So you have Interstitial Cystitis (IC). You have been told that there is no end to the suffering. You probably do not have a doctor who understands what you are going through, your symptoms are not improving and your daily life revolves around your bladder. You share your misery with others who have IC; they are empathetic and encouraging, but you have lost hope because you need more than just support–you need to feel better.What if an answer existed? What if it were possible that you could actually be relieved of your symptoms? Would you want to investigate that possibility?
This website was developed to offer you the possibility of regaining control over your life. All we ask is that you read, learn and make your own informed decision.
OUR MISSION – WHY WE CREATED THIS SITE!
This website was developed in 2000 by two patients of Dr. Matia Brizman, a Doctor of Acupuncture and practitioner of Chinese medicine. We took upon ourselves to get the word out to patients suffering the ravages of IC that there is hope out there; that there is someone who is consistently helping people by providing a treatment regimen that allows them to lead a better life.
It has been a very frustrating task trying to inform people about the existence of Dr. Brizman and about her in-depth knowledge of the disease and how her methods effectively treat IC in a healthy, logical way. We understand the resistance of people to something that is not mainstream, something that, in most cases, is dismissed by Western doctors as unproven, or not worth consideration. But then again, what in Western medicine has been proven to work to help all us desperate IC patients recover?
Many of Dr. Brizman’s early patients had come to her on the recommendation of someone else. Someone who had gone through a course of treatment with her and who achieved dramatic results. This website has brought a large number of IC sufferers hope, and through Dr. Brizman’s treatment, relief. Though some people were skeptical, they were open-minded enough to try something which can be long and hard. Many are seeing improvement as they go through the process where they did not see any before, they see the light at the end of the tunnel. Many have moved on with their lives and are symptom-free.
That is the purpose of this site. We are two people who were given a chance and took the opportunity. If you have found this site, you are one of the lucky ones. If you understand that this is the only treatment that has this amount of consistent success in relieving IC patients’ suffering, and take advantage of that fact, you are truly one of the luckiest. Chinese medicine is not magic. It is a tried and true ancient discipline that makes sense when you start to understand it. And in the hands of a master like Dr. Brizman, it is a potent tool to use in getting to the root of the problem and eliminating, not masking it.
Read the stories from people all around the U.S. and abroad who took the time to write. There are many more unwritten success stories. Hopefully, yours will be included!
NEWS UPDATE
For many years, this site was really the only way to find Dr. Brizman. She has now developed her own site which is more comprehensive, interactive, and is continually being updated. That site is www.icama.org. She has also published a book based on her Ph.D. thesis, “Treating Interstitial Cystitis with an Integrative Model of Classical Chinese and Western Medicines”, which is available for purchase on her site.
Alyson Gregory & Jane Peters
Hi,
I have diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. I am looking for more information’s like causes, symptoms, and best treatments.
Could you provide me these info please?
Let me know.
Thanks,
Vinod
This site is dedicated to one treatment, which works. Dr. Brizman’s. For more information, go to her site, http://www.icama.org.
I was just diagnosed a week ago with IC. I’m taking UTA with not much relief. I have also gone on a very bland diet. Can someone please tell me the best medicine to ask for on my post operative visit next week to my urologist? I’ve been suffering for over three month with this problem and would like some insight into treatments.
Laura, this site is for people interested in working with Dr. Brizman on treating this disease that doesn’t seem to find relief with Western medicine. There is not “medicine” that works effectively. If you want more info, go to dr. Brizman’s website – http://www.icama.org. Her treatment works and people have flown in from all over the U.S. and overseas to treat with her.
I have had symptoms for nine months I was diagnosed with ic two days ago i feel so lost I was put on elmiron I’m scarred of the side affects.
Visit Dr. Brizman’s site. There is a ton of information there. I highly recommend you consult with Dr. Brizman. Her site is http://www.icama.org
I am one of Dr Brizman’s patients
To anyone scared after being diagnosed, taking drugs, not getting better. I would urge you to go to http:www.icama.org and read everything on there.
This is not just a bladder condition, and western medicine treating it as such is the reason IC is considered not treatable. It is.
There is no pill or quick treatment for IC. Our bodies are out of balance. The conditions that go hand in hand with the bladder symptoms: IBS, fibromyalgia, fatigue, vulvadynia – these are all part of your body telling you it is out of whack. Dr Brizman will bring you back to health.
It is a long journey, but one that once you embark upon, becomes a journey of discovery of how to truly heal your body and mind. I was so seriously ill. And now I am 75% better. No bladder pain at all, but still struggling with the gut issues as that was the origin for me.
Education is your best tool, do not accept an ‘expert’ urologist opinion. I feel strongly that we have to take responsibility for our health and get back in the driving seat again. Matia helps you do this. She will guide you through everything and you can trust her, she really understands IC in a way no one else does.
Don’t lose hope or feel this can’t get better. It really can
Wishing you all good health
Nadia (UK patient of Dr Brizman)
Great endorsement, Nadia, and so true. This is not a disease of the bladder. It is our bodies that are imbalanced and Dr. Brizman knows how to address that issue.
Hi Dr. Brizman
I am a 57 year old woman who has been suffering with IC for over 2 years. I have tried everything but to no avail. I stumbled upon this web site and am hopeful that you will help me recover from this.
I would love to see you.
Can you please email me back with more information?
Thank you so very much.
In advance,
Valentina
God bless
I am a patient of Dr. Brizman’s. You would need to make an appointment with her office, 310-231-3300. I encourage you to do this. She is amazing and you will get your life back.
I am 62. I’ve probably had IC all my adult life. One doctor who saw what he called “zits” in my bladder, said it was a virus that would go away. I never had it that bad since (about age 37), but I’ve had what I THOUGHT were UTI’s, helped only with D-Mannose the past 11 years. I’ve spent thousands of dollars on that and Oregano Oil (for actual UTI’s), been to several Urologists and NEVER got a proper diagnosis. All my tests were “clear.”
I will see another urologist (who is a woman) tomorrow, who deals with IC. When I found the IC diet online 1 month ago, I discovered that my “staple”, GRAPES, had been harming me lo these many years. As soon as I stopped that and added blueberries, so many of my symptoms, and their severity have subsided. I just hope I’m not going to another dr. that will try to give me Elmiron. The side effects of ANY NSAID have always devastated my “typical IBS”. Where do I begin?
I hope you got my previous response. Visit Dr. Brizman’s site, http://www.icama.org. You need to get off the roller coaster of western medicine throwing everything at you, none of which works.
Hello,
Nice webblog, I love people who help people with interstitial cystitis. If posible, have a look at the ic-website http://www.ic-today.com
Thank you!
Buna ziua, ma numesc Maria si locuiesc in Bistrita-Romania, am CISTITA INTERSTITIALA de 2 ani de zile si nu mai am putere sa suport durerea, usturimile si arsurile de la vezica, nu m pot, nu-mi trece cu nimic, nu ma ajuta nici un calmanat, va rog din inima sa ma ajutati pt k nu m rezist, simt ca innebunesc… invatati-ma ce sa fac, va rog din adancul inimii mele!
I was wondering how many women that are posting here have had stents inserted for removing kidney stones.
I’ve talked to my family doctor and he told me that in his 30 plus years he has only heard of about 5 woman that have been diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. On the other hand my urologist has over 30 to 50 patients.
I have concerns that maybe a type of bacteria or maybe the stents themselves are doing the damage to the lining of the bladder in some way.
I was wondering if everyone that is posting here, could make a statement if they have ever had stents inserted or have had problems with kidney stones.
Thanks so much.
My daughter was told 10 plus years ago she had IC. It has all but ended her life. She seldom leaves the house, the pain is bad, flares are weekly if not more often. We have tried all we can, gone to many doctors, clinics, and still no one can help. Some one please HELP her before it is too late.
You must call Dr. Brizman ‘s office. She has helped so many people over this disease. The first appointment must be in person, but after that she can treat over the phone. Her phone no. is 310-231-3300. Hit #2 when you hear the voice prompt and talk to one of the office staff. I highly recommend that she consult with Dr. Brizman. The treatment can take time, but your daughter will get her life back. Check out Dr. Brizman’s website http://www.icama.org.
Hi Dr. Bizman:
My mom is 82 years old and suffers from IC. She has chronic uti’s and is residing in a nursing facility. She is in pain most of the time. They are currently treating her with 100 mg of Microbid daily. First, I like to tell you that I disagree. I have requested it discontinued. I am afraid she will get c-diff or her ammune system may become compromised. In either case, it is not helping.
I understand your office is in LosAngeles. What does your treatment involve. I may be willing to bring her to you.
Please email me back with info asap.
Thank you,
Sonya
Hello,
I just wonder why all the success stories are from 2008 – 2009. No newer success stories? No successfully treated people in current time?
Is the treatment succesful also in rheumatid arthirits related to IC?
Thank you very much
Sheila
I don’t update this site anymore. For that you should go to Dr. Brizman’s site – http://www.icama.org. Not sure about rheumatoid arthritis.
I saw Matia for over a year and did not get better. I also know 3 other women who saw her for multiple years and followed the very strict diet and supplements and did not improve. I know a few other women who are doing much better after two to three years with her, but they still have to follow a very strict diet. The point is this treatment does not work for everyone but it does work for some. Worth a shot for sure! I went to a natural path for further testing and found out the real underlying cause of my illness is food allergies.
This treatment does not work quickly for everyone, but ultimately it does work. You have to find your own path, i.e. what bothers you and what doesn’t in that diet. It took me a long, long time, but I would not be where I am now if I hadn’t followed this treatment, even given the time it took. I do think this disease is food-related, as indicated by the diet, but what bothers one person may not bother another. Wishing you health.
Did you have leaky gut, ibs and vulvodynia. What were your symptoms. I have only been seeing Dr. Brizman for about 2 1/2 months but have gotten worse not better. I know it is early into treatment, but I am discouraged.
Thanks for any info.
Marlene, I would suggest you go to Dr. Brizman’s site, http://www.icama.org where there are a ton of people to “talk” to and lots of information. I will tell you that you are really early days. This treatment goes quickly for some and much longer for others. You cannot compare yourself. And I will encourage you to stick with it. There is absolutely no alternative. This will work. But you have to to give it time. Again, it can be a long while, but slowly you will start to see results. You are getting die-off so you are going to feel worse. I am sure Dr. B. told you that. Hang in there. And again, go to Dr. B’s site.