Most Helpful Customer Reviews
73 of 75 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good book with an understanding doctor's guidance., September 24, 2001
This review is from: The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide: Your Guide to the Latest Treatment Options and Coping Strategies (Paperback)
I usually do not get self-help books, but since finding out for the second time in twenty years that I have full blown IC and being told to read some books on this...well, if I have to do it, this is an excellent book for reference. It is hard to find physicians that are willing to treat their women patients and the female public at large as if we have half a brain. This doctor writes clearly and concisely, but he doesn't 'dummy' down the topic, nor does he patronize the women who are going to be the major group purchasing this book. The last time I was diagnosed with IC was in 1983. Apparently things have changed significantly in this field since then. When I was first diagnosed I was only 24 or so, and it was hell trying to get anyone to recognize I had a 'real' problem which was not female related, nor was it 'all in my head'. My husband and I were frantic to find a solution, and at that time they did not understand what was causing this nor basic treatments for it, though they were experimenting with DMSO which eventually solved the problem for several years. The tendency for many doctors to dismiss my pain and agony of this condition as being 'mental' was the first step on my path to med school and neuroscience in spite of my deafness. This book provides all the current information that a patient needs to know. I actually read the book in an evening, it was that clear. Since knowing what doctors usually write like in medical journal Moldwin deserves praise for writing such an understandable and intelligent book! I am beginning to realize that this condition is obviously something which plagues a lot of women (and to be fair, some men). I also am pleased to note that finally it is being taken seriously by physicians, and that most likely, this is something I will have to spend my life dealing with. It certainly makes it easier to deal with it (and knowing I will have to have outpatient procedures) when I know the doctors take it seriously. I've already implemented some of this doctor's recommendations and find they are helping somewhat. I highly recommend this book to anyone going through this, and I also recommend contacting a support group (I cannot since I am deaf) which will help deal with the emotional and mental fallout from this condition.
Karen Sadler,
Science Education,
University of Pittsburgh
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59 of 62 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Destined to be read by all patients & MDs, August 30, 2000
This review is from: The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide: Your Guide to the Latest Treatment Options and Coping Strategies (Paperback)
Dr. Moldwin is known not only for his knowledge of and interest in IC but also his care for the IC patients in his clinic. As we reviewed the book, it became clear that he has truly listened to the concerns of the men and women with IC. He also understands the dilemmas that many physicians face as they seek effective treatments. He has responded to both needs by writing an IC Survival Guide filled with useful information & strategies. It is exceptionally well written and an ideal book for physicians and patients who want a thoughtful and organized discussion of IC, patient care, treatment strategies and related research. His discussion of IC treatment options is the most comprehensive we've seen to date, with explanations on how the treatment is supposed to work as well as known research results and side effects. In addition to the old standards (DMSO, Elmiron & others), he also covers most of the newer proposed treatments (BCG, Capsaicin, etc.). These chapters alone are worth the price of the book. Another highlight is the discussion of related conditions to IC, such as pelvic floor dysfunction, vulvodynia, urethral syndrome, UTI and others. The pelvic floor discussion explains pelvic floor physiology and how, over the long term, pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to a cycle of bladder pain and irritation. Men with IC will appreciate his chapter titled "The Male with Interstitial Cystitis." In addition to covering conditions commonly confused with IC, such as diseases of the prostate, bladder, seminal vesicals & pelvic floor, he also outlines a treatment plan subtly different from that used with women. IC patients seeking new information on pain management will find his discussion of narcotics extremely useful as they consider various pain medications. He differentiates between short- and long-acting narcotic therapies, and the side effects associated with various medications. His discussion of the concerns over the use of pain medication will ease many unnecessary fears for IC patients. Inspired writing! And, a first in print, he offers a discussion of pregnancy and IC, including a guide for patients considering C-section versus vaginal delivery! The "Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide" is likely the best mass-market book to be published on IC in recent memory. It is destined to be on the shelves of every clinic and every patient seeking guidance. Both newly diagnosed patients and grizzled IC veterans will find new and helpful information included. Jill O, Founder & CEO Interstitial Cystitis Network
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44 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Chronic IC Sufferer, March 31, 2001
This review is from: The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide: Your Guide to the Latest Treatment Options and Coping Strategies (Paperback)
While I commend Dr. Moldwin for writing this kind of book, I feel it falls short of being a true survival manual for IC patients. The content is excellent,.... Certainly being presented by a doctor lends the information even more credibility and eliminates the bias of some of the other sites. But Dr. Moldwin doesn't go beyond the "politically correct" boundaries in his descriptions of the potential risks associated with many of the standard procedures. Far too many people with IC have experienced severe reactions to the various invasive procedures (cystoscopy, hydrodistension, and bladder instillations) that the mere mention that some patients may feel a little worse afterwards just doesn't match up with reality. I know that there is a strong fear amongst IC support providers that telling all the truth may scare people away from "needed" treatment, but not knowing the truth unfortunately does NOT prevent these bad reactions from happening! I really wanted to LOVE this book. I have been impressed with Dr. Moldwin's work on Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and IC and I really liked his support for aggressively treating IC pain. But to underplay just how badly some IC patients react to certain procedures just doesn't make it a survivor's manual. It's a wonderful source of information and a good starting point for educating your doctor. ...
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