The Better Bladder Book: A Holistic Approach to Healing Interstitial Cystitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain

Bladder problems affect millions of people, and recovery is often difficult and incomplete. As a registered nurse, Wendy Cohan has provided health information and treatments for patients with a number of bladder conditions. She begins with a description of the anatomy and function of the urological system and the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of typical bladder problems. She lists frequently prescribed medications, explains how they work, and identifies their side effects. The bulk of the book picks up where medical treatment leaves off: the use of diet and herbs, regular exercise, stress and pain reduction techniques, and methods for better sleep are discussed. Cohan includes self-assessments, meal plans, herbal recipes, and a week-by-week recovery plan to create a complete holistic approach to bladder wellness. Information on specific diets, a review of the range of conditions that can cause pelvic pain, and a thorough guide to additional resources complete the book.

"I was so impressed with this book. I loved that Cohan was able to take a sensitive subject and turn it into a topic that can be approached with grace and humor."LibraryThing Early Reviewer 

"This is a great one and NOT just for those with IC! Her chapters on diet and alternative therapies are certainly more broadly applicable to our sedentary, carb/wheat-rich, sugar-addicted lifestyles."LibraryThing Early Reviewer

"Wendy Cohran's "The Better Bladder Book" covers a topic that isn't often found on stores' bookshelves. This isn't just a book about various bladder troubles, though. It is THE book for bladder troubles."LibraryThing Early Reviewer

“Since you have found this book, chances are you will soon find relief…from pelvic pain, as well as from the bladder symptoms that interrupt your daily activities and negatively affect your relationships, your ability to work, recreate and enjoy life…. [This is] a guide that each person can apply today to start feeling better.” – Lisa Shaver, ND, MSOM, LAc

Straight Talk on Something Difficult to Talk about – from a Nurse Who Knows

You do not have to live with constant pain or embarrassment
When Wendy Cohan, a registered nurse, was diagnosed with the painful, chronic and often progressive disease, interstitial cystitis (IC), she experienced firsthand the frustration millions of patients with IC feel when attempting to find effective, lasting relief. Her extensive research and commitment to becoming well again led to her becoming pain- and symptom-free, with her work and sleep no longer interrupted. She is now dedicated to sharing this kind of life-changing relief with others.

A comprehensive, easy-to-understand recovery plan, accompanied by powerful success stories and the resources you’ll need to succeed
Cohan begins by providing a clear understanding of how a diagnosis is made. She then explores the possible causes of symptoms, providing options for positive changes you can implement. She explains frequently prescribed medications and procedures and then picks up where common medical approaches leave off to discuss:
• food sensitivities, including the dramatic relief many experience from eliminating the dietary protein gluten, found in specific grains
• stress reduction techniques that can alleviate symptoms, including pain, urinary hesitancy and bladder and pelvic floor spasms.
• medicinal herbs, teas, and sleep aides that work safely and effectively to promote healing
• hormonal imbalances that affect women with bladder issues and pelvic pain

Cohan’s techniques target not just freedom from pain and inconvenience, but also life-long, whole-body healing and well being.

Wendy Cohan, RN, is a visiting nurse, health educator, author, and gluten-free consultant from Portland, Oregon. In addition to writing about IC and chronic pelvic pain, Wendy is the author of the "Gluten-Free PORTLAND Resource Guide" (self-published, 2007), and "What Nurses Know...Headaches" (Demos Health, 2012). She can be reached via email: [email protected], or [email protected]. In 2011 Wendy organized a support group for Oregonians suffering from IC: icsupportor.org. They meet monthly in the Portland area. Contact Wendy about attending the group via email: [email protected]