It is our hope that as ICAMA continues to grow, we may increase our ability to support our patients and the IC community with knowledge and education to fullfill each person’s needs on the road to his or her individual wellness.


The following is a letter from Director Jeanne Townsend introducing herself to each of you and inviting you to illuminate her on how she can best begin in helping each of you!

Matia Brizman, Ph.D.
ICAMA
Interstitial Cystitis Alternative Medical Association

Interstital Cystitis or Pelvic Pain Syndrome can present many challenges for those who suffer from it, along with their family and friends. Under the care of Dr. Matia Brizman you have already made an important step on your road to recovery. My name is Jeanne Townsend and I am an IC patient. I have been working with Matia for over Five years and can happily say that I have had no significant bladder symptoms for many years.

During my own experience, there were times when I was confused, lonely, scared, and depressed. No one really knew what I was going through. My time with Matia was sometimes the only reassurance that I would have some kind of normal life. Because of this experience and knowing that I could have benefited greatly from more support during my treatment, I have decided to try and help other IC patients. I plan on working closely with Matia and will be offering support workshops for the special needs of IC patients and their families.

I am conducting this survey to see if there is interest and what topics you would like to see covered in a two and a half hour workshop environment. Family and friends are welcome to attend. There will be a fee of $80.00 per person per workshop.

The environment will be comfortable and IC friendly. You can sit, lie down, get up and walk around etc. There will be others like you on their own recovery journey. We will share and have community in a positive and supportive setting.

I am going to list some potential workshop ideas. I would love your feedback and responses so that I can create an effective and interesting support experience.
Please click here to fill out the survey.

Diet

• What is it and why.
• How to make iT work for me
• Food quality
• Shopping
• Ideas and shortcuts
• Recipes
• Dining out
• Meal planning

Pain and stress reduction

• Meditation
• Visualization
• Supportive techniques and strategies

Sex

• Communication and creativity

Psychological

• Coping strategies
• Communication
• Professional considerations
• Guest Professional speaker

Gentle Movement

• For patients with Matia’s Approval
• Yoga
• IC specific exercise

Healthy Home

• How to create a healthier home
• Safe Cleaning supplies
• Water, Paints, Etc

Healthy Beauty

• Gentle skincare
• Cosmetics
• Create a home spa

Art

• Creativity in a supportive environment

Please click here to fill out the survey.

These are just a few ideas. Thank you for your time in responding to this survey!