Recurring UTI issues

[threeamclub]

I've literally just had a bad UTI that required a weeks antibiotics (with crap side effects!) to get rid of, and not even 2 weeks later I've got another one! Doctors appointment this afternoon as I've tried to shift it for 2 days without antibiotics but that's clearly not working.

Anyone else experienced recurring UTI's? What can I do about them? I had at least 20 last year!

[Bumpandtoddler]

Do you always have bacterial infection diagnosed? I have "recurrent UTIs" but what I actually have is interstitial cystitis. It's an auto immune disease, get referred to a urologist :)

[threeamclub]

@Bumpandtoddler A few times yes, when they ask to test my pee. Usually the doctor just asks me for symptoms then gives me antibiotics.

I've still got the pain atm but I went to the doctor 2 days ago and they tested my pee which was normal

My doctor has never mentioned that condition- can I ask for a referral?

[Orangepancakes]

I get them every 3-4 weeks. It's crap. The doctors prescribe me extra antibiotics now so that I can just start the course at home, but I still take in a urine sample every time for micro examination. It's rubbish constantly being on antibiotics.

I've had a urethral dilatation but unfortunately it didn't make any difference.

I think mine are linked to sex. I've been experimenting with my antibiotics.. taking one immediately after sex seems to have slowed them down. Haven't had one for 5 weeks now, new record!

[Orangepancakes]

Also meant to say I've had ultrasounds which showed that I retain quite a large amount of urine on my bladder, even when it feels empty. This can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Fully emptying the bladder helps, even if it means sitting for 5 mins and waiting for all those muscles to relax.

I also have back pressure up into one of my kidneys.

Could be any combination of these things but it's worth getting looked at properly.

[Bumpandtoddler]

@threeamclub I asked for a referral, was lucky in my most recent NHS Trust. Not so in others, non of my GPs had considered it so I never got a diagnosis until I saw a specialist. Don't let them fob you off, if that's what it is then there are lots of treatments to try :) good luck

[Mythreeknights]

Have you tried urva ursi? I had recurrent UTIs in my 20s (possibly as a result of bilharzia) and tried everything, but it wasn't until I went to Holland and Barrett and tried Urva Ursi that I kicked it. For me it was nothing short of a miracle. Sending lots of sympathy - it's a nightmare!

[mrsprice84]

I really feel for you.

I suffered with recurring UTI's for approx 13 years. GP constantly prescribed antibiotics, but bam week later and it would be back! Every time I drank alcohol, had intercourse or simply didn't drink enough fluid it would be there. Other times it would just be there!! It got to the point where I was at work and I would be sat on the toilet crying as the pain was bad...and this got to be a daily occurrence. Sob.

In the end, my GP told me they thought it was just something I was going to have to live with....ERM NO!

So...I paid private and saw a urologist. Straight away he told me he thought I needed a urethral dilatation. Anyway to cut a long story short, because I have been suffering with UTI's for so long, I had so much scarring on the inside of my bladder, that when I tried to empty my bladder it was impossible to do so because of all of the scarring. This resulted in a pool of wee left in my bladder which kept growing bugs...which is why the antibiotics never truly worked.

So...had the procedure and been UTI free for 14 years!!! Don't continue to suffer...it's not something you should have to put up with...ask for a referral!

[threeamclub]

Thank you everyone, I'm so sorry to hear that you have all been suffering too, it's absolutely awful and really debilitating!

I've requested a call from the doctor today and I'm going to (politely) demand a referral to a urologist, I can't live like this anymore! I'm only 20.

[AnnaMariaDreams]

Try and see a urologist with an interest in chronic UTI in women. Here are some names
www.chronicutiinfo.com/intro-key-info/treatment-uk-specialists/

[threeamclub]

@AnnaMariaDreams Thank you! I would love to go privately but can't afford that atm, the NHS specialists are too far away from me to get to unfortunately.

I'm in so much pain today, just laying in bed crying.

[AnnaMariaDreams]

It’s rubbish. I see Mr Ali, he’s brilliant.
Can you get some Azo for short term pain relief?
Search
Azo Standard Urinary Pain Relief On amazon
Xx

[threeamclub]

@AnnaMariaDreams Thank you! I'll look into that on amazon, good luck with your treatment too!

[Mumof3and2dogs]

Two years ago I had 8 seperate UTI's in a row. After each one my urine was retested clear.Even went to a urologist who put the camera into the bladder and said nothing wrong, got home and had another uti. They ended up being caused by low ferritin levels which make you more likely to get infections.

[Bumpandtoddler]

Wee in the bath.... Gross I know..... But it works. Hot water bottle on your tummy and try to identify trigger foods.... My trigger is grapes. Check out this website and see if you can do any self care until you can get a referral! Good luck and feel better soon www.ichelp.org/about-ic/what-is-interstitial-cystitis/

[GinIsHappiness]

I feel your pain op

I'm on my second one in 3 weeks. Mine seem to start in the night. 😓

Mines not drinking enough. I looked back in today and realised I'd drank hardly anything so my own fault

[LoreleiRock]

I had a whole year of back to back UTIs, D-mannose cured them. I took it religiously for years and never got another infection. I don’t take it all the time now, but at the first twinge I am back on and have had only one very mild attack in almost a decade.

[PenguinsRabbits]

I was getting them every couple of weeks for about 9 months before. They eventually stopped when given double antibiotics for 2 weeks for pelvic infection.

[ChicCroissant]

Watching with interest as I seem to be getting them more frequently myself (although not as many as some on here, my sympathy ladies).

Where did you get the D-mannose from Lorelei, I've seen that mentioned on the NHS pages I think?

[Melisha44]

Cranberry capsules from holland and Barrett worked a treat.

[GoAndAskDaddy]

I would suggest the D mannose too. Sorted me out. I bought it from Amazon.

[ChicCroissant]

Quite honestly, after yesterday, I will be using them all at the same time! Thanks for the recommendations!

[Saladd0dger]

I also had constant utis for 3 years due to low feratin levels. Worth getting them checked

[threeamclub]

So sorry so many of us have a similar problem! I've been okay the past week and I ordered AZO on amazon and that was amazing so definitely recommend (it's fun because it turns your pee red/orange too)

Feel a few twinges atm so hopefully I can naturally get rid of it!

[Glitterybelle]

In the end the only thing that shifted mine was once i was clear of any current infection, i was put on a 6 month low dose of nitrofuratonin (sp?)... one every night. That and optibac for women

I had to be referred to get done... it was a urologist who suggested it.