Urethritis treatment gone wrong, looking for a specialist in Germany

[Echo5]

Hi Doctor,

I got an urethritis that was treated incorrectly.

I'm male 28 years. 2010 in September I got some bug by sexual intercourse with my neighbor at that time. I got symptoms, especially pain when urinating. I went to the local urologist here in the countryside where I live. Despite several examinations nothing was found. The doctor gave me several different antibiotics which worked to some degree but couldn't resolve the issue. At that time I wasn't aware of the problems associated with taking many antibiotics.

In December I finally decided to go to another urologist in the city. The examination found an "unspecific infection". An antibiogram was also made and it looked "not that good". To make things worse, I have an allergy against the Tetracycline type antibiotics, which are the first choice according to the antibiogram. This urologist gave me a rather powerful dose of 10 days Ofloxacin. It helped a lot, however only a few days after the treatment the pain came back. Right now a new examination and a new antibiogram is being made. I have reason to believe that it is "enterobacter cloacae", because I got that bug a few months earlier in my throat after having oral sex with the aforementioned woman (that issue could be resolved quickly then with some ciprofloxacin).

I have a really bad feeling now, that this is going in the wrong direction. I suspect the initial random treatment with different antibiotics caused antibiotic resistances.

Question:
I'm a resident in Germany and insured by the compulsory health insurance system (GKV). I'm looking for a specialist somewhere in Germany, who can help me with this tricky case. I'd prefer someone from the south-west part of Germany where I live (Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Mannheim, Karlsruhe), but then given the problem I have, I'd go anywhere. Can you refer me to any specialist who knows what to do when things get complicated?

[Dr Sean Cummings]

Hi Echo,

Thanks for the update.

I doubt very much indeed that the insurer will pay any attention to you as a prospective "expensive" customer - I'm sure they have some really difficult patients so I don't think you'll feature high on the radar.

very best and good luck, Sean

[Echo5]

Hello Dr. Cummings,

Thanks for your answer. I will insist on more specialist guidance before taking any further steps. Probably get a second and third opinion before doing anything. I'm sure my health insurance won't like this, but I can't risk any other wrong step now.

Today I got the information, that my health insurance has a directory of doctors and a hotline for free specialist adivce. Usefull info: most German health insurances offer such a service. I'll call them on Monday and ask them. I'm a little scared they put some "expensive customer" label on my file when I tell them, but then the bug inside me scares me much more.

If I can provide some useful information later, I'll add it here.

have a nice day

[Dr Sean Cummings]

Hello,

I'm really sorry ECHO but I do not know any urologists at all in Germany. This is a UK Forum.

I think I would suggest going back to one or other of the doctors you have seen, express your concerns and ask for more specialist guidance.

I'm really sorry to be so useless here for you.

best wishes, Sean