Our gratitude to IC patient Stephen Pilch who, last year, was impressed that the city of Edmonton issued a proclamation for IC… thus, this year, asked his city of Calgary to do the same. Here’s the proclamation information that provided the city!
Please ask your Mayor, City Council, Governor, State Representative and/or Congressman to honor the struggles of IC patients and to help us raise awareness by issuing a proclamation today!
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An estimated three to eight million women and one to four million men in the USA, and millions more around the world, struggle with a rarely discussed pelvic pain condition, interstitial cystitis.
Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a chronic bladder condition resulting in recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder or surrounding pelvic region. People with IC usually have inflamed or irritated bladder walls which can cause scarring and stiffening of the bladder. Seniors, young parents, teens and children may struggle daily with uncontrollable urinary frequency, urgency and/or debilitating levels of “razor blade” like pain in the pelvic area, particularly as their bladder fills with urine. Sitting, driving, working, attending school and intimacy are difficult if not impossible.
The cause(s) of IC is currently unknown. Its diagnosis is often made only after excluding other urinary bladder causes.
Physicians of all specialties must be educated about this wide-spread and devastating medical condition. Self-help therapies can be shared. IC patients should not had to endure shame or blame when seeking help and support, especially from family members and friends.
Please help dispel the silence and stigma of Interstitial Cystitis in Calgary by joining Edmonton in declaring September Interstitial Cystitis Awareness Month.