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Urology (Expert Forum)
I am running out of patience with my recurrent UTI's
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
I am running out of patience with my recurrent UTI's
by myo, Oct 22, 2004 12:00AM
I am a 31 y/o woman with epilepsy who is tired of going to the emergency room for recurrent UTI's, or waiting in pain make it through the weekend to see the doctor. The co-pays are killing me and it takes at least 24hrs, but usually longer to get in to see my GP or Urologist, which by then I am in a lot of pain (the last time I waited they had to give me hydrocodone for the pain), which only exacerbates my seizure disorder.
I average about 1 UTI every other month.
About 3 months ago I felt that my quality of life had diminished greatly to the point where I had almost given up on having sex altogether, was religiously drinking a glass of cranberry juice, one glass of OJ and popping mega vitamin C pills daily. I gave up baths years ago and quit swimming. I also made sure to wipe front to back. I maintained a very clean genital and was even told by one ER doc that I probably had chlamidia - despite having been previously tested, as had my fiancee. We were both negative. The test from the ER came back negative.
I am allergic to pennicillin, and feel like I have been on just about everything else. I was once even given a double Z-Pack when I went back to the ER 2 weeks after a previous UTI.
The majority of my UTI's are a result of e-coli bacteria. I almost feel as though as long as I have a bladder, it will be infected.
3 months ago I finally was able to get a referral to a Urologist and was given Nitrofurantoin 100mg/day as a preventative to take for 6 months. During the time since, I felt my life had returned to normal and have been able to resume having sex, though a UTI is still in the back of my mind.
I am disheartened in that I now have another UTI. It started as a dull ache and now the ache is much stronger, all the usual symptoms of the beginning of my UTI's. There is also the familiar scent and darker colour I am so used to seeing. I can't get in to see my Urologist for another 5 days and have no idea of what I should ask him.
I have a history of epilepsy, thyroid nodules with normal levels, irregular menses (2 cycles per month). My mother has never had a UTI, but my father and grandfather get them at least once a year.
The only thing I can think of in my history as significant is that my UTI's increased remarkably when I started taking Diamox for my seizures. I only was on it for a year, but have had problems ever since.
Other than my above medical conditions everything else seems to be working in my body.
Currently taking: Lamictal 400, Nitrofurantoin, Yasmin and Folic Acid supplements.
Are there any avenues that I can explore, or at least suggest to my Urologist? I live in a very rural area, hours from a "big city" med center. I would very much like to stay out of the emergency room as it is literally emptying my pockets. I read of a development for a vacine? How long until this is available? If there are studies I can participate in, whom can I contact?
Thanks,
Myo
I average about 1 UTI every other month.
About 3 months ago I felt that my quality of life had diminished greatly to the point where I had almost given up on having sex altogether, was religiously drinking a glass of cranberry juice, one glass of OJ and popping mega vitamin C pills daily. I gave up baths years ago and quit swimming. I also made sure to wipe front to back. I maintained a very clean genital and was even told by one ER doc that I probably had chlamidia - despite having been previously tested, as had my fiancee. We were both negative. The test from the ER came back negative.
I am allergic to pennicillin, and feel like I have been on just about everything else. I was once even given a double Z-Pack when I went back to the ER 2 weeks after a previous UTI.
The majority of my UTI's are a result of e-coli bacteria. I almost feel as though as long as I have a bladder, it will be infected.
3 months ago I finally was able to get a referral to a Urologist and was given Nitrofurantoin 100mg/day as a preventative to take for 6 months. During the time since, I felt my life had returned to normal and have been able to resume having sex, though a UTI is still in the back of my mind.
I am disheartened in that I now have another UTI. It started as a dull ache and now the ache is much stronger, all the usual symptoms of the beginning of my UTI's. There is also the familiar scent and darker colour I am so used to seeing. I can't get in to see my Urologist for another 5 days and have no idea of what I should ask him.
I have a history of epilepsy, thyroid nodules with normal levels, irregular menses (2 cycles per month). My mother has never had a UTI, but my father and grandfather get them at least once a year.
The only thing I can think of in my history as significant is that my UTI's increased remarkably when I started taking Diamox for my seizures. I only was on it for a year, but have had problems ever since.
Other than my above medical conditions everything else seems to be working in my body.
Currently taking: Lamictal 400, Nitrofurantoin, Yasmin and Folic Acid supplements.
Are there any avenues that I can explore, or at least suggest to my Urologist? I live in a very rural area, hours from a "big city" med center. I would very much like to stay out of the emergency room as it is literally emptying my pockets. I read of a development for a vacine? How long until this is available? If there are studies I can participate in, whom can I contact?
Thanks,
Myo
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Oct 23, 2004 12:00AM
, Oct 23, 2004 12:00AM
Here are some considerations. The first would be to consider a different antibiotic for prophylaxis. Nitrofuantoin is good, but there are times where the E Coli would be resistant to it. Another option would be chronically taking Bactrim.
You can also ask about evaluating the GU tract to ensure there is no anatomical abnormality causing the recurrent UTIs. This can include a spiral CT scan, renal ultrasound or cystoscopy, looking for any abnormalities of the kidney and bladder.
If the symptoms continue, consideration can be made for another urological opinion.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
You can also ask about evaluating the GU tract to ensure there is no anatomical abnormality causing the recurrent UTIs. This can include a spiral CT scan, renal ultrasound or cystoscopy, looking for any abnormalities of the kidney and bladder.
If the symptoms continue, consideration can be made for another urological opinion.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Member Comments (5)
by melissa79, Oct 22, 2004 12:00AM
To: Urinary Tract Infections
0
by yoshi, Oct 24, 2004 12:00AM
To: Urinary Tract Infections
0
by mairey, Oct 25, 2004 12:00AM
To: Urinary Tract Infections
0
by Renton, Nov 01, 2004 12:00AM
To: Urinary Tract Infections
0
by myo, Nov 03, 2004 12:00AM
To: Urinary Tract Infections
0
