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Interstitial Cystitis & Restrooms

Interstitial Cystitis sufferers may want formal ID

Feb 13, 2007 Jill Browne

Interstitial Cystitis is a bladder condition which causes a painful need to urinate urgently. Knowing you can get to the head of the toilet line may be a comfort.

If you have IC, or interstitial cystitis, you already know that it is a sometimes painful condition. When you need to urinate, you need to do it NOW or the pain gets worse. Finding a toilet when travelling can be a challenge. Then, waiting in line adds to the pain.

Some people with IC find that the mental part of the condition - the anxiety about finding a toilet and getting inside in time - can be helped a bit by having an easy way to "officially" identify their condition.

Like many diseases of the internal organs, IC is invisible. It can be embarassing to have to convince someone that you really do have a medical condition. Knowing that you have an easy and simple way to communicate your need may help you to relax.

Two options suggested by IC organizations are:

ICA Restroom Access Card
MedAlert Bracelet.

The ICA Restroom Access Card is available for a low price from the Interstitial Cystitis Association in Rockville, Maryland. The ICA is a support group with an informative website, including information about travelling with IC. The card describes IC and indicates that the holder has a need to use the toilet frequently without delay.

The familiar MedAlert Bracelet is mentioned on the website of IC Network, in the Self-Help Strategies section. They say that the preferred bracelet wording is:

"Interstitial Cystitis: May need frequent restroom access".

The IC Network's website also has information about travelling with IC.

The MedAlert Bracelet is a benefit of joining the MedicAlert organization, which costs about $39.95 US for the first year. For those who cannot afford the fee, some sponsored memberships are available. There are other benefits to joining, as explained on the MedAlert website.

For travelling in non-English speaking countries, it may be worthwhile to see if a MedAlert Bracelet or Restroom Access Card is available in the language of the host country.

The copyright of the article Interstitial Cystitis & Restrooms in Accessible Recreation is owned by Jill Browne. Permission to republish Interstitial Cystitis & Restrooms in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.