Cystitis tips

[ChampagneRose]

I’m 52 and having my first bout of what I assume is cystitis. Had loads of spicy food yesterday and a big spicy tomato dish at lunch then I went to bed and woke up feeling like I was about to piss the bed I had such an urgent feeling to go and burning/stinging. It hurts in my lower stomach. We have urine dipsticks as dd gets loads of UTIs and I had blood in my urine and v acidic wee. I got the 3 day course of antibiotics from Boots.

is there anything else I can do to sort this quickly? I don’t actually feel unwell - it’s just v uncomfortable!

I find cutting all caffeine out and only drinking water helps clear it up quicker.

Thanks @Runnyyolkplease - I will try that. I’ve just filled up some bottles of water to remind myself to drink. I usually guzzle lots of decaf tea but I don’t think it’s as hydrating as water!

I've been plagued with cystitis since my 40s which got better after the menopause. I went swimming in the week and now have it again, although cause not really known, assume swimming. I've bought an over the counter treatment and am drinking lots of hot water rather than tea and coffee. It's a real pain so sympathy.

I strongly advise you to get some topical HRT cream or pessaries for the Vagina, and ask the doctor about longer term antibiotics to hit this infection. Don't listen to any nonsense about 'interstitial cystitis' as it does not exist. Women of our age get cystitis for many reasons but the vaginal flora in the bladder also relies on the oestrogen from the Vagina, and it thins and weakens with less oestrogen at menopause and your urinary tract suffers too. Good luck.. I've not had cystitis really since getting hrt cream.

and if you get antibiotics ensure you get a 2 week course - and don't drink too much water or you'll wash all the antibiotics away!

Came on to say the same. I was diagnosed with UTI after UTI. It was lack of estrogen. Try estriol cream x

Thanks - I asked about that at Boots but they wouldn’t give it to me as I had to be 55 or no periods for a year and I’ve still got periods (the vaginal oestrogen cream). So annoying as it now means a trip to the GP but good to know it’s worked for you. Given I’ve never had them before I also think this is probably the reason! Argh! Who would be a woman!

And TIP relevant to all women of every age is always to have a wee after sex. Doesn't have to be a lo t in volume. Worth passing on to any women who suffers from cystitus.