UNDERSTANDING CYSTITIS, A Complete Guide to Overcoming Thrush and Cystitis, by Angela Kilmartin (Arrow Books, 1989) Angela Kilmartin is a world authority on self-help for chronic cystitis.

Although she doesn't distinguish between the two different kinds of cystitis, her book is loaded with practical information. Even more exciting, is the fact that since 1971, she has been able to help countless thousands of women for whom the medical profession could do nothing. She emphasizes proper hygiene as well as consideration of a multitude of factors including hormones, sexual activity and yeast infection. At the end of the book, she has developed a check-list and concrete plan of how to deal with episodes of pain and disability.

• THE INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS ASSOCIATION (ICA), PO Box 1553, Madison Square Stn, New York, NY, 10159.

The ICA was founded in 1984 by Vicki Ratner, a New York physician, and other patients in California. The Association has three main goals:

1. To provide support for IC patients and their families through support groups and telephone and mail support networks.

2. To disseminate information about the disease to patients, medical professionals and the general public.

3. To support and lobby for funding for research into IC.

The Canadian address is:

• THE INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS ASSOCIATION: Eastern Division: PO Box 5814, Stn A, Toronto, ON, M5W 1P2. Western Division: 10740 Fraserglen Dr, Surrey, BC, V3R 8L9.

In Canada, Maggie Burston of the Candida Research Information Service has done extensive research on IC as well as chronic yeast infections. She runs a patient information service for these problems called:

• Patient Information on Chronic Illness (PICI), 575 Avenue Rd #601, Toronto, ON, M4V 2K2.

Private consultations are available in person or by telephone.

• Dr. Paul Fugazzoto, Director Urinary Research Center, 624 6th St, Rapid City, SD, 57701. 605-343-9495.

Dr. Fugazzoto will give you a sample bottle and instructions on how to take the sample and mail it correctly. The cost of mailing is about $6.00 and the suggested donation for the analysis is $15 to $20 U.S. funds. It takes five days for the culture process and another four to five days for results to come back to you. You can call the lab for faster results.