Cystitis and feeling sorry for myself. :-(

[chickenowner]

Just that really. I have lower abdominal ache, burning sensation when I go to the loo, and now feeling tearful as well.

I've checked on the NHS site, they recommend lots of water, paracetemol and a hot water bottle, does anyone else have any tips?

Poor you, it's miserable.

My tip is not to underestimate what 'lots of water' means. I used to get very frequent cystitis, and resorted to lying in the bath drinking litres and litres of water and weeing into the water. It sounds gross I know, really, but it's far less painful and the water flushes the infection out so the more water you drink the less it stings. This was when I was getting it weekly. I'd take a book in with me for distraction and just drink/wee until it felt more comfortable.

I had a lovely shower afterwards.

I find taking Rennies or other antacids stops the burning feeling so that might be worth a try?

Cystitis is lousy. Yes, you should def drink a lot, but not a silly amount. If you drink too much it upsets the electrolyte balance in your body and can lead to sudden death

I used to suffer this regularly, to the point where I was passing blood. I second drinking plenty, doesn't have to be just water, but lots of fluid to flush out the bacteria, don't 'try not to go' as this keeps the bugs in there. I've never had a bad bout since I started drinking cranberry juice, a glass a day. I read somewhere that it possibly hinders the bacteria sticking to the wall of the bladder, so they get flushed out easier. I also keep a 'special' flannel for a quick wash after me and DP have done the deed
If it doesn't clear up, see the doctor, as you may need some antibiotics to kick it in to touch.

One other thing, you can get cystitis relief stuff at chemists or supermarkets (my local asda do some) it's powder to mix in with water. Can give you some short term relief as it makes your urine less acidic so doesn't burn as much. Anybody around to pop out and get some?

You probably need antibiotics for urinary tract infection if you have abdominal pain. Try the other remedies today, then get to GP tomorrow (if possible ). for you, cystitis is horrible.

Thank you all, some good suggestions there, and thank you for the sympathy and flowers!

I'm hoping it will clear up without having to see my GP, but will do so if I'm not feeling better soon.

Good luck, OP!

Molly, surely the water thing tends to happen when using drugs, so you're less able to judge what a sensible amount is and drink a huge amount all at once? Drinking litres of water through the day isn't likely to harm you? I wouldn't want to scare anyone off drinking enough.

I've just been to buy some cranberry juice, so drinking a glass of that now.

Yes, of course I don't want to stop OP drinking water - it's good for her and will def help get rid of awful cystitis. But everyone should be aware that you cannot just drink and drink and drink. It leads to water intoxication or hyponatraemia. It's fortunately rare, but does happen. A famous case is a woman in California who died after drinking 7 litres of water in a radio competition in an attempt to win a games console.

A spoonful of bicarb of soda in a glass of water is what I use when I can't get to the shops for the cystitis powdered medicine. Same effect and a lot cheaper. But it's just to stop the burning, not a cure, I agree with pps that you still need to see a Dr ASAP. Ask for a sample bottle when you check in, then you can take it in to the appointment with you, saves time.

Wouldn't that have been all at once though?!

I know in cases of people dying of water intoxication after taking E it was because they had drunk more water than they ever naturally would have felt 'able' to. It must have been the same in that case but she overrode it.

I know when I've drunk a lot of water in the past I've got to a point where I feel full and a bit sick at the prospect of more water, so I've stopped!

I always find the sachets you can buy help & plenty of water.

Feel your pain dear