I could go on an on about this subject, citing many sources and so forth. But, this is too vast a subject for a small blog, and so, I wanted to communicate a big thought in a concise manner.

IC is a complcated disease. However, it is not unlike many other forms of chronic illness in its origin. And, because the origin of IC lies within the gastrointestinal system, this is why a person suffering from it has so many cross over illnesses. Imbalances in the gut have an effect on the endocrine system (hormones), the nervous system, and the immune system. So once the condition has imbalanced the person to a strong degree, that person can get symptoms which look a lot like very serious illness. In fact, ultimately those types of illnesses, in my opinion are owing to the same type of imbalance in the gut that cause IC. It simply expresses itself in the body in a different manner. However, my point is, that when a person having IC may appear to have other disorders, treating the IC within the profound paradigm of Chinese medicine is often more effective than anything else.

Giving your loved ones suffering from IC all the support they need to get ahead of the sometimes debilitating symptoms is truly what they need to recover, because while they may appear to be just fine on the outside, on the inside they are suffering horribly. These symptoms at their worst are truly systemic and can effect all aspects of one's physiology including brain function (in Chinese medicine there is no real separation of body and mind and in some forms of alternative medicine as well). 

So, please be patient with your loved one, be supportive. He or she is not crazy, but, simply unwell...imbalanced. There is a road to regaining that wellness and balance and as profoundly as he or she may have been effected by this condition, the 180 degree turn around may be equally profound. But, without the support of those around them, it feels unattainable. So, be there for your loved one, they need you!

Dr.M