Desperate, UTI for male, 32 years

[true1976]

Hello,

Here is my problem:

I am a male, 32 years old, normally never sick, but had recurrent UTI in the past 8 months.

The first one was in August 2007, got cyprofloxacin and went away. No urine culture done.

In September it came back, again cypro and I was "cured". No urine culture done.

In January, same problem, amoxiciline for 15 days, went away. No urine culture done.

In February, strong pain and blood in the urine (strong pain, urgency), culture done and showed E-coli, antibiotic resistant type. I received 7 day injection of Ertapen, it went away. I had Ultrasound and Reflux test done (X-ray), all normal.

In April (this months), I had the feeling of urgency again, went to the doctor, urine test done shows nothing. After one hour in the doctor's office, I felt a strong pain in my bladder and had blood in the urine, second urine test showed blood and wbc. I did a urine culture, no sign of bacteria.

I received Omnicef for 15 days. I did not feel any relief (no urgency anymore but still not comfortable), I went to a different doctor and did a CAT scan, showed nothing abnormal. I did a cystoscopy as well and showed some black spot on in the bladder (not cancer). The doctor said it is a bacteria, so I did another urine culture, it showed nothing.

I even did a TB test, and it was negative.

I am desperate, what can it be? I am taking a second antibiotics right now called (doxycycline) in case it is chlamydia, but no relief...

I am desperate, thank you for any help.

Larry

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

I understand the frustration that comes with this .Were they able to get a tissue sample during cystoscopy which could have been used for a biopsy? I believe you are being managed thoroughly and although it is frustrating that there is no definite answer for your condition, I also think that the negative tests should offer some form of relief.

This blood in the urine, is this visible blood or is the bleeding only noted microscopically? Where they able to determine the source of the bleeding?

A hemogram  may be able to help determine the source of the bleed by evaluating the appearance and character of the red blood cells. Also a complete blood count and platelet count and test for bleeding parameters and blood coagulation factor levels are important.

Were any of these tests done?

[true1976]

Thank you so much for your answer.

They did not do any biopsy because they thought it was maybe TB, but that was negative. The blood was visible (150-200 cells) and always at last when I past urine. But that was just a one time event two weeks ago, I did not have any of that since then. The weird thing is that the urine test just 1 hour before the "blood" event showed no bleeding or wbc whatsoever.

I was told to continue Omnicef for 6 more days and doxycycline for another 3 weeks and then they will see.

I will definitely print out your comments and see if I can have some of the test done.

Thank you again for all your help,

Larry

[true1976]

Hi Vanessa,

I just wanted to give an update on my condition.

I'm still taking doxycycline, but since I'm taking Urecholine (10 days ago), I feel fantastic and I do not have any of the earlier symptoms anymore.

Does that mean that I will have to take Urecholine for the rest of my life? How can I train my bladder to empty itself fully without the help of Urecholine?

Is it safe for me to continue Urecholine or should I be worried about taking it too long? If I have a "health check" in a hospital (for insurance purposes), will this show?

Again thank you so much for all your help,

Larry

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.

It is good to hear that things are better now. Actually, the best person to answer your questions is your physician/prescriber. Urecholine may be taken for longer periods only upon the advise of your physician. I suggest that you also ask your physician if it will be necessary that you be referred for physical therapy. There are exercises which may help you improve urinary function especially if a neurogenic or nerve related cause is concerned.

Any medications when taken for too long a time needs close supervision of a physician. We are trying to avoid any side effects here. The longer a drug is taken, the chance for its side effects to manifest may be higher. Ask your physician about this. Putting you off  the medication to see how you may fare without it will be necessary.After all, being on medication for long periods may not be very cost effective and may also result to unwanted side effects. It is best to seek out options which may supplement your condition eg physical and behavioural therapy sessions when indicated.

[true1976]

Thank you again for all your help.

I had another UTI about 3 weeks ago. They checked my urine and found WBC and red blood cells but the culture was negative. They gave me Omnicef for 10 days (4 pills a day).

They also checked my prostate (by doing a prostate massage and culture of the sample) and it was negative.

Now I'm taking "Omnicef", 1 pill a day for 3 months.

All would be well if I didn't have that uncomfortable feeling again. It is not that I have to p.. all the time,but it feels like my bladder is not empty, even though I just went to the restroom.

Is there any type of food I should avoid to eat? I drink plenty of water and I try not to eat too salty. Any advice on specific food/drinks to avoid?

Should I ask my urologist to do another cystoscopy?

Thank you again for all your help, I could not thank you enough.

Larry