Arthritis and UTI's

[MC4314]

I was recently diagnosed with arthritis, along with other health conditions, in the back and sacral joints.  The symptoms of arthritis have been going on for quite some time along with frequent UTI's - both seemed to start around the same time.  What I'm wondering, does the arthritis in the sacral area play a role in the frequent UTI's and symptoms?  Is there a correlation between the two?  I'm curious if one is feeding into the other - for example, does an infection trigger the arthritis, or can the inflammation and pain from the arthritis trigger a UTI or symptoms of UTI.

Thank you!

[carolanivey]

Isn't that funny how RA rarely seems to exist just by itself - there's often some other disease occurring along with it.

[Ailsatcm888123]

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. There are over 100 different types of arthritis.

If you have arthritis, you may experience:

Joint pain,Joint swelling,Reduced ability to move the joint,Redness of the skin around a joint,Stiffness, especially in the morning,Warmth around a joint

[MC4314]

Thank you!

Unfortunately, there are only three treatment options at this point given the combination of health issues which involve suppressing the immune system and chemo that would have to be repeated at least once a year for the rest of my life (to treat the MGUS).  MGUS can cause deterioration of bones and make a person more prone to fractures, especially in the hip area, which is why the doctors are wondering what came first, the RA or the MGUS, also known as the chicken or the egg!

I've only been on prednisone for short-term use in the past, so this is new to me using it long-term.  This time around, it seems like it is actually making the symptoms worse - my joints click more and actually pop (like they're loose and coming out of joint), and an increase in muscle pain, fevers, and fatigue.  Hopefully they can find something that stops the pain and bone/joint deterioration without messing with my immune system.  

Again, thank you!

[carolanivey]

Thanks for the tip about orange juice! I don't drink it very often anyway as it can upset my stomach, but I'll watch out for a pattern of infection if I do drink it, because i also take calcium supplements.

I've been on prednisone in the past, and I would often get UTIs while on it. So it could be a contributing factor to your infections.

Sorry to hear about your other problems! I'll have to look up monoclonal gammopathy, that's a new one for me. I hope they can find something that will help you with it and your RA pain. [[hug]]

[MC4314]

No, I'm not on any medications for the RA other than prednisone at this point because there are other health issues and the doctors aren't quite sure yet what's causing what.  I also have monoclonal gammopathy (MGUS) and recurring fever/rash, and given the monoclonal protein, they don't want to mess with the immune system too much until they know for sure what's going on.  They've ruled out lupus and cancer - they're not sure if the arthritis is its own separate issue or if the damage is being caused by the MGUS.  Kind of a "what came first, the chicken or the egg" situation!

Thank you for the advice on preventing UTI's.  My doctor has me take pyridium at the onset of a UTI which helps to calm the bladder and avoid further irritation and inflammation - makes it so much easier to "flush" out a developing infection.  Also, one thing that may be new for you, the doctors at Mayo Clinic shared that in some cases of women that are prone to UTI's, avoiding orange juice is helpful.  Something about how the calcium and acid in orange juice act like velcro as they pass through the urinary tract system and attract bacteria creating a glob that is prone to getting lodged or building up to the point of causing a full-blown infection.  I've noticed that if I drink so much as one glass of orange juice, I end up with a UTI - not sure what other foods or drinks may have the same effect.

Again, thank you for the information!

[carolanivey]

FWIW, I think when I get anything that triggers my immune system, it can make my joints hurt more.

[carolanivey]

Hi there,

Are you taking medications for your RA (I assume you mean RA! :) )  I'm not sure about RA itself leading to more UTIs, but the medications can and will make you more vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections.

Having said that, some women simply seem more prone to getting UTI than others. Some never get one, but I started getting them frequently as soon as I became sexually active in my early 20s. If you haven't already been given "The List" of preventive measures, here goes! :)

- Always drink lots of water; cut back or eliminate caffeine

- When you go to the bathroom. always, always, ALWAYS wipe from front to back, never the other way.

- If you are sexually active, drink a large glass of waterr before intercourse. *Immediately* afterward go to the bathroom to flush any bacteria out of your urethra. Don't wait. I know, it's a HUGE pain when all you want to do is relax and go to sleep, but that's life for those of us who are prone to UTI. :/  My husband sometimes has to literally shove me out of bed to make me do it, no matter how much I whine. lol

- Drink some cranberry juice every day. If you don't like it, take a few cranberry liquid softgel capsules maybe an hour or so before intercourse. Cranberry helps keep bacteria from sticking to the walls of your urethra and bladder.

- If you seem particularly prone, try washing with an iodine (povidone) wash, the same stuff they use in hospitals and clinics. Have your partner wash, as well.

Hope this helps!