UTI issue

[Slothgirl]

I’ve just finished my 5th course of antibiotics this year for recurrent UTIs. On each of the 5 occasions, I’d contacted my GP with back pain (kidney area), general body aching and fever. No stinging when peeing, no abdominal pain, no frequent urination. Tests showed there was infection in my urine.

So each time, the infection had reached my kidneys without me knowing I had a UTI. My GP referred me for a kidney scan and I was told there was damage to my right kidney (small with some mild scarring). I was told this was probably due to the UTIs but that it was nothing to worry about.

I told my GP I was a bit worried that I don’t get UTI symptoms until I get symptoms of a kidney infection.
Obviously I want to avoid any further damage to my kidneys but how on earth am I supposed to know I’ve got a UTI prior to it reaching my kidneys?

I asked my GP if there are any over the counter UTI tests I can do routinely but he said no. Apparently all I can do is get a sample to him as soon as I get symptoms.

Any suggestions?

I've no idea if it would work in your particular circumstances OP but the first thing that's always recommended on UTI threads is a supplement called d-mannose. I had recurrent low level UTI's and it's pretty much cured me and still works as an effective treatment if I do get a slight flare up. It couldn't hurt to try it in your case anyway, it seems to stop the cycle of recurrent infections for lots of people and if you could eradicate the problem you wouldn't need to worry about tests. I get mine from a company called Sweet Cures but if you google d-mannose there's several different stockists.

Thank you Corkit. I have heard of this before, but you’ve just prompted me into ordering some d-mannose. I’ve also ordered some cranberry supplements and some probiotics.

Hopefully this will keep it at bay!

My friend gets frequent UTIs, but she always knows as soon as it starts because her wee smells bad and it burns when she wees. At least she has some warning!!

No guarantee it will work for you obviously but it's worth a try, I'll keep my fingers crossed I can see completely how having no symptoms to start with is complicating it for you, don't think doctors always think through the practicality of what they suggest! Let's hope the d-mannose works for you, come back and post again if not as I'm sure you'll get advice about what tests/referrals/treatment to push for etc.

@Slothgirl could you ask your GP for a full blood test. Check your kidney function aswell as a diabetes test. My friend kept getting uti and later found out she was diabetic.
I highly recommend you drink cranberry juice and live culture yogurt on a daily basis. It help with UTI. Keeping a good balance down below.
You could buy these strips and check your urine at home. 100 x Urine Test Strips for Infection Cystitis Testing Sticks, UTI, Nitrite, Leukocytes, 8 Parameter Urinalysis Multisticks https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0154TLIL6/ref=cmswwrcppapiglttfabcQWKETBN6KQZH1K6NMH9P

Thank you Naz. I actually had a full blood analysis and kidney function test done alongside the scan. All seemed fine.

I’ve ordered some of those sticks. If they show anything suspicious, I’ll just have to pass a sample in without symptoms. I could just state that I suspect an infection.

I’m going to Tesco later so will stock up on cranberry juice. Will get some yoghurts too to last until my probiotics arrive.

Thank you both for your helpful insights. Very much appreciated.

Following with rabid interest. I’ve had 4 courses of ABs since the start of September and now have raging thrush. High doses of fluconazole aren’t touching the thrush and I feel a sort of dragging sensation these days, down below. Am doing kegals like mad and am terrified that I’ve broken something down below. This all started as honeymoon cystitis as we might have overdone it a bit! Sent a sample and they cultured e.coli so there defo was an infection.

As I type I have discomfort over my left hip too.

I’ll order some of that supplement. Don’t know what else to do, this has gone on for ages.

That sounds awful. I think I've read that antibiotics can kill off healthy bacteria alongside the bad. It's like you've traded off one problem for another.

I honestly don't know what to suggest. I'm assuming you've seen your GP about the thrush and your hip?

Recurrent UTIs are quite common for women apparently. My friend has a repeat prescription for a single dose of an antibiotic for every time she has sex with her husband. It seems to be working. Maybe this is something you could suggest to your GP?

I hope you get it sorted.