Education Poster – First Place (Best Use Of Theme) – E. Dryburgh
Comments – Due to the hypervigilance triggered by the opiate crisis, more and more legitimate pain patients have been accused of being drug addicts by nurses and doctors unfamiliar with their unique patient history and medical condition. This is particularly true for patients who have worked with care providers for many years who then retire and/or relocate. Often left with no referrals, the IC patient then must call new urologists and/or pain clinics seeking care. It’s not an easy journey and that patients worst fear is to be accused of being a drug addict and seeking pain medication. It happens, often. This poster captures that frustration and poignancy. We have done nothing wrong. We are using our medication correctly. We are trying to reduce our pain and suffering responsibly. Is it unreasonable to ask for help? Of course not.
Educational Poster Second Place – (Tie) – E. Lea
Comments – Tackling the subject of suicide in the IC patient community is delicate yet necessary to reflect the often dire situation that patients feel when they have been denied pain care even when they have used pain medication correctly, in low doses and with no sign of addiction. This outstanding poster not only tells the blunt story but also encourages patients to get advice, support and to educate themselves.
Educational Poster Second Place – (Tie) – L. Dryburgh
Comments – This poster puts the monkey face on care providers who diminish and demean the legitimate pain patient, particularly those who say “You look fine on the outside” or “You’re exaggerating your symptoms” in a clear effort to minimize that patients health and medical needs. It can be callous, insensitive and cruel to say such things to patients who are struggling with interstitial cystitis.
Third Place Tie – V. Nebenfuhr
Comments – From family to career, mental health to succeeding in school, this clever poster does an excellent job showing the many ways that interstitial cystitis can change our lives. Yes, pain, you have ruined many a day.. that urgency is distracting and that frequency can leave us in the restroom all right. This is an excellent representation of life with IC.
Third Place Tie – S. Williams
Comments – The genius of this poster is in the rewinding text. “I’m having a flare because I’m stressed. I’m stressed because I’m tired. I’m tired because I can’t sleep. I can’t sleep because I’m in pain. I’m in pain because I have to pee again. I have to pee again because I’m having a flare… I’m having a flare because…” It captures the vicious circle of IC flares perfectly.
Special Award – Best Original Art – P. McKay
We love when patients create artwork and this poster is amazing. It shows the two faces of IC… the public face vs the painful face that we so often hide. If there’s a message from this poster it’s that patients can be very good at hiding their pain and that is a double edged sword. If you are struggling with pain, it’s important to let your family know so that they can give you the support that you deserve.. and, of course, let your medical care providers know that you can receive some relief!
