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ABOUT US

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Thank you for your support!

 

My goal in creating “IC You” is to provide IC and bladder patients with modern, fun products created specifically for their needs, and to raise awareness of this challenging condition we call Interstitial Cystitis, or IC. So many aspects of your life change - restrictions, dietary changes, lower energy levels, limited intimacy (the taboo topic), and learning to cope and function with the pain are just a few. Not to mention that you feel like you've begun living in the doctor's office! 

 

I hope you love the site and find that the products ease some of the issues you deal with each day, adding a little joy along the way.

WHAT IS IC?

Interstitial cystitis, also known as IC, is an autoimmune illness that affects the bladder and pelvic floor. Most IC patients have recurring pelvic pain, pressure or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region, and urinary frequency and urgency. IC is also referred to as painful bladder syndrome (PBS), bladder pain syndrome (BPS), and chronic pelvic pain.

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There are two recognized subtypes of IC: non-ulcerative and ulcerative. 90% of IC patients have the non-ulcerative form of IC. Non-ulcerative IC presents with pinpoint hemorrhages, also known as glomerulations, in the bladder wall. However, these aren't specific for IC and any inflammation of the bladder can give that appearance. 5-10% of IC patients have the ulcerative form. These patients usually have Hunner's ulcers, or patches, which are red, bleeding areas on the bladder wall.

12M

people in the U.S. have IC

3-8M

Women in the U.S. have IC

1-4M

Men in the U.S. have IC

NOTE FROM FOUNDER

Welcome!

 

Until I was in it first hand, I can't say that I truly understood the obstacles faced by people with IC. I was fortunate in that I was diagnosed for over a decade before my IC came back out of remission. After experiencing a hell of a year with Interstitial Cystitis (pardon my French), I could truly appreciate the physical and emotional pain that patients talk about experiencing. It was the loneliest and most heartbreaking experience I have ever had to go through - everything I knew in my life was changed - my personality, my diet, my activity levels, even my relationships. I didn’t know who this new person was, but I didn’t like her. I worried constantly that I would never be myself again - that I would miss out on all the normal mid 20’s experiences. I spent a lot of time sleeping away depression or crying on the bathroom floor while I tried (and failed) to give myself instillations or take medications. It took countless hours of doctor visits, research and dedication by me and the incredible family and friends I had, to finally dig myself out of the flare and get the disease to a point where I could “manage” it. A huge contributor to the hope and strength that got me through was the love I found when I created an Instagram page for IC. I was able to connect with people and share experiences and doctors - I can honestly say I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for all you lovely, inspiring people who kept me going. It was you who helped me successfully do an instillation, who gave me the doctor recommendations that finally gave me a life changing treatment plan and diet, who encouraged me to have patience and strength. 

 

The mission of “ICYou” is to begin bringing people together and raising awareness for this disease to aid in funding and increase the research and sense of community that sufferers feel, while offering fun, quirky products that have some personality. 

 

For those of you who are fellow IC warriors, you have all impressed me so much with your strength and courage in life! The opportunity to meet you and share an experience or two, or to just help you feel supported, is wonderful! We won’t let IC run our lives - together we can beat this! 

 

Much love - 

Shauna

DO I HAVE IC?

To assess your symptoms, answer the following questions:

  • Do you have pain or pressure in your lower abdomen?

  • Do you feel the urge to urinate frequently?

  • Do you have an urgent need to urinate day and night?

  • Do some foods and/or beverages make your symptoms worse?

  • Do you find that certain types of exercise make your symptoms worse?

  • Do you have pain during and/or following sexual intercourse?

  • If you're a male, do you have discomfort or pain in the penis or scrotum?

  • Do tests of your urine fail to show any signs of bacterial infection?

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If you answered yes to any of these questions, it's important to talk with your doctor about your symptoms.

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