Cystitis Books

This book really helped my fiance understand more and made him think about things he didnt want to believe. It helped me also see what type of person he is. Great Book, even though it made me see things i didnt want to see. Glad i know now though!

I have a bad bladder disease that limits my exercise. this book was very helpful and easy to follow.

I didn't know there was so much that could be done to improve bladder conditions! This book makes sense, delivers the goods and is even fun to read. Definitely recommended.

I have to admit that I was surprised to see so many positive reviews for this book. This author is, in my opinion, one of the most controversial figures in the IC movement. She has been disciplined twice (license suspension/probation in 1997 and 2002) by the State of California Medical Board. California medical license information, as well as copies of the actions above, are available at the California Medical Board website. The allegations presented in the first action were reviewed by David Olmos, an LA Times writer in an article called "A Difficult Case To Diagnose" (January 1997).

I'm not aware of any IC support group leaders who currently suggest this book to newly diagnosed patients simply because it is older, out of date and provides information which, today, would be considered controversial. Spinal surgery, for example, is rarely considered today for interstitial cystitis and, of course, only for patients who have a proven spinal defect that could be influencing their bladder function. Rather, the most common therapies are non-surgical, such as the use rescue instillations, antihistamines, etc. etc.

The author certainly deserves credit for bringing the importance of diet to the forefront. She brought attention and publicity to the IC movement and helped to build awareness for IC.

For newly diagnosed patients looking for up to date information on IC, I strongly suggest the book "The IC Survival Guide" by Robert Moldwin MD (New Harbinger Publications), as a much better choice. It is written by a well respected doctor by both patients and the medical field. He is known world wide as a leader in the IC research movement and his book is the #1 recommended resource today by patient groups around the world.

With over 30 years of IC pain, I was tolerating only water and green beans until I read this book. The author, an IC sufferer and doctor, includes a wealth of suggestions which I immediately was easily able to incorporate into my diet and life style. Yes, the foods IC sufferers cannot tolerate are listed in her book which I found very helpful!

As a high school teacher and a mother of a medical doctor, the knowledge I acquired in this book led me to a FOOD SUPPLEMENT which has STOPPED my IC pain-it's been over 8 years that I have been taking this, not to mention no more neck and back pain, severe menstrual pain, a decrease in allergies, a clearer complexion, etc. YES! - A miracle food supplement for me! Prior to the discovery of this food supplement, my urologist offered an option of removing my bladder and wearing an external bag! I was about to give up teaching because I felt like a zombie from the IC pain that awakened me every hour during the night, let alone, all the trips to the lavatory in between every high school class period! The food/drink/vitamin information in this book and the food supplement I discovered have stopped the IC pain, as well as other pain.

What a fabulous domino effect! I started noticing that this same food supplement was stopping other pains! Prior to my taking this food supplement, the orthopedist recommended that I have neck and back surgery after years of recurrent episodes of excruciating pain when repeated physical therapy sessions and pain medications failed to provide relief. To avoid surgery, I went to a chiropractor for the first time in my life which continued for five years with therapy visits required every two months to stay pain free. I then went to a neurologist for a second opinion of the chiropractor's progress on my neck and back. The neurologist said I would always need to be under the chiropractor's care if I was to avoid the neck and back surgery . . . until the FOOD SUPPLEMENT stopped my neck and back pain! I have not seen my chiropractor in over 8 years or any other doctor for neck and back pain since taking this food supplement!!!

I take one tablet after breakfast every day and I am pain free!!! Basically, it is a naturally-occurring substance in everyone's body that feeds the nerve endings so that they are healthy and pain free; but, in some people this substance does not replenish itself as fast as the body expends it and, thus, the pain. This food supplement is a naturally-occurring source of organically-bound dietary sulfur that replenishes this deficit without side effects. It contains no solvents, sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, corn, dairy products, coloring, flavoring, or preservatives.

A well-known urogynecologist in Connecticut who sees many IC patients refers her IC patients to me to supply them with this food supplement.

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Thank you, Dr. Gillespie, for the knowledge in your book is what led me to discover this food supplement which has returned me to a normal life!!! I have been able to continue teaching which has allowed me to provide the financial support to meet the educational needs of my son who is now a Physical Education teacher and my daughter who is graduating this May from the University of Connecticut Medical Center in Hartford, Connecticut, as a medical doctor and to support my husband as he was caught up in the corporate buyouts and found himself unemployed until he changed careers and is now a U.S. Post Office employee. I can only imagine where my family and I would be had I not read your book!

You will refer to her book over and over again - as I have!!!

I came across this book 10 years ago at a seminar and have been giving it to patients ever since. It is very well-written especially for the layman, providing numerous things to think about it in the face of chronic bladder problems. Being a chiropractor, I also found it fascinating that Dr. Gillespie basically spells out the whole theory behind chiropractic care when she cites that the number one cause of bladder and prostate problems is low back problems! Using diagrams she shows how the nerves enamating from the lumbar spine enervate these areas of the body. Though she doesn't mention chiropractic care in her book, I had to laugh when I saw that she had, however unwittingly, totally validated the science and theory of Chiropractic care. Whatever the underlying cause of your bladder problem, you are likely to find some help with this book.

This is a ground-breaking book written by a doctor who truly understands both bacterial and interstitial cystitis. Before the 1st edition of this book, the medical world was virtually silent on the subject, telling women it was all in their heads! Dr. Gillespie shows a deep understanding of the all-too-common and frequently mis-treated and/or over-medicated cystitis (urinary tract infection). Further, Dr. Gillespie virtually forced the medical world to learn about interstitial cystitis (IC) and to begin research into more humane and effective methods of treating it. Dr. G is a personal hero for me. Her book has provided guidance in my dealings with IC,where unfortunately most doctors still don't know what IC is. This book can help the patient to make decisions about treatments that can affect their body for many years to come. This book has helped me to minimize the occurrence of bacterial cystitis. And while my IC is incurable, this book has provided insight and helpful methods to make the condition less debilitating. Thanks for this ground-breaking book!!!

While the book does validate IC-which 10 years ago was relatively unknown, the treatments will not work for everyone. I believe everyone needs hope with this dreadful disease, and at a first pass, this book provides it. I must thank the doctor for that. I read the book, was a patient of the doctor, and followed the protocol for 2 years. ....

While some of the fundamental dietary changes that this book suggests are very helpful to many individuals to alleviate symptoms, the alkalizing diet is nothing more than a bandaid or a temporary fix. In a healthy individual, the body is able to properly regulate pH itself. Furthermore, there are many diverse underlying causes and pathways to IC, and it is my belief that every patient requires individualized treatment. My symptoms went from mild to unbearable after several months of following Amrit's standard regimen. I urge you to proceed with caution.

This book has many ideas to improve IC symptoms. The author is a nurse and former sufferer of IC, co-wrote w/ a doctor, Yoga instructor and other experts on IC. She has done extensive research. For example, antihistamines were recommended for IC but I never knew why. She explains how food allergies can cause havoc on the bladder. I have found other sources to collaborate food allergies can cause other medical problems as well.

Basically she states what we consume is too acidic which disturbs the lining of the bladder. She charts good and bad foods as well as good and bad habits that contribute to IC (example: Smoking=BAD, Massage=GOOD).

I have followed the basic "High Ph" philosophy in this book and took Elmiron for a year now and am nearly symptom free. Although I think the Elmiron has helped more than anything, this book is a must have if you have IC. I referred to it on a regular basis.

Read this book! This is the book that gave me the information I needed to heal myself. In fact, I am now HAPPY that I got IC because now I understand the mistakes I was making that lead to the IC in the first place, and I have altered my lifestyle to avoid more serious health problems in the future! I can't recommend this book enthusiastically enough. Before you put agree to those harsh treatments your doctor may have suggested, do yourself a favor and read this book. I am writing this without pain thanks to Amrit Willis and her IC buddies. Thank you!

I have just started reading this book and I already have all the confidence and faith that by following the advice in this book, my future will be both IC-free and healthier than ever !
It is packed with explanation about the causes of IC, the effects of imbalance between alkaline and acid in the body, tips in the events of flares, lists of food to avoid/to eat, list of minerals, recipes,etc...the author explains how it is essential to retrieve a balance between alkaline and acid in the body, but is careful not to scare the reader. This book gives hope and confidence that we can get rid off IC and teaches us how to protect our precious health in the long-term too! (and protect the health of our loved ones too!)

If you suffer from IC, or know someone who does, then this is the book to get!

with best wishes to all other(soon "to be former") IC patients, and a big thank you to Amrit Willis for giving me so much hope !

I was diagnosed with IC and thought my life was over...I went to so many doctors and got no answers. I found this book and decided to follow it whole heartedly.
Following the advice of this book wasted a lot of my precious time in pain. I remember that time being horrific, I was peeing on strips of paper and I was in a maze of what was causing my burning every time I peed and why I was peeing every few minutes I also was sure I had a yeast infection, even though my cultures came back negative I felt itching and irritation.

I went to a pelvic floor physical therapist and within a few treatments I was not peeing often and it did not burn. cured. My constricted tissues were causing a hystamine reaction. I now eat everything I want and don't take any special supplements or anything like that. This book was a waste of time for me. Also there is no medical proof behind her alkaline/acid theory.

Everyone should read this book--you, or someone close to you will likely be helped immeasurably!

I have experienced relief from my allergies and hormone imbalances first hand, and know many other individuals that have been helped by this brilliant and courageous doctor. In a world where all too often, profiteering and deal making rule the day--as opposed to any real consideration for wellness--it is refreshing to meet a physician that takes the Hippocratic Oath to heart.

Thank you, Dr. Roby, for your expansive thought and brave action!

Book makes interesting points about traditional medicine vs non-traditional therapies to treat symptoms that patients know are real but their doctors say they don't have

At last, a medical book that is written in layman's terms that helps me understand the reasons for the pain that has plagued me for several years 24\7. Thanks, Dr. Roby: It's hjgh time we learned the truth about medicine.

I would definitely recommend Dr. Roby's book to anyone who suffers from chronic pain, fatigue, or any other condition that traditional medicine has failed to relieve. He provides a fresh, intuitive perspective that is both innovative and approachable. "Maybe It Is All in Your Head" can offer hope where there was none before. Dr. Roby will compel you to reexamine the bounds of medical possibility by addressing the subtleties of hormone balance and allergic reactions--topics that are often overlooked by other doctors. Check it out!

Maybe it is All In Your Head, and You Are Not Crazy is the fascinating of story of one physician's observations and experiences during decades of treating patients whose problems have eluded standard models of disease and treatment . Early on in his carer, Dr. Roby decided to listen -- really listen -- to what these patients were telling him and not give up on them until their conditions improved. In the process, he painstakingly analyzed the cause of many disorders and designed treatment strategies that effect specific hormonal pathways between the brain and the body.

Unlike many physican/authors, Doctor Roby manages to explain these complex physiologic processes in an engaging and informative manner, without either losing his readers in a tangle of specialized jargon or talking down to them.

I gave this book five stars because the author doesn't simply suggest a healthy diet, modest exercise, and stress reduction like ninety-five per cent of all medical books written on chronic illnesses resistant to current therapies; it offers a physiologic explanation for disease processes and a medical approach to combat them.

This is a fascinating book. It should be especially interesting to anybody who has ever allowed themselves to be convinced that his or her physical misery is somehow the product of a disordered imagination.

I really liked this book, i just wish it discussed more overlapping diseases that go w/ IC. some were left out.

I cannot improve on Jill Osbourne's review, and would say ditto or "Amen" to it. I have read the book, and return to it as a resource... and have referred it to others. I wish it had ended on its last sentence, a blessing, in chapter nine, namely:" I hope to send you off on your own successful marathon of living more happily, despite the presence of this chronic disease." However, chapter 10 finishes the book. It's titled: Collecting and sharing individual stories.It has vignettes of 6 persons with IC. Assuming readers of this specialized book are mostly those struggling with the physical and emotional pain of IC,I can't imagine why one would add a chapter which, if the reader weren't frightened and depressed already, would guarantee such a response. It's a stretch to find anything hopeful or helpful in the stories chosen, unless persons who continue to suffer what they're suffering are a model of human survival no matter what. As the 2nd to last sentence in chapter 9 is:"The support of other people cheering you on is essential." it is hard to understand ending up with chapter 10 which is in effect a Greek chorus, saying if you think it's bad now, it can and might become much worse. My suggestion is, definitely buy, keep and learn from the book.But whether you skip chapter 10 or not, consider reading two other books as follow up. Holistic nurse Amrit Willis's book titled: "Solving the Interstitial Cystitis Puzzle, My story of Discovery and Recovery" provides a hopeful approach to gaining control of the symptoms of this chronic disease that has worked for her, and many others for whom she has provided generous guidance.Additionally "Kitchen Table Wisdom" subtitled Stories That Heal by Rachel Remen, M.D.is extremely insightful for helping us respond to a chronic disease. Both books facilitate a sense of hope,meaning, and self empowerment.

At a time when IC information is now readily available in the marketplace, it is always a pleasure to highlight books that go above and beyond the call of duty in providing help and new resources to patients and families in need. Gaye & Andrew Sandler's "Patient to Patient: Managing IC and Related Conditions" is a new and exciting resource for couples & families living with IC. We were excited to see topics which hadn't been discussed so thoroughly or innovatively before.

The self help chapter offered the most useful discussions we've ever read on managing urgency & frequency. The pain management strategies were exceptional. Their discussion of sex, menopause & pregnancy is outstanding. This book will light the way for patients entering perimenopause. The hormone replacement discussion is the best I've ever seen in relation to IC. The chapter on pregnancy will become a bible for patients contemplating motherhood. From medication to physiology, prenatal vitamins to breastfeeding, this chapter is a much needed addition to the IC community. Bravo!

From the husbands perspective, the chapter on Living with IC - A Spouse's Perspective confronts issues that so many couples and families grapple with daily. From adjusting expectations to understanding how IC will change family dynamics on a day to day basis, this chapter will be read aloud, in bedrooms and kitchens, in many IC homes.

"Patient to Patient: Managing Interstitial Cystitis & Related Conditions." is the result of years of wisdom and work by this remarkable husband and wife team. We give it our highest rating. Five stars! It is far above the other self help books out there today! - Jill Osborne, MA

This review was written by Dawn R. Mahowald.

This book really covers a lot of useful material for someone with IC. Medical issues, diet suggestions, and information for spouses and family are all covered. I particularly liked the chapter on environmental and chemical sensitivities. There are many of us with IC who can and have made great strides in improving our condition by making a few well chosen changes to our environment. This and many other helpful ideas in this book also lead into one of the authors' main themes - taking charge of this disorder and regaining our confidence in ourselves.

Also close to my heart, as a yoga teacher for people with IC, was "Chapter 3 - Reclaiming Comfort in Your Body" and the illustration on the preceding page, "Pain Pattern of IC". Gaye and Andrew's approach of gentle, supported stretches and a "...conservative approach to exercise..." is a very helpful philosophy for anyone with IC or who is in the middle of a flare-up. It also points out that we don't necessarily have to suffer with secondary sources of pain if we pay attention to some of the little details of our body.

I have suffered with problems for many years now and having gone from one doctor to the next, needed someone who could clearly and in plain english give me some answers. This book does not promise miracle cures but sets out the issues in a manner which provides you with hope!

I have Interstitial Cystitis and I think this is a great alternative book for people with IC. Dr. Ripoll and Ms. Mahowald have a very practical, no nonsense, but kind and sensitive approach to the subject of IC and helpful exercise. At first, I was a little intimidated by the thought of doing yoga (I also have no burning desire to stand on my head or anything like that), but the yoga in this book is easy, uncomplicated, and very well laid out for someone who has been in pain for a long time with IC (14 years in my case). There are a lot of hand drawn illustrations (as opposed to some of the more colorful yoga books with photos I've seen, but never bought) which get theidea of each exercise across very well.

I like this book and really do feel more relaxed and less stressed after I do one of their exercise sessions. I would recommend it very highly to anyone with IC (even if they are 54 years young like I am).

I recommend seeing a physical therapist about your pelvic floor, if it is already damaged (you have IC, pelvic floor pain, pudendal neuralgia..) then you will need physical therapy treatments and doing these poses alone won't heal you. Make sure not to sit without one of those donut seats. This book can be a good start.
Do yourself a favor and google Rhonda Kotarinos.

Cystitis: A Time to Heal With Yoga and Acupressure

By Dawn R Mahowald and Dr. Emmey A Ripoll
AuthorHouse, Inc ©1999,2002 ISBN 1-4033-8870-9

This book explains the different types of cystitis and the difference between yoga, acupressure, and acupuncture. Written in everyday speech, it is simple enough for the layperson yet thorough enough for practitioners. It gives eight weeks of exercises and poses, with tips for those with IC. Also listed are certain poses to avoid, "Yoga for a bad day", and tips on the IC diet and ideas to keep patient's flares to a minimum.

I tried some of these poses and felt more relaxed and calm throughout the day. There are simple illustrations to show you how to do the poses and where to press for the acupressure. At 165 pages it gives you plenty of options and tons of guides to help you on what path you should take to decrease your chronic pain. The author reports that 90% of their students have a decrease in their symptoms following the program. That is fabulous for us IC patients!

There is the tip to do the lessons right before bed as the yoga tends to decrease your night urinary frequency. What great news that is for us as well!. You don't need alot of space, a maximum of 3 feet by 6 feet is recommended.

There is also no equipment to buy.

The All Info About Interstitial Cystitis website (http://cystitis.allinfoabout.com) Highly recommends this book for anyone with Interstitial Cystitis as a way to manage their symptoms and chronic pain.

This book was so great I bought one for my family Doctor so he could help others and understand how cystitis works. It is a great reference and answer book.

This book is interesting but I thought some of the suggestins were a little "weird". I thought a lot of the information wasn't really necessary, all I wanted to know was how to avoid getting urinary tract infectins.

This is the Bible for the cystitis sufferer. Excellent tips and tools to help you deal with the discomfort and pain but most importantly to prevent infections from happening in the first place! I used to get UTI's every six months like clockwork but since I started following the instructions in this book I've taken control and know how to take better care of myself. Don't just keep suffering - do something about it and this is a great way to start.

This is probably the best IC book ever written and will ever be written. Dr. Moldwin is also a great dr! If you have IC, you NEED this book!

My urologist, a very wise man, recommended this book. It has turned the light on for me, answering so many questions I have had for years, and, as the title indicates, it is a survival and coping guide. Years ago, a gynecologist told me that my symptoms were a result of my getting older. I didn't need a "specialist" to tell me that. I just needed to learn and understand what was happening to me, and, more importantly, what I can do. I highly recommend this book as an excellent place to start.

This is an excellent resource for the IC patient. What Dr. Moldwin says is unfortunately very true that "the male IC patient often has more difficulty receiving a diagnosis and ultimate treatment than the female IC patient."

For over three years I have been suffering from symptoms which my urologist said was due to BPH or enlargement of the prostate. I felt there was something else going on and did my own research on the Internet and decided it might be IC. I received two treatments with DMSO which helped only slightly. That urologist retired and the next one simply said this was a BPH problem and the only solution was surgery ... and I could come back when I was ready for surgery. After changing urologists, I finally got someone who was a diagnostician, he did a potassium test (PST), and we finally got a clear diagnosis of IC. His recommendation of Dr. Moldwin's book was a great gift.

The diet recommendations in this book were, for me, worth the price of the book! I am amazed that the foods I eat have such a major impact on my symptoms. If you are a man (or woman), and think you may have IC ... this is the book for you.

The Rev. Dr. Prentice Kinser III, Author of Limitless Living, A Guide to Unconventional Spiritual Exploration and Growth

I found this book informative, but I must admit a bit outdated in the I.C world. It does provide some insight into the condition as well as the devleopement of treatments and research.

I LIVE IN PENNSYLVANIA. AFTER READING DR. MOLDWIN'S BOOK MY HUSBAND DROVE US TO SEE HIM IN NEW YORK BECAUSE I WAS IN SO MUCH PAIN I JUST WANTED TO DIE. IT TOOK ONLY ABOUT 2 MONTHS TO GEY AN APPOINTMENT. HE EXAMINED ME AND TOLD ME EXACTLY WANT TO DO TO GET BETTER, CAUSE IC PATIENTS ARE ALL DIFFERENT. I AM 100% CURED. MY OTHER DOCTORS CANNOT BELIEVE IT. 100% CURED. WITH PRAYERS AND FOLLOWING WHAT HE TOLD ME TO DO AFTER A YEAR IN PAIN 24 HOURS A DAY, I AM NOW PAIN FREE!!