The Proactive Patient: Managing Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome and the Related Conditions: Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Vulvodynia, Chronic . Bowel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and More

The Proactive Patient offers a comprehensive understanding of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) and the often occurring overlapping conditions. Patients will find an assortment of treatments, both traditional and alternative, as well as the right tools and resources to improve their quality of life. This detailed book will be helpful to partners, families, friends, co-workers, bosses, and even doctors, nurses, naturopaths, and many other healthcare practitioners, who need a better understanding of IC/BPS and the related illnesses. Endorsements "The Proactive Patient was superbly written! This book is the IC 'bible' for the newly diagnosed as well as the educated patient advocating for quality of life. There isn't another IC book written by an IC patient that has such comprehensive, patient friendly information. Educating the patient, sharing valuable information such as - IC and overlapping conditions - chemical sensitivities - helpful IC diet tips and gentle stretching exercises to achieve total body comfort. A must read for all who want to achieve a full life in spite of having this chronic condition!" Molly Hanna Glidden, former leader of the Boston MetroWest Interstitial Cystitis Support Group "I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis and other painful conditions several decades ago. I thought I knew this illness landscape, but The Proactive Patient by Gaye and Andrew Sandler taught me how much more there was to learn. I learned something new on every single page of this informative and essential book. You will find everything here--information about diet, traditional and alternative therapies, self-help, managing sex and menopause and more--all in language that is straightforward and comprehensible to the non-professional. There is also a helpful and touching chapter written by Ms. Sandler's partner and co-author about his role in their shared journey. After enjoying a good read, you will want to keep this book nearby as a valuable resource you will come back to again and again for aid, information and support." Joy Selak, Ph.D., co-author of You Don't Look SIck! Living Well with Invisible Chronic Illness "This book truly is a user's guide to the often misunderstood condition of Interstitial Cystitis. The complex symptoms and pathophysiology are described here in understandable and very thorough detail. By understanding this basis the patient can then explore the vast treatment options, which include both traditional and alternative therapies. I have been a practicing Urologist for 16 years and this book has widened my understanding of IC. I will be recommending it both to my patients and colleagues." Joy Nielsen, M.D. "The Proactive Patient is even more resourceful and informative than the authors' first edition, Patient to Patient. This new revised edition should be read by every patient who has already been diagnosed, or believes they have IC/BPS and/or one of the related conditions. It should be mandatory reading for all healthcare providers - including doctors! - and students learning about the various symptoms and treatments, and especially how you as the patient can more correctly describe your concerns to healthcare providers. Most importantly, the health information here will enable you to live a much more active and fuller life. The best proactive patient is the informed patient." Cindy Sinclair, President, Pure HOPE, http://www.pure-hope.org/ "Gaye and Andy Sandler have written a very thorough and informative book on PBS/IC. This book will be a valuable addition to the libraries of IC sufferers. Knowledge is certainly power when it comes to living with this debilitating chronic disease. Thanks to Gaye for sharing personal experiences of her journey with IC." Barb Zarnikow, ICA Patient and Board Co-Chair, Interstitial Cystitis Association

Gaye Grissom Sandler is an author and educator living in Nashville. Gaye holds a B.A. in Humanities from New College of California and completed one of the first alternative programs for holistic educators at Holistic Life University in San Francisco. After training with movement pioneer, Judith Aston, and becoming a practitioner of muscle and movement re-education, she worked for many years in physical therapy and wellness clinics. While living in Boston, Gaye and her husband, Andrew, facilitated an IC support group at the Newton-Wellesley Hospital and, in conjunction with the ICA, produced an exercise video for IC patients. They have also given separate workshops and presentations at ICA National Meetings and had a column on the IC Network, called LifeStyles. In 2000, Gaye and Andrew published Patient to Patient: Managing Interstitial Cystitis and Overlapping Conditions. Other publications include Stretch into a Better Shape: Stretching and Strengthening for Interstitial Cystitis and Fibromyalgia Patients, which was co-authored with physical therapist, Merrilee Kullman, and The Interstitial Cystitis Guide for Partners, which Gaye and Andrew co-authored with former IC support group leader Molly Hanna Glidden and her husband William Glidden.Andrew Sandler is the Executive Director of Park Manor and Chief Executive Officer of Abe's Garden, a national model of residential living and day care programs for those affected by Alzheimer's and dementia. Andrew holds three graduate degrees, including a Masters of Health Administration from Tulane University, a Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of New Orleans, and a Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Farleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. He received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He has written numerous journal articles that have appeared in publications such as Advances in Special Education, the Journal of Behavioral Education, The Urban Review, and the American Journal of Occupational Therapy. His article "American Tragedy: New Orleans Under Water" was published in Callaloo in 2007. Andrew has served as a board member of the Gulf States Association of Homes and Services for the Aging and as the President of the Alzheimer's Association New Orleans Regional Advisory Committee.