary medicine since so many health books these days seem to rely on junk science and false hope. I cannot recommend this book highly enough to people who struggle with interstitial cystitis or pelvic floor dysfunction. No more scouring the internet for information - it's all here.

Fantastic book! I have had IC for more than 20 years. I have not seen a more comprehensive book on the topic. I have had almost every procedure and tried countless remedies trying to live with this malady. I found this book to describe the possible solutions for IC with an open mind and to include relevant research, enabling the reader to choose options and personalize treatments from an educated perspective. My husband started reading the book as well and was also impressed. It is written in a compassionate way and offers real hope for us.By the way, Nicole Cozean is an excellent physical therapist if you happen to be fortunate enough to live in the Orange County area. I have tried four different physical therapists in an effort to use my insurance. They were basically a waste of time. She is an expert in the field.

THIS IS THE BEST BOOK ON IC I HAVE EVER READ!! I have had IC for 7 years and it's been extremely difficult to find good resources. This book was amazing and had extremely current and relevant research and information. I thought I knew a lot about IC but I learned so much in reading this book. It has inspired me to be proactive in getting control over my health again and has just so many good tips, ideas and is a priceless resource in understanding and fighting this condition. I really like the author's approach to IC from the perspective of a physical therapist, it really set it apart from other books I have read on the topic. If you, or someone you love has IC read this book. It is well worth it!

I am so glad I found this book! It's really hard to get clear information on IC, but this really laid out all of the different treatment options, with evidence, details and side effects of each. After reading it, I felt like I actually understood the condition for the first time and had a plan of action. It made me feel like there is hope that there will be ways to be in less pain!

For anyone suffering from this painful condition I found this to be an excellent read. Positive,inspiring and full of hope - it will lift your spirits.

Up to date and very helpful. Gives you the information to discuss with your health care professional.

My physical therapist recommended this book to me and I will admit I was a skeptic when I saw the phrase “pain-free”. Although I have not yet got to experience a pain-free life, this book has been a valuable tool to me and has changed the way I view IC. As someone who values getting as much information as possible, I appreciate the relevant research all in one place. The book also lead me to make connections with Nicole Cozean through social media and a visit to her clinic. As she is constantly working to ensure patients are informed with up to date information, this has been a huge game changer in knowing how to advocate for myself and what I need to advocate for as a patient.

It is about time another book of this quality came out on IC. GREAT book. Good for anyone who has just been diagnosed with IC, or for someone who knows anyone with it. Easy to read, and good spaces to write notes. The best thing about it being that it is current - 2016. This book deserves more than a 5/5