Painful urethra and urge to wee - bladder infection ruled out

[NewEraNewMindset]

Has anyone had anything similar? My urethral looks red, although the doctor this morning said it didn't look too bad to her and if I had no symptoms she would be happy to dismiss it.

However I have a constant burning sensation and with this comes an urge to urinate. On a scale if 1-10 I would say it's a 7 and it's been going on for nearly a month.

She has said the next step is more tests to rule out other things including STDs. I have been in a monogamous relationship for nearly four years now and have only had a few sexual partners in my life so doubt it's an STD though I'm happy for her to tests for anything. I just want it gone.

[cassgate]

Have they tested for infection. I had something similar recently. Started off with what I thought was cystitis but didn't go away with over the counter remedies. I was drinking gallons of water to try and flush things through but nothing would shift it. Like you it was a constant burning sensation and mine seemed to be worse first thing in the morning. I went to dr who prescribed antibiotic used to treat urine infections and she sent sample for testing. Symptoms completely went after about 3 days of antibiotics and hasn't come back again thankfully.

[NewEraNewMindset]

They have tried to grow bacteria in my urine and it is clear, also free from protein.

They are going to test for other things now. I missed the doctor's phone call this evening annoyingly but she said she would rung tomorrow re. what to do next.

The only thing that's making me feel slightly better is it does seem to be a little calmer today than it was say a week ago. I'm wondering if it might get better on it's own if they can't find a solution. Otherwise I have no idea what they might do, I suppose refer me on.

[magimedi]

I've got this, but had bad cystitis (very bloody urine & fever) about 10 days ago. Went to walk in & got specific antibiotics & it started to get a lot better.

Then got the symptoms you have & went back to my GP & got trimiptothin (?) as he thought the other one was not working. Finished the course of that last night & urethra even more sore this am

. Went to GP & sample sent off & got given AMoxcillin, which I've always been fine with.
Took one & 20 mins later had a massive allergic reaction, itching from head to bottom of feet & swollen hands. Rung doc & got anti histamine & yet another antibiotic. Was then very sick a couple of times, but reaction has really died down now.

Am not going to start new course until the morning as don't want to vomit up the tablets. Feel like shit.

GP did say that there are a lot of antibiotic resistant infections out there - so hope your sample will pin point something.

You have my huge sympathy - it's bloody miserable.

[FelicityFoxton]

Yes I've got it

All urine tests come back showing no infection but I have pluses of invisible blood in my urine so booked in for another test next month. From googling ( I know ! ) it can be just one of those things . Which is not helpful. I was also concerned it might be interstitial cystitis

Here's what is helping .... A glass of water each day with a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in it. I started it last week and felt improvement within a day. Worth a try ?

[NewEraNewMindset]

Interestingly I feel as though a sachet of cystitis crystals, think it's sodium citrate?, a day has helped me when it's really burny. I think tut works on the basis of making your wee more alkaline. I assume bicarb is doing the same?

[NewEraNewMindset]

Thanks for everyone's comments. I was up so many times in the night it's ridiculous

[FelicityFoxton]

Yes it's the same . Give it a go. I was desperate with it last week - up around 5 times a night . It's made a difference. Try regular anti inflammatory painkillers too.

I know it's horrible

[clearsommespace]

I don't want to be a scare-mongerer and I'm posting this because of what you said about wondering if it will get better on its own. Anyway, I know someone who suffered from prlonged cystitis symptoms but without fever. It went on for months with her trying different antibiotics/ anti-inflammatories. Eventually after about 6 months she obtained a scan and it turned out the pain was caused by secondary tumours which had attached to the bladder.
Please bear in mind that it was a very unusual case according the doctors (no symptoms from the primary tumour).

[NewEraNewMindset]

Clearsomme I'm a total drama queen so in my head id already decided it's something dreadful do your post didn't scare me, don't worry. I catastrophise as a hobby lol.

Hopefully if the doctors investigations come to nothing they will refer me on for further testing.

[clearsommespace]

Phew. I felt a bit odd posting that on the net to a stranger.

I hope you get it sorted soon and of course that it isn't anything catastropic.

[treadheavily]

Gosh you poor thing, how unpleasant. My dd gets this with monotonous regularity. Things that help her are

Cranberry juice
Ural sachets (from the pharmacy)
Plenty of water but not guzzling, regular sipping

[NewEraNewMindset]

So just got off the phone to the doctor who has talked to someone more senior and they have ruled out stds because of my situation and I was also tested as standard when pregnant with my son.

Anyhow they think it's irritable bladder and after a conversation where I said that I am drinking a lot more coffee due to my partners new coffee machine and about 6 cups of tea a day they think caffeine could be the culprit.

They were going to prescribe an anti-spasmodic but have decided that I need to make dietary changes first and then if it's a no go then try a different route.

As much as I suspect I've been fobbed off to an extent I also think they could have a point. For at least five years I have been someone that goes to the toilet all the time. No accidents but I seem to have an extremely small bladder. My partner goes to the toilet about 5 times a day, me about 25.

[Pinkfrocks]

Go to the website of the COB- cystitis and overactive bladder foundation - and read about diet.

Think it's //www.cobfoundation.org

If you change what you drink- no tea, coffee, juices, ( and def not acidic cranberry) alcohol, and avoid all citrus fruits, spicy foods and more - see if it helps.

[NewEraNewMindset]

Thanks pinfrocks I will do that.

I got home and dug out my rooibus tea (completely caffeine free) and had a mug of that and it was nice. I know my partner likes making me lattes so I will think of another hot caffeine free drink that he can make me with frothy milk and that will tick that box. I don't drink alcohol and don't have spicy or citric food like fruit juice etc.

I'm really hoping dietary changes do the trick.

[Clara905]

Hi OP, I know this is an old post but I have the exact same thing as you had at the moment. Had this discomfort for a month and no uti present either. Can I ask if you ever found a cure/ or got a diagnosis?

[Magic1231]

I'm also currently in this position, you find out the cause/cure at all?x

[ecg15]

Hi @Magic1231 @Clara905 I’m suffering similar, been about 3 months now. Drs have put it down to grade 1 bladder prolapse following childbirth but I really feel that the problems are in my urethra. Did you get anywhere?

[Clara905]

I've finally got a cystoscopy next month. My bladder burning was never during peeing, just would come on seconds after. I was checked for prolapse too but they said no. No uti present either. Local estrogen has really helped knock back the burny discomfort, and almost took it away completely, so much so that unless it's flaring, I can have weeks when it's not there. Unfortunately it's back just now, but I'll keep taking local estrogen to dull the discomfort. My guess is my issue is a hormonal perimenopause thing, as its been chronic for 1.5yrs off & on and started suddenly 1 day at age 40 (..which sucks).

[endofthelinefinally]

Perimenopause can cause awful pain and inflammation of the urethra. Local oestrogen cream and pessaries can fix it, but you can't stop using them or you go back to square one.

[Veeveeoxox]

I have this I use Azo when I get a flare up you can't buy it in the UK have to buy it on Amazon turns your pee bright orange but relieves the pain like nothing else.

[Mamiamamia]

@clearsommespace

I don't want to be a scare-mongerer and I'm posting this because of what you said about wondering if it will get better on its own. Anyway, I know someone who suffered from prlonged cystitis symptoms but without fever. It went on for months with her trying different antibiotics/ anti-inflammatories. Eventually after about 6 months she obtained a scan and it turned out the pain was caused by secondary tumours which had attached to the bladder.
Please bear in mind that it was a very unusual case according the doctors (no symptoms from the primary tumour).

I had a similar situation, uti symptoms that went on for months and months, cultures always came back clear, was eventually sent for an ultrasound, and it turned out I had kidney cancer. I have had the tumour removed and am doing fine since. Please keep pushing your gp till you get to the bottom of what is causing your symptoms x