The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Interstitial Cystitis
This is a "must have" reference book for patients, parents, caregivers, and libraries with medical collections. This sourcebook is organized into three parts. Part I explores basic techniques to researching interstitial cystitis (e.g. finding guidelines on diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis), followed by a number of topics, including information on how to get in touch with organizations, associations, or other patient networks dedicated to interstitial cystitis. It also gives you sources of information that can help you find a doctor in your local area specializing in treating interstitial cystitis. Collectively, the material presented in Part I is a complete primer on basic research topics for patients with interstitial cystitis. Part II moves on to advanced research dedicated to interstitial cystitis. Part II is intended for those willing to invest many hours of hard work and study. It is here that we direct you to the latest scientific and applied research on interstitial cystitis. When possible, contact names, links via the Internet, and summaries are provided. In general, every attempt is made to recommend "free-to-use" options. Part III provides appendices of useful background reading for all patients with interstitial cystitis or related disorders. The appendices are dedicated to more pragmatic issues faced by many patients with interstitial cystitis. Accessing materials via medical libraries may be the only option for some readers, so a guide is provided for finding local medical libraries which are open to the public. Part III, therefore, focuses on advice that goes beyond the biological and scientific issues facing patients with interstitial cystitis.