“To better understand interstitial cystitis, it is necessary to divide patients into smaller subgroups based on their symptoms .” - Dr. Peters-Gee

IC Journey to Wellness to be released soon!

I'm currently writing a book titled "IC Journey to Wellness". My aim is to launch it in January 2024 and I couldn't be more thrilled! The book is a comprehensive guide for patients, providing them with the latest research and breakthroughs on this complex disease. I'm excited to share a new perspective on how to approach the condition and help readers identify the type of IC/BPS they have. This will allow them to home in on therapies that are more likely to benefit them, ultimately leading to a path towards wellness.

As a urologist with over thirty years of experience treating patients, I have seen firsthand how Interstitial Cystitis (IC) and Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS) can impact the lives of thousands of people. I have witnessed the frustration and difficulty that patients face in getting an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Clinicians can get equally frustrated, as they want to help, and sometimes it feels like no matter what they do, symptom relief is elusive. Interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome are complex conditions that can manifest with a variety of symptoms that are not always caused by bladder problems alone. This makes it challenging for clinicians to develop individualized treatment plans that work for each patient.

I am excited to share with you some recent developments in the understanding and treatment of IC/BPS.  Researchers and clinicians are now recognizing that this condition is not one-size-fits-all. We now understand that the symptoms on IC/BPS can come from the bladder, outside of the bladder or even the brain. To better understand interstitial cystitis, it is necessary to divide patients into smaller subgroups based on their symptoms. This process is called phenotyping and allows for a better understanding of the possible causes of IC/BPS and enables clinicians to tailor treatment plans to better suit each unique individual based on their phenotype(s).

Through this book, I aim to provide hope and help to those suffering from IC/BPS.  This new approach of breaking down the large group of IC/BPS patients into smaller subgroups is a game changer. Each phenotype will be described, and clues to help you determine which phenotype best reflects your history and symptoms will be outlined.  Understanding what phenotype(s) you have, will allow more targeted treatment. This information will allow you to chart a journey to wellness and symptom relief. Although there is no known cure for IC/BPS patients currently, ongoing focused research on the smaller subgroups or phenotypes provides a beacon of hope for the future. As a doctor that has cared for thousands of IC/BPS patients, I am hopeful that this new approach will provide much needed answers and relief for those struggling with this elusive condition. Whether you are newly diagnosed or a long-time sufferer, my goal is to help provide a roadmap to better health and wellbeing.