Kidney Infection again?

[Cath278]

Hi  Dr.I have a history of repeat kidney infection ( four since Jan).I am seeing a specialist in May. My problem is since the last infection(March 24th), every evening, about 5.00pm I have a return of symptoms but not as severe.I have pain in the groin area, frequency, feeling un-well but no blood in my urine.It last for most of the night but feel fine by the morning. Do i need to see my dr again? Will I need another Antibiotic? Thanking you, Cath278.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

You are welcome.

So you have been taking immunosuppressants ( steroids) and this may indeed prolong the course of certain infections as steroids may delay the healing process. However, given your medical history managing your case requires assessment of risks and benefits involved with corticosteroid use.

Just continue to drink plenty of water. You may discuss with your physician the benefits of taking pure cranberry juice. Exercise everyday and maintain a healthy diet.

Keep us posted with regards to your progress.

[Cath278]

Thank you Dr. for your reply and advice. I have Temporal Arteritis and am taking Preds, 30mgs daily.My dr thinks that is allowing the infections to take hold. I would agree with you about the inappropiately prescirbed antibiotics. This is the first time he sent off a sample for testing. He says it is a kidney infection due to the high levels of blood in my urine and fever. I am now taking a three week course of antibiotics in an effort to clear it up completly. I have taken note of all your advice and will follow thru with it. Thank you for taking the time to answer, it is much appreciated. Cath278.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

This sounds like a urinary tract infection. With your previous bouts of UTI before, have you completed your course of medications?

A repeat urinalysis may be needed and you may need antibiotics for this. Prior to antibiotic use, it may be necessary to have a urine culture done to guide treatment. Recurrent UTI's may be due to poor compliance to medications, inappropriately prescribed antibiotics, structural abnormalities, underlying infections in the area and poor genital hygiene.

If you are sexually active, I suggest that you refrain from any sexual activity at the moment until this has been treated. Sexual activity may also lead to UTI's as they introduce organisms into the urethra which may ascend  the bladder and kidneys.

You may inform your physician about this to avoid any complications.

[Spooty]

Are you having actuall Kidney infections or Bladder infections?  I was diagnosed with  Kidney Reflux as a child and just about my first 5 yrs on antibiotices, I have had several surgeries and now have one slightly dmaged kidney and one that is slightly atrophied, I am so prone to infections that I rarely get severve sysmptoms, I will tell the doctor I dont feel right I think I have an infection and I usually am right,  make sure you drink lots of water and the product that I have found that really helps me is ural (I dont know if you can get that in Ireland) I have 2 stchetss in a glass of water and its wonderful, it helps chenge the ph of urine and really eases the symptoms with frequencies and discomfort. I drink 3 to 4 of these a days for about 3 days, if ever in doubt see your doctor for a urine test, If you also pee in a specimen jar and have a look, urine should be clear, if cloudy or not looking right get it checked.  good luck there is nothing worse that the dicomfort of an infection.

[Cath278]

Me back. Yes it was a kidney infection and yes more antibs. If you are not sure, go see your dr! It could save you a lot of pain and trouble. Take care,Cath278

[Lauren243]

Im sorry you have another Infection. I have been praying to God, that I dont get another one before I go the that Evaluation. I hope the doctor up here can help you, and always trust your instincts. God Bless.

Lauren