 I have systemic scleroderma. About twelve years ago and prior to being diagnosed, I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis (IC). Interstitial cystitis is a chronic inflammation condition of the bladder that can destroy the lining of the bladder and cause it to harden and shrink. The symptoms are frequent urination, pain, and pressure. Unlike common cystitis, interstitial cystitis does not respond to conventional antibiotic therapy, and it is probably not caused by infection. There is no cure and after many different treatments, my bladder was removed in 1992.
Two to three years later, I developed muscle and joint pain, hypertension , Hashimoto's thyroiditis , arm numbness, and confusion. After seeing many doctors, including rheumatologists, I was diagnosed with systemic scleroderma. Therefore, I am interested in the relationship between interstitial cystitis and scleroderma.
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Judith Thompson Devlin is the ISN Story Editor