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I was just wondering if you knew anything about interstitial cystitis and how the urology community views it. I'm a guy and have had some minor symptoms until recently (28 years old) but anytime I did go see a urologist they would suggest I make dietary changes only. I guess it makes sense because my symptoms are triggered by some foods but really do you know is IC progressive at all? Many tell me no.
Sam:
I don't think you really want to know how much I know about IC. You want to know if dietary treatment is reasonable for IC. The answer is yes. It may be progressive but usually is relatively stable. Optimal dietary control is recommended, especially when it works. You really don't want lots of drugs if you can avoid them. Typically, high potassium foods, caffeine and hot spices tend to be the most irritating.
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Answers by Expert:
Stephen W. Leslie, MD
Expertise
Questions concerning erectile dysfunction, kidney stones and prostate disorders including prostate cancer. I have a special interest in kidney stone disease prevention.
Experience
Full time practicing urologist with 30 years experience. Associate Professor of Surgery and Chief of Urology at Creighton University Medical Center. Editor in Chief of eMedicine Urology internet textbook. Author of only NIH approved book written for patients by a urologist on the subject of kidney stones "The Kidney Stones Handbook". Inventor of the "Parachute" and "Escape" kidney stone baskets and the "Calculus" stone prevention analysis computer program.
Organizations
American Urological Association, Ohio State Medical Association, Sexual Medicine Society
Publications
Men's Health, Journal of Urology, Urology, Healthwatch Magazine, Emergency Medicine Monthly, eMedicine, "The Kidney Stones Handbook", and numerous articles in various newspapers. He is also the editor of the Urology Board Review by McGraw-Hill used by urologists to study for their Board Certification Examinations.
Education/Credentials
Graduate of New York Medical College with residencies completed at Metropolitan Hospital New York, Albany Medical Center and University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Awards and Honors
Thirlby Award of the American Urological Association. Rated as one the country's Best Urologists by the Independent Consumer's Research Institute
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