Questions

[Cath278]

Hi. Hope some one can help with this.I have been diagnoised with Temporal Arteritis in Nov, and am taking Predsolone 30 mgs daily. Prier to this I had a mild history of kidney infections,( 4-5 infections a yr,for the last two yrs). Since Jan 08 I have had 5 kidney infections. My dr. is sending me for tests but that wont be for at least two months. He has also ? diabetes and is going to do tests next week. My question is , does this sound like alot of infections? should i be more concered? Could the steroids be causing it all? I really have enought problems with the TA but am getting worried and worn out from infections. Thank you very much if you reply.cath278

[Cath278]

Hi Lauren. Its feast or famine when I write! It all depends on how my eyes are doing. Sometimes I cant se the keyboard or they are all blurry.After reading your reply you have to see a dr.You are doing everything right so thwere must be a problem within the kidneys. A friend of mine kept getting low grade infections, not like us, and she was put on a mild antibitic for 6 months. It worked. Maybe we need a strong antib for a few mths. I would be ok with that except antib give me thrush.
Dont drink cranberry juice when you have a kidney infection! Its too severe for your stomach when you have the infection.Just water,lots and lots of it. I stayed up one night and just drank. I went to the dr in the morning and I had kept it at bay.No fever that time.
It really is a problem is nt it? You are so sick with it and then it takes a week to get over it.Do you have a small child? Thats hard going being sick with a small one. I have a boy of 8 so it is easier.

I dont know much about the health system in the US but it sounds like it sucks! And I thought we had it bad. I live in Ireland and you will always be looked after. Most is private insurance,cost a lot. Then, pay as you go, which is expensive but you can usually manage.Then if your income is low or you have a long term illness you get a "medical card". This covers everything, dr vists,tests,hospital etc. Problem is you are at the very bottom of the list for everything. Thats me. Because of my illness i grt dr vists free and all medication. No-one could afford the meds I take! But im not seeing the neuroilgist till June( waiting sinceNov) some with the eye specialist, May.So not great here to.

Ill go now. Please take of yourself. I find it helps alot to talk to someone else with the same problem. Hope your week-end is lovely! Cath278

[Lauren243]

Thank you for your helpful suggestions. No I dont have a regular doctor, as I havent any insurance. But I have read up on UTi's and I wear cotten underwear, i quit drinking soda, i drink water and cranberry juice, i pee before and after sex, and i wipe correctly. So i havent any idea how i keep getting them, and before i know it has spread to my kidneys, my back hurts, i pee blood, and i have fever and chills, and i am so weak and my legs and arms hurts. I know i am young but my body really isnt that healty, i am about thirty pounds overweight, and i have high cholesterol, and high blood pressure! Though I am not sure how worse it has gotten in the last six months, which is about how long its been since i have had my bp taken. I pee aws often as i have too, which has decreased much in the last six months.  I hope we both can figure out whats wrong with us. Thank you.

[Cath278]

Hi Lauren. hope you having a good day today. Decided to write again. I know what itia like waiting for an answer.I am 47 yrs old and started having kidney infections about two yrs ago. Never had a problem before,never had cystitis.I seem to get bouts of them, 4-5 at a time. At the moment my immune system is compremised with the steroids Im taking but I should not have this many.5th since Jan.
I started to keep notes to see if i could find a pattern or a reason and came up with this;
I hate clothes shopping and I get under pressure doing it. I would sweat a lot and then go to the next store. So, getting hot and wet and then walking around with damp clothes on for a few hours. Now I bring them home to try on.
My dr has given me an antibitotc to have at home so if i feel it coming on I can treat it right away.It saves time and you get stop it before you end up in hospital. Could you ask your dr to do that for you?
At the first pinch of pain I drink gallons of water, not cranberry juice. Thats good for cyctitis, it will only make you feel sick with a kidney infection.
I never use any skin or shower products except baby ones.
You must be very careful when you use the bathroom.Always wipe front to back and if you are using a public toilet, sit down. Squatting does not empty the bladder properly and it can start an infection.
Make sure you go for the tests, it is very important to get it cleared up once and for all. Every time you have an infection a little damage is being done. But dont panic! It will be just fine.You are very young and the body bounces right back.

It is a afull problem to have. I know where every bathroom in the country is! Do you get a lot of blood in your urine when you have it? Can you buy those "dip sticks" to test your urine yourself?
Hope some of these suggestions help. Do keep in touch and let me know how you are getting on. Best of luck on the 19th! Cath278

[Lauren243]

Hi, my name is Lauren and I have been having the same problems you have! No I dont have TA, but I have had reaccuring kidney infections, I have had three just this year! And its seems to be getting worse, cause I am getting them more often! I dont take any medications and really have no other health problems, I had surgery back in 05, I had gallstomes, and I had a few problems during pregnancy, but othe than that I am normal, so far as I know. But I have had the same trouble as you ! I go for testing on the 19th.