Week's End

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As I was glancing at the topics of conversation this week, I noticed commentary on the emotional section of my dissertation. I was really touched by Jeanette's response regarding parenting and bowel function. In writing the dissertation, I was so focused on the explanation, it never really occurred to me that it might change the parenting of my adult patients thereby changing the course of thier children's lives. What are great thing! Education encompassing so many aspects of our lives and our health is fundamental to not only the treatment, but the prevention of this condition. And, that this writing is beginning to have a positive momentum in this direction really touches my heart. (click read more for continued blog)

The other wonderful thing that happened this week is that I gave some advice to a Veterinary doctor because a cat was going to be put down due to Kidney malfunction and urinary stress and pain. I recommended a treatment and it worked! IC and urinary disturbances in cats is becoming as common in the feline world as it is in the human world. Sadly, many of these animals are euthanized. This was made it. Perhaps it seems silly to mention on this blog, but, I am a huge animal lover, particularly cats, and I wanted to share this experience.

The last thing I wanted to mention that happened this week was that one of my patients asked me if it was normal that suddenly she was speaking up for herself. Before treatment, she would keep her head low and not say too much, always having strong feelings of inadequacy. This is coming in the wake of her gradual improvment after having been sick almost the entirety of her twenty some years of life. I was elated that she is having this experience because it shows great improvement, and empirically is indicative of the mind body connection. One always hears that there is a connection between the mind and body in that the thoughts create physiological change. But, I actually think that the street also flows in the opposite direction. The physiology can impact a persons ability to function intellectually and emotionally. For this person, everything is becoming more clear, and, this is as it should be.

All in all it was a fantastic week, and, I continue to reminded of how lucky I am to be a part of each of your lives.

Dr.B

 

 

 

 

Comments

icnot4me's picture
icnot4me

You are so much more than a doctor--you are a passionate advocate of health and well being, a stubbornly determined fighter against the ravages of ic, a compassionate encourager, and a highly dedicated physician. I can't thank you enough for not employing the cold, distracted attitude that so many doctors have toward their patients. You go beyond the extra mile, and I thank you. I bless you with strength, wisdom and insight for your continuing work. Sorry to ramble, your attitude in this particular blog toward us touched my heart so much. And I have been with you long enough to know that everything I've just stated about you is true.

In regard to cats--makes me wonder why this particular animal. Is there something that cats and people with ic have been exposed to? Just curious

drbrizman's picture
drbrizman

First, thank you for your kindness. It makes me feel super happy when someone "gets" my intention. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and your sincerity really comes through.
Second, I have heard cats have similar urinary tracts to humans but I am not sure if that is an accurate statement.
What I HAVE seen, in dogs particularly, is that bc these days it is mainstream veterinary medicine for animals to be spayed or neutered. The females often end up with chronic urinary tract infections at minimum. This, I believe, is due to the estrogen loss bc they take the animal's ovaries as well. When you take the ovaries, this depletes estrogen that would otherwise feed the vagina, urethra and bladder. I think the same thing is happening with cats, but I THINK there are also many male cats with IC, I am not sure. CAts, in general have very sensitive urinary tracts, so it may be this plus the ovary issue in cats and with dogs, just the ovary issue.
Also, I think many of the same rules apply with animals as to humans--too many antibiotics/other drugs and poor quality food and water creating imbalances in the body.
Hope this anwers your question.
Dr.B

drbrizman's picture
drbrizman

In Chinese Medicine, FEar is linked with the Kidneys/Urinary Bladder. Interestingly, cats are super skiddish animals. I find it fascinating that they should posses this emotional quality AND have problems in those organs!

Dr.B

jlopatka's picture
jlopatka

I know this is going to sound weird, but hang in there with me... in 2004, my siberian huskey was diagnosed with kidney disease. She was very incontinent, which is AWFUL when you have indoor dogs and big ones at that. We put her on Proin which is like estrogen and later, we put her on enalapril which is blood pressure medicine b/c kidneys regulate blood pressure. we were told that kidney disease is degenerative and that she may all of the sudden take a turn for the worse. Well, she is still alive and kicking at 13, although we have had to kick her medicine up to 3 times a day just to stop massive peeing all over. We have to confine her to the garage and when we walk in there it smells like urine so bad, but we don't know what else to do. When I got IC though, I thought maybe my dog has IC (of course my husband thought I was nuts) Then my other female dog started to get a lot of UTIs. I thought this is so weird. So, we put our dogs on an all meat diet (Evo) there are no grains. That seemed to make things better a bit. Our vet was worried about an all meat diet with kidney disease, but at my dog's last check up, her "kidney disease" was all cleared up. Thought that was strange for a disease that was supposed to be progressive. I am at a point now where I am not sure what to do though b/c she is still very very incontinent and I have to keep both dogs in the garage. My poor huskey has burns on her bottom from lying in urine. We clean her and put vaseline on her, but we just can't put her down. She is truly and amazing dog for reasons I can't get into. If anyone has a similar situation, I would love to hear.

drbrizman's picture
drbrizman

Jeanette,

There is probably lots more that can be done. Probiotics, herbs, etc...It sounds like you are on the right path. And, the animals may have what is IC or IC like conditions, especially if the are spayed.
I cannot tell you the number of people I get with situations like this one with their dogs or cats. I found a stray a few years ago and whn I took her to get spayed I requester that her ovaries be left in. The vet thought I was insane. When I explained my logic, he agreed as long as I did not tell anyone he did it! But, she is fine to date and it has been several years.