Interstitial Cystitis Association

In the June episode of The Connected Journey: Life with IC, host Laura Santurri speaks with Megahnn Freeman, a certified nursing assistant and parent whose IC symptoms began at just seven years old. For eleven years, Megahnn's pain was repeatedly dismissed or misdiagnosed as recurrent UTIs, despite consistently negative tests, until she self-advocated her way to a urologist at age 18 and finally received an IC diagnosis. The road to proper treatment was far from smooth, including a traumatic awake cystoscopy with hydrodistension that her current provider later apologized for. Megahnn shares how finding the right doctor in Alabama changed everything, leading to a care plan that included pelvic floor therapy and cystoscopy with hydrodistension under full anesthesia, the intervention that has brought her the most significant relief. She also opens up about navigating chronic pain through her teenage years, the unique challenges of parenting with IC during postpartum periods, and the critical role her support system has played throughout her journey. Megahnn closes with heartfelt advice for both medical providers and parents of children with unexplained urinary symptoms: don't stop looking for answers, and don't wait to see a urologist.

Together, we're defeating isolation, one story at a time. Available on Apple Podcasts & YouTube.

Learn more here: https://www.ichelp.org/living-with-ic/news-communications/ica-podcast/

🌟 Finding the Best Interstitial Cystitis Therapy For You 🌟

With so many treatment options for IC/BPS, how do patients decide which therapy is right for them?

Join the Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) for a FREE webinar featuring Dr. Raveen Syan, Associate Professor of Clinical Urology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Director of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at the Desai Sethi Urology Institute.

Dr. Syan will share research insights on how people with IC/BPS choose preferred therapies, followed by a discussion with patients about their real-world experiences and perceptions of treatment options.

📅 Monday, June 22
🕘 9:00–10:00 AM EDT
📍 Online event
🎟️ Get tickets on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/finding-the-best-interstitial-cystitis-therapy-for-you-tickets-1988427869284?aff=oddtdtcreator

Your confirmation email will include an option to add the event to your calendar and access your tickets, along with a link to join the webinar.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from expert research and real patient perspectives. 💙