So its not cystisis or thrush - any ideas? My Dr has none

[reup]

I had a cystitis which went with anti antibiotics but came back a few days later. I got tested again and there was no infection. I have a burning/pressurised sensation but no longer need to go for a wee all the time. Also there is a slight discharge that is non too fragrant. The pain is everyday but not all the time.

I got a swab taken but am not sure what that she tested for, something beginning with m and a STD. I wanted her to test for strep group b as a non pregnant friend had similar symptoms and eventually her Dr said it was that which lots of women have but doesn't cause any symptoms and gave her a specific antibiotic and it went. I relayed this story to my GP but she wasn't really convinced.

I've tried taking bicarb of soda, drinking tons, cranberry, BV pessaries from Boots, live yoghurt.

I am not at all itchy though on 3rd lot of different antibiotics so it may appear soon!

Its making me feel really depressed as its been about 8 weeks now. Its also making sex not great too.

Any ideas?

Bacterial vaginosis?

Interstitial cystitis ?

I hoped the GP tested for BV with the swab but wasn't quite sure but wouldn't one of the antibiotics have cured that or is a very specific one? I did try some over the counter pessaries for that but its didn't help.I shall mention it at my almost weekly appointment!

When I had recurrent cystitis 3 years ago a practice nurse mentioned Interstitial cystitis and so I googled it and it was so depressing and seemingly incurable. Luckily it went that time. I mentioned it to locum when my regular GP was away and he had never heard of it and then sort of just said put up with the pain as they can't do anything!

I would persevere with getting a diagnosis. It could be that you had an infection which cleared up before the swab was taken and you are left with an irritable bladder.

It probably isn't instertitial but I think if its been 2 months your GPs ought to re- investigate. I wish I had more knowledge to offer but all I can do is say stick to your guns and I hope you find a solution.

Thanks. Will go back at end of week if I can avoid annoying intern.

I meant locum

Lichen sclerosis? Have a google

Non Specific urethritis?

Ooh I haven't heard if either of those so will go and have a look. Thanks

I don't think it's the former and gp said she thought it was infection in urethra but have had antibiotics after that.

Thanks anyway.

Last time I had a urinary tract infection the first course of AB's didn't work and I had to go back for for a different type that did the trick.

I have those symptoms apart from the discharge. I have leucocytes in my urine but no infection on the lab test.

Antibiotics clear up the pain/pressure and constant urge to PU. But it's back within days. I've now been on daily antibiotics for two years. gP doesn't have a clue what it is and I've had ultrasounds, camera in the bladder, urology referral.

MN have diagnosed me with interstitial cystitis and I think they're probably right.

Oh no viva- that sounds grim.

I have had 3 lots of antibiotics only 1st cleared it up for a few days and my urine tests haves been clear.

The pain etc though not extreme is everyday even on antibiotics but not all day and each time I feel its gone I get hopeful there it returns.

That's what I dread, lots of tests and no conclusions. I was so hopeful when my friend told me her group strep b diagnosis.

I have weekly medical appointments for my 2 children at the moment so feel awful at the thought of treking to another one and rejigging work to fit.

I developed a latex allergy, having never had one before. I thought I'd picked up an STD despite using condoms, but it turned out to BE the condoms! Is that a possibility?

Or do you have a coil? I developed symptoms like yours, plus intermittent uterine pain, when I'd had a coil in for a few years. I was tested for BV and all sorts of other things... Then my instincts told me to have the coil removed, and it turned out it had rusted and was causing irritation and quite a nasty infection... :(

Vulvodynia

It could be latex but would that last if it was a week BTW using condoms?

I did see vulvodynia whilst googlinv and some symptoms match but the area isnt really sensitive to touch

My latex allergy caused irritation that lasted months. The condoms triggered a sensitivity, causing a rash, itching and stinging. It definitely lasted a week, or more, between 'exposures': I was having sex once a week or less (particularly when it hurt). It seemed worse when I had been to the doctor, presumably because they wear latex gloves to examine you unless you tell them you're allergic. Also, many of the knickers I thought were 100% cotton turned out to be 5% latex.
No doctor suggested this as a cause, but once I suspected it, I started using latex-free condoms, and threw away the latexy knickers, and it cleared up in a couple of weeks.

Btw, latex-free condoms are much more expensive, but you can get some free from the family planning/std clinic.

Have you thought of going to a dedicated STD clinic? I had terrible repeated thrush about 20 years ago. It was before the anti-fungal pill was widely used. My gp was fucking hopeless and gave me pessary after pessary and told me to use yoghurt and suffer. I went to the local hospital STD clinic and not only did they take me seriously but they gave me the pill and got to the bottom of the problem. Turns out I was allergic anything perfumed. They are the specialists in that area.

You could also insist on a referral to a urologist. You SHOULD NOT be told to put up with it.

You have my sympathy. It is miserable and depressing you are being dismissed.

Second the suggestion for using latex free condoms.

Perhaps it is a kidney stone stuck somewhere?
www.patient.co.uk/health/Kidney-Stones.htm
I happened to be reading about this earlier as I was just diagnosed with a kidney stone. Get well soon.

Thanks for all those ideas. Am def not itchy and there's no rash. It's internal the pain.

Will go back to drs at end of week and be more assertive or possibly cry. One or other should do the trick. Will look into latex free too. I don't get more pain with condoms though but it's worth a shot.

Thanks for all yr help

Stop drinking cranberry juice! If it is cystitis (or even if it isn't), it will irritate the bladder further as it is both sugary and acidic.

Don't despair if it turns out you do have IC. It is manageable, but you need to arm yourself with info as most GPs are clueless about it. I recommend you give these people a call. They are experts and so so sympathetic and helpful.

Also check out the COBs boards for info and advice.

Good luck

Ask if you can be referred to a continence nurse they can scan bladders and kidneys if having persistent problems with cystitis like symptoms and usually good at sign posting to services for other investigations

My sister has this -Interstitial Cystitis and is under the care of a Urologist. Insist upon a referral OP. And no to Cranberry- it is the worse thing you can take if it is IC.