Please help - UTI advice - I’m desperate

Have a look into hypertonic pelvic floor. I went months thinking I'd got utis and spent so long on antibiotics and then get thrush from them and just felt awful. Did loads of research into my symptoms and then had it confirmed by a physio. Being anxious definitely makes it worse for me and if I've got a stressful day I can guarantee it will flare up.

Needing to pee straight after peeing is a pain. Suggest the following, pee then rest still on loo. Read or meditate ( latter very good for anxiety), wee again, sit forward on the seat and try to connect with internal muscles. Don't drink icy or fizzy drinks, avoid citrus fruits and drinks .I stopped coffee, which was very difficult. Also check if your bowels are working ok. I have IBS and wasn't emptying completely. I also went to an Acupuncturist ( not a quack)this really helped. Whatever you do don't cut down liquid intake. Also first drink in the morning a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Add honey if necessary.Best wishes.

How is it today OP? Hopefully the antibiotics have cleared it!

I think you can get pain and symptoms with no infection. Mine improved by cutting out caffeine and wine completely, improving my pelvic floor muscles (swimming seemed really good), and drinking diuretic things. It's grim though, I have every sympathy.

That sounds great. Please keep up the d mannose - it was a game changer for me and is scientically proven, and please drink a lot in general, not just when you're very thirsty. Honestly I would say a pint every 2 hours at the minimum. Obviously you may not want to reveal details but for me it is strongly sex-related, and I read studies on it, for example wash before sex, make sure partner has washed his hands, wee within 10 minutes of sex. basically ensure no e coli can get near your urethra. Sorry if grim. If I know I'm having sex I will take the d mannose with water as my next drink afterwards and it wards it off. You need to get it at that first horrible tingle when weeing, or that sign that you've just weed and yet you feel you have to go again straight away.

how are you feeling today?

I’m on antibiotics for a UTI and I found my symptoms were even worse on day one of taking them but today hasn’t been as painful. Last night was unbearable and I couldn’t stop weeing all afternoon today but I feel settled and pain free tonight.

Keep taking them, shower and don’t bath, drink lots of water. The pharmacist talk me nothing acidic for a few days and to drink cranberry juice as it helps flush out the bacteria that clings on.

So sorry you are going through this. I hope you will contact your gp again and not risk any kidney infection developing.

Just in case - have you got any other symptoms that seem completely unrelated- maybe skin irritation (perhaps a rash, or psoriasis), sore/red eyes, exhaustion, gum problems, joint pain, digestive problems, for instance IBS like symptoms? Do you get severe flare ups - including some of these symptoms- when tired or stressed? Asking because there is a form of inflammatory arthritis that can (I believe) cause (among other things) what may present as persistent/recurrent UTIs with inflammation but no bacteria detected by dip sticks.

I had similar a few yrs ago.
Started as an uncomplicated UTI.
3 days of meds do nothing. I always need 7 to 10 days.
Water water water no fizzy drinks, coffee or eating curries.
No shower gel no perfumed washing liquids or powder no scented fabric softener.
No perfumed toilet paper or wipes.
I also have HA, so I was concerned, this anxiety can make UTIs worse as your muscles tense.
Long story short it did go. It does come back sometimes as a UTI or some as cystitis which calms after a few days.
It's rotten I sympathise.

Have you tested positive for uti? I’ve had the symptoms you describe and it was thrush. I actually tested negative for thrush - the only reason I know it actually was thrush is because pessaries cured it.

Whenever I have a UTI I find sitting in a hot bath relieves the symptoms somewhat.
Someone will probably be a long in a minute to say that's bad for you but it certainly helps me in the short term.

I have these symptoms every 6 months or so,used to be more frequent.Google Vulvadynia.I think that how you spell it.
Uti checks came back ok,gynae investigations were fine but the aching burning pain around my vulva and the constant need to pee is horrific.

You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with constant irritation. I'd get cystitis sachets to change the ph. That can help. Then nettle tea is actually really good. I use a Pukka one called Radiance. It releases all the retained water. And get a tena pad so you don't have to rush for the toilet so much. I've had them for years. You will feel more comfortable with these measures until the AB kick in.

I had recurrent UTIs over about a year and it was awful as antibiotics didnt seem to be clearing the infection.. Someone on here recommended Boots cranberry extract vitamin tablets. They're about £3 for a months supply.

I took them regularly at first and I haven't had an infection for about 18 months. Such a relief! I now just take one when I feel I'm getting a bit run down or it's hot and there's a chance I'm dehydrated, which used to trigger infection.

Only mentioning for completeness but pee after vag sex and condoms/lubricants can make it worse. Drink lots. Sorry sounds awful. Keep going back to gp if antibiotics are not working, you might need something stronger.

You can also get prescriptions for antibiotics for UTIs from pharmacists in the UK now I believe.

Though I think you’re already on antibiotics @KatiesbigsisterSue but they aren’t working yet?