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Tina G: Systemic Scleroderma and Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis is a bladder disease that destroys the lining of the bladder and causes it to harden and shrink.

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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This Story is Featured in Voices of Scleroderma Volume 1

The story on this page is featured in the top-notch Voices of Scleroderma Volume 1 which features articles by top scleroderma experts, including Dr. Joseph Korn, as well as 100 true patient and caregiver stories from this website! The book delivers excellent information and support for scleroderma patients and caregivers. It's a great way to inform family and friends about scleroderma, too!

ISN Story Editor: Judith Thompson Devlin

Judith Thompson Devlin is the ISN Story Editor for this story. She is also lead editor of the ISN's wonderful Voices of Scleroderma book series!

SCLERO.ORG was the world's leading nonprofit for trustworthy research, support, education and awareness for scleroderma and related illnesses from 1998 to 2021. It was a grassroots movement from the original Scleroderma from A to Z web site, which was founded by Shelley Ensz. We were a 501(c)(3) U.S.-based public charitable foundation. We closed this web site and our nonprofit agency in April 2021.