Aa
Recurrent UTI
My sister, 18 years old, has had the problem of recurrent cystitis every since she was 11 years old. She rarely ever has been symptom free, with complaints of burning micturition and frequency all the time. Her earliest cultures yielded growths of E.coli, followed by Enterobacter and various mixed cultures thereafter. Her symptoms get relieved somewhat for the time-being with a course of antibiotics, but they always recur and it has significantly impacted her daily life. We had an ultrasound KUB done a few months ago, which was normal with mild calyectasis on the left. Currently she is having another spell of active infection and today she even had an episode of incontinence with urine dribbling all over her clothes while she was in the kitchen.
We are all distressed by her condition and I wanted to ask what could be the possible cause for such an alarming recurrence of infection? And what investigations would be useful? And what measures can be taken to avoid this?
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!
We are all distressed by her condition and I wanted to ask what could be the possible cause for such an alarming recurrence of infection? And what investigations would be useful? And what measures can be taken to avoid this?
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!
I have a bladder wall infection that is being treated long term with antibiotics. Not all bacteria will culture and often only around 50% of urine tests are acurate anyway. I personally dont feel that having invasive procedures is a good idea and neither does my UTI Dr. You may need to have a longer test for bacteria in the urine that allows more time for bacteria to grow and also a longer course of antibiotics.
If your sister doesnt get rid of this infection then it is possible the bacteria could get deeper into her bladder wall like they have with me and it is difficult to get rid of then.
Mixed growth is common but not always accepted by labs and they often throw out specimens if there is more than one bacteria growing but there can be up to 500 types of bacteria growing and more than one type. Urine isnt sterile. Have a look as well at D Mannose if your sister has had or has E coli to as some people have success with this for treating E coli but dont ignore this infection and keep getting tests done and ask for a longer test to be done. Look up sediment cultures and broth cultures. Start to cast your net wider as not all Drs know about these tests
If your sister doesnt get rid of this infection then it is possible the bacteria could get deeper into her bladder wall like they have with me and it is difficult to get rid of then.
Mixed growth is common but not always accepted by labs and they often throw out specimens if there is more than one bacteria growing but there can be up to 500 types of bacteria growing and more than one type. Urine isnt sterile. Have a look as well at D Mannose if your sister has had or has E coli to as some people have success with this for treating E coli but dont ignore this infection and keep getting tests done and ask for a longer test to be done. Look up sediment cultures and broth cultures. Start to cast your net wider as not all Drs know about these tests
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Urology Community
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia provides insight to the most commonly asked question about the transfer of HIV between partners.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
