Questions about cystitis

[Twiglett]

Is it normal for it to come on really suddenly .. like in last 2 hours and already have need to go every few minutes?

is blood in urine normal?

how long will it take to flush through my system?

Twiglett, I used to get cystitis really suddenly - I think that can be very normal. Blood in urine I never had - maybe others do, routinely, but if it was me, I'd be thinking antibiotics at that point. If you start to feel worse, get a temp or backache/kidney pain, definitely get to a doc - UTIs can spread up to kidneys, not fun. Hope you feel better soon!

Not sure about the blood. Can you call NHS Direct?

I haven't had cystitis for going on 20 years so can't remember how bad it actually felt

have looked it up and it seems blood can be normal .. just wanted personal reassurance because I'm weak

As a long time sufferer, yes it can come on that suddenly but I've rarely had blood in my urine although I know that is not uncommon. You should go to the doc's as unattended uti's can be horrible, feel sorry for you.

yes it can come on very quickly. blood in urine was usual for me, by which time it was very painful. if you have blood in your urine, i think you need anti-biotics as soon as possible. can you ring your out of hours doctor, tell him/her the symptoms you have and ask for a visit (and for the doc to bring the anti-biotics!)
get on the phone and be demanding.....