title: Caring for the patient with interstitial cystitis.
abstract: Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic, painful, debilitating bladder disorder which predominantly affects women. The etiology of IC is unknown, the diagnosis is difficult to make, and treatments are aimed at minimizing symptoms. IC affects every aspect of an individual's life. Both generalist and advanced practice nurses play a vital role in enhancing the IC patient's quality of life through emotional support and education.
authors.affiliation: Surgery Clinic, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, NC, USA.
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Kaufman
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: All
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: J Y
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018856:Cystitis, Interstitial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D012657:Self-Help Groups