UTI?

[Terabith]

I’m pretty sure I have a UTI.  I’m having a lot of discomfort in my bladder area in my pelvis, burning urination, and constant urgency.  Azo has helped a lot.  I’ve also had some tenderness over by my left kidney.  I threw up once, and I have had a low grade fever and just feel kinda like garbage.  I tried to get a televisit with urgent care, but they had technical issues.  The doctor never showed up, and they couldn’t reschedule me. I will try with GP tomorrow.  I got some Azo test strips for UTIs and peed on the stick, and it says infection.  
 

I did have a kidney stone about a month ago.  I don’t think I passed it, but it moved; pain went away, and my white cell count came down and the blood in urine disappeared. 
 

I am trying to drink a lot.  Anything else to do?   I haven’t had many of these, and I have been surprised by how systemically sick I feel.   General exhaustion and vague headache and achiness and just generally wanting to stay in bed.  I folded a load of laundry and was pooped.  But I also can’t really sleep.  It’s frustrating.  

[Terabith]

No d-mannose.  I’ve heard good things about it.  I’m pretty sure stone didn’t get excreted, but it had moved and wasn’t causing problems anymore.  Trying to drink a lot.  Is it normal to just feel crappy in general?   I assume it’s related to the low grade fever.  My thoughts always go to covid, but we have been pretty socially distant.  Not perfect but generally.  

[EmseB]

I would get in ASAP with those symptoms. If you're having kidney pain and fever with suspected uti you need to be seen and get some abx started.

[Mama Geek]

I am currently on antibiotics for one and the doc that I saw said to also take up to  600 mg of advil.  The Azo, advil and d-mannose really helped since I started to get it late enough that I wouldn't be able to get it from the pharmacy until the next day.

 

[Terabith]

I tried to get into urgent care yesterday, but they had tech issues and canceled my appointment and couldn’t reschedule.  Will try to get appointment for GP as soon as they open.  
 

Fever is low, only like 99.6.  Uncomfortable but not one that usually is alarming.  

[Terabith]

1 minute ago, Mama Geek said:

I am currently on antibiotics for one and the doc that I saw said to also take up to  600 mg of advil.  The Azo, advil and d-mannose really helped since I started to get it late enough that I wouldn't be able to get it from the pharmacy until the next day.

 

Does d-mannose help symptoms?  I thought it was more of a preventative.  

[Guest]

1 hour ago, Terabith said:

No d-mannose.  I’ve heard good things about it.  I’m pretty sure stone didn’t get excreted, but it had moved and wasn’t causing problems anymore.  Trying to drink a lot.  Is it normal to just feel crappy in general?   I assume it’s related to the low grade fever.  My thoughts always go to covid, but we have been pretty socially distant.  Not perfect but generally.  

Please, promise me, if you really do feel crappy, you will go to the ER. My sister died of a kidney infection that went septic. She died. She thought she might be coming down with the flu, but she knew she had a UTI and was drinking cranberry juice for it. She vomited and had a fever. She sat down on the couch because she felt so tired, went to sleep and never woke up. 

I’m sorry to be so alarmist, but I get paranoid about UTIs because of my sister’s abrupt and totally unexpected, preventable death. I would rather induce a trip to the ER that may be overkill than witness another outcome like that. 

[Mama Geek]

It is one of those things that there aren't enough studies on.  I found out about it a while ago when looking for home remedy relief from UTIs to hold me over until I could get in to see a doc.  The bottle that I have has cranberries in it too which is supposed to be good for UTIs.

 

[RootAnn]

I have had two UTIs in my life. They were both absolutely awful until I got meds for them.  

[Terabith]

33 minutes ago, Quill said:

Please, promise me, if you really do feel crappy, you will go to the ER. My sister died of a kidney infection that went septic. She died. She thought she might be coming down with the flu, but she knew she had a UTI and was drinking cranberry juice for it. She vomited and had a fever. She sat down on the couch because she felt so tired, went to sleep and never woke up. 

I’m sorry to be so alarmist, but I get paranoid about UTIs because of my sister’s abrupt and totally unexpected, preventable death. I would rather induce a trip to the ER that may be overkill than witness another outcome like that. 

I’m calling my doctor as soon as she opens in an hour.  I looked up kidney infections, and I think it could be heading in that direction, but I don’t have a high fever.  I mean, 99.6 doesn’t even count as one for a lot of purposes, but it does usually indicate to me that I’m sick.  Definitely not going to ignore this.  

[Spryte]

Quill, I’m so, so sorry to hear about your sister.  

Terabith, get with your doc ASAP.  Please. Kidney pain and vomiting are not normal run of the mill UTI symptoms.  They mean kidney.  And a potential stone in there would be even worse.

My DD had a UTI turned kidney infection last fall.  It was on a Fri evening, of course, when we first took her in to an urgent care.  That doc was crystal clear that if she vomited even once or had kidney pain - straight to the ER.  Don’t call, don’t go to a clinic.  ER.  She  seemed to get a little better over the weekend, then suddenly got worse (despite abx).  She vomited, we took her in, and she was admitted for three days.  We have run into that urgent care doc since, and I still feel grateful that he made it clear how serious a UTI can be.  

 

 

 

[MercyA]

I've had about 30 kidney stones. I passed one last week and have another right now. I have never had fever or fatigue with any of them. Definitely you have an infection, whether just a UTI or a kidney infection. You need antibiotics ASAP.

Please keep us updated.

ETA: I had a kidney infection once, in college. I have rarely ever felt so sick. I had to stay in the infirmary. I had pain and vomiting.

Edited September 14, 2020 by MercyA

[Terabith]

I have an appointment at 10:15 via telemed.  

Yeah, about a month ago, I had what the ER agreed was a kidney stone, but it never passed.  It did shift and the pain disappeared, and I had a follow up appointment and there was no blood in my urine and my white cell count was fine.  It is possible, I suppose, that the kidney stone has moved to bladder.  I'm pretty sure there's infection and I need antibiotics.  

[KungFuPanda]

I have had fever and fatigue with a UTI but I’ve only had vomiting with a kidney infection. The one time I tried to home-treat a UTI with d-mannose it turned into a kidney infection that landed me in the hospital for a few days. I won’t try that again. I’d hit up an urgent care if you can’t be seen today. They’ll get you in and out quickly. There are also home test strips available that are easy to use, but you’ll likely need antibiotics. Don’t let the magical powers of Azo lull you into a false sense of security. 

[Terabith]

Yeah, I got the home test strips, and it told me I had infection.  Last night, I tried to get into urgent care.  They told me they'd make me an appointment for a telemedicine appointment with urgent care.  I showed up at the time, and no doctor ever showed up.  Called back, turned out they had technical issues and couldn't actually see me last night.  So have an appointment for this morning with a provider from my GP's office.  

I'm hoping after I see the doctor that I can go crawl back into bed.  This is pathetic, but I am exhausted and just feel crummy.  

Edited September 14, 2020 by Terabith

[Spryte]

So glad you have an appointment.  
 

 

[Terabith]

So, can’t do a culture because I’m taking Azo.  Giving me macrobid and said to call back if I’m still having symptoms In 48 hours.  Told me to go to bed and drink lots.  

[Terabith]

Yeah, Macrobid was what was prescribed. Good to know there’s alternatives if it doesn’t cut it.  Should I get probiotics?

[gardenmom5]

With those symptoms (pain/tenderness over kidney, fever,) - it could be a kidney infection  and I would urge you to seek medical care.  Don't self-treat.  Don't wait for tomorrow.  Go to urgent care if you have to.

[Terabith]

15 minutes ago, gardenmom5 said:

With those symptoms (pain/tenderness over kidney, fever,) - it could be a kidney infection  and I would urge you to seek medical care.  Don't self-treat.  Don't wait for tomorrow.  Go to urgent care if you have to.

I saw doctor today.  Got an antibiotic and will call back if still symptomatic in 48 hours.  

[Spryte]

Glad you got an abx!

And echoing that if you still have pain and symptoms in a few days - let them know.  Both DD and I have had UTIs that didn’t respond to the first abx Rx’d.  
 

Hope you can nap and drink lots of fluids.  Feel better soon.

[PeterPan]

1 hour ago, Æthelthryth the Texan said:

This is going to be a controversial post on this board,

Haha, we LOVE controversy!! After years of spending $$$ on probiotics, I too went to just yogurt. Now I eat inulin gummies every so often as a prebiotic (feeds the good stuff in your gut), and I rotate my yogurts. 

I do like D-Mannose btw. I started taking it after I had a one time, one pee on a stick positive UTI test. I ridded it with stiff doses of the D-Mannose and lots of water (which means it obviously was not an entrenched situation, not advocating avoiding care, I did go to the doctor and by that time tested ok again), and now I just keep taking it for good measure. It seems to do a good deed for ds' mood too, so I give him a couple capsules a day for good measure.

[matrips]

I think Florastor is a yeast based probiotic that does not die with antibiotics. 

[J-rap]

6 hours ago, Æthelthryth the Texan said:

This is going to be a controversial post on this board, but since you quoted me, I'll give you my .02 that you'll be just as well off with yogurt as with any probiotic. Even my GI now says that unless inserted rectally (which you can do with the capsules if you so chose), probiotics are dead before they get where they need to go. But I know that is not the current en vogue view, and realize that. I'd just eat some yogurt if it were me (and in the past I have done the Florastor and VSL and all the things).

I also don't think the D-Mannose would hurt to take either now with the antibiotics, since I know you know not to take them in lieu of the antibiotics. I'd just space out when I took them and not take them exactly with the Macrobid. 

Edited to clarify- take both daily if you want, just don't take the Macrobid and the D-M at the same moment. Wait an hour or two and then take the D-M post Macrobid. 

 

Just last week, I spoke with the head of the Infectious Disease Department at one of the world's well-known medical clinics, and he told me yogurt was just as effective as any probiotic, and generally much more enjoyable, so he said stick with yogurt.  🙂    I thought that was interesting!

D-Mannose is a miracle supplement for me.  It only works if the UTI is caused by e-coli, but most UTI's are -- though not all of them.  I'd probably hold off taking it if you're already on antibiotics.  But next time, if you catch a UTI early, D-Mannose will generally clobber it if it's an e-coli based infection.  That and lots of water.

 

[KungFuPanda]

I’ve been given a blood test to check for UTI when I’m on azo and it’s hard to read the test strips. 
 

I wonder of D-mannose would be helpful to use as a prophylactic for those of us who tend towards TeA-induced UTIs? I’d be afraid to treat with it again, but I wonder if adding it to the after-care routine could be useful (or even before if you plan these things out 😂).

ETA a follow up question: Does it matter which BRAND of d-mannose you use?

Edited September 15, 2020 by KungFuPanda

[Terabith]

Honestly the urgency is by far the most distressing symptom.  I haven't vomited since the once yesterday, and I'm drinking so much water that I can't really get an accurate temperature read, but if I have one, it's definitely low grade.  The kidney pain is more vague tenderness than actual pain; I don't feel it if I'm not really poking.  The bladder is uncomfortable, but that gets mixed in with the urgency.  It's not exactly pain.  There is some burning with urination, but it's pretty minor.  The urgency is seriously annoying though.  

[Garga]

13 minutes ago, Terabith said:

Honestly the urgency is by far the most distressing symptom.  I haven't vomited since the once yesterday, and I'm drinking so much water that I can't really get an accurate temperature read, but if I have one, it's definitely low grade.  The kidney pain is more vague tenderness than actual pain; I don't feel it if I'm not really poking.  The bladder is uncomfortable, but that gets mixed in with the urgency.  It's not exactly pain.  There is some burning with urination, but it's pretty minor.  The urgency is seriously annoying though.  

I know! It’s horrible! I hate UTIs sooooo much!  That horrible, horrible urgency. When I have a UTI, it fills my brain and I can’t think of anything else.  And even when it’s cleared up, I’m super paranoid that it’s coming back.  I take the Dmannose now as a preventative and haven’t had one since I started doing that.

Below are my notes I have on D-mannose. I used to get UTIs when I was younger, then they went away, and then I had a string of 3 of them in about a year, and that’s when I heard about D-mannose.

 

I’ll copy and paste here my notes that I copied from other places.  I got some of my notes from the comments on this brand of D-mannose: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JWKDF6A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

UTI infection: D mannose. 

(if it’s not a UTI: I've also had times I was sure I had a UTI - my urine was super acidic and that was the source of my symptoms. (even the culture was negative) for that - my dr had me do 1/4 tsp baking soda in water 2x per day to neutralize the acidity in my body.—wtmer GardenMom5)

There are a few methods:

*****************

Per this article, 2-3 grams every 2 hours:  https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/home/features/alternative-meds-update/d-mannose-an-effective-antibiotic-alternative/ 

 

———-

HOW I TAKE IT WHEN I HAVE A UTI (note that I have NOT A single UTI since I started using this as prevention!!)

Okay when you notice signs of UTI (aka the horrible feeling of death, burning, and would rather give birth again,) take one large teaspon in about 2 onces of water. now WAIT 45 mins so it can go through your body to your bladder, you want it to grab as much bacteria as possible, then start drinking alot of water like a large deer park water bottle at least 12-16 onces of water. Then wait 2-3 hours and repeat, then after the first two doses, do it EVERY 3-4 hours until sympotns start to disappear, I take AZO with it the first 24 hours to help with pain, but after about 20-30 hours, you are going to be shocked at how much better you feel.

 

IN NON PARAGRAPH FORM:

 

DOSE: Take one large tsp of D-Mannose in 2 oz water.  

WAIT: Wait 45 min, drink 16 oz or more of water.

Wait 2-3 hours and repeat the DOSE and WAIT steps.

Now wait 3-4 hours and repeat the DOSE and WAIT steps.

Continue repeating the DOSE and WAIT steps every 3-4 hours until the infection is gone.  (Round the clock.)

 

Take Uristat/AZO in the first 24 hours, but within 20-30 hours the infection should be going away.  

 

******************

After doing a little bit more research, I found something called the waterfall method. This method is meant to prevent UTIs from occurring after having intercourse. I mix 1 tsp. of D mannose in the morning with a full 8 oz. glass of water and drink it. Then, one hour before sex, I take it again (1 tsp. of D mannose with 8 oz. of water). Immediately after sex, I take another dose. Afterwards, I take another dose every 6 hours for a full 24 hours after to make sure that there's no bacteria left in my system. This method has worked for me every time, and since following this method, I haven't had another UTI. I am so thankful to have found this product and I hope that this helps others. I have not experienced any side effects from taking this product.

 

**********************

My 20 yr old cat who has chronic kidney disease takes 1/8 tsp 2x a day in 5mls of water with her meds to prevent UTI's. I have been using it with her for over a year now and it works really well on certain types of UTI bacteria. The secret is to not mix with too much water so that it clings to the sides of the bladder, I think. I'm on our 3rd bottle in a little over a year. Will continue to buy for as long as it works for her.

 

**********************

I read some medical research about the product, and the studies I read about found that D-Mannose is slightly more effective than Macrobid when used as a regular preventative measure.

 

Each day I take a teaspoon of D-Mannose in a small glass of water. I make sure I drink plenty of tea and water throughout the day.

 

If I happen to get a UTI, which only happened 3 or 4 times last year, I take a tablespoon in a glass of water. Then I take another tablespoon with more water about 2-3 hours later. I do this until the symptoms subside, usually in about a day. Then I take a regular dose in the morning and at night for two or three more days before returning to my regular dose.

 

It's been a full year, and I haven't had to make a call to the doctor for a UTI. I've been able to completely clear them up with D-Mannose. I've never had any side effects. It's truly been a lifesaver! I am thankful every day that I found this product!

 

*****************

 

This is truly a life saver for me. I get UTI's at the drop of a hat. Antibiotics weren't working for me and I was sick of telling doc's I still had a UTI after taking multiple rounds of antibiotics. I now use this along with Monolaurin. I don't usually have to use both, but if by chance I notice the D-Mannose isn't working, then the Monolaurin will. I followed another user's advice on using the D-Mannose, by first putting a heaping teaspoon in just 4 oz of water, then waiting 45 minutes before drinking more. Ever since doing that method I haven't had any issues whatsoever. I always make sure I have this in stock!

 

*******************

 

Anyhow - now since using this product I haven’t had a UTI in 2 years. As soon as I feel a little tingle or anything “off” I take a dose of this in 2-4 ounces of water. I find it works best first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Wait an hour and the guzzle some water. Wait 4 hours and repeat. And somehow it works! I repeat this for a 24-48 hour period and boom all clear.

 

**************

As someone who suffers from chronic UTIs, this stuff is a life saver. Wait until your bladder is empty, take a good-sized spoonful of the powder without any water or VERY LITTLE water. Wait about 45 minutes, then chug as much water as you can. This gives the powder enough time to stick to the walls of your bladder and flush out the bacteria.

 

*****************

 

If you have a dog or cat thats prone to UTI's, this is a good supplement to keep on hand. If you have a cat with chronic UTI's, make sure to avoid all dry food and treats, cats in particular need a lot of moisture to keep kidneys and bladder flushed. For dog food, fresh food is always best, but if you feed kibble make sure its decent quality with no corn/wheat/soy, byproducts or dyes/preservatives. Also, email the company to inquire about ash levels. More ash= higher recurrence of UTI's. (ideally, it should be 7% or under).

 

As far as dosage, for cats,- 1/2 tps mixed in with canned food or broth if they'll drink it.

 

Dogs up to 40 lbs- 1 tsp mixed with 1/3 cup of goats milk or low sodium broth. You can add it to food, but it works better suspended in liquid.

Dogs over 40 lbs- 2 teaspoons with broth/goats milk.

 

You can give this up to 3 times a day until UTI clears.

 

***************

 

Another article about D-mannose: 

https://kresserinstitute.com/treat-prevent-utis-without-drugs/

 

The typical dose of D-mannose for UTI treatment is 500 mg, in capsule or powder form, taken in a glass of water or juice every two to three hours for five days. It is a good practice to continue taking the supplement even after symptoms have diminished to ensure complete elimination of the bacteria in the urinary tract. This dose can also be taken as a preventative, or prophylactic, method.

 

From the above article: If it’s not e-coli:

Alternative Treatments for Chronic UTIs

One caveat with D-mannose is that it is only effective with UTIs caused by E. coli infection. While this accounts for about 90% of cases, there are 10% that will not benefit from this treatment. In this case, supplements that help disrupt biofilms can be useful in treating and preventing UTIs.

Biofilms are an accumulation of microorganisms and their extracellular products forming structured communities attached to a surface such as the lining of the urogenital tract. (5) The development of a biofilm can make infections extremely hard to treat, since they commonly return shortly after treatment is stopped. The antibacterial resistance of pathogenic biofilms is one of the major reasons why those who get a UTI are highly susceptible to getting more in the future – if the biofilm is not completely eliminated, the infection will eventually return at some point.

This is why the use of biofilm disruptors can be helpful for preventing the recurrence of chronic UTIs. (6) The biofilm disruptors that I recommend to my patients are InterFase Plus from Klaire Labs or Biofilm Defense from Kirkman. These contain specialized enzymes to disrupt the biofilm matrix embedding potential of pathogens, and dissolve the sugar and fibrin components of most pathogenic biofilms. By destroying the biofilms, the recurrence of UTIs despite proper hygiene can be reduced. (7)

Lauricidin is another supplement that may be helpful in treating UTIs, particularly those that are caused by bacteria other than E. coli. Lauricidin (a proprietary form of monolaurin) has anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activity, and is specific against pathogenic bacteria so it won’t disrupt beneficial bacteria in the gut. It is highly effective at combating gram positive bacteria in the families of Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Listeria, Bacillus, and Clostridium. (8) It works by disturbing the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane, blocking replication and making it easier for the immune system to destroy the pathogen. Lauricidin is only helpful, however, for UTIs not caused by E. coli, which is gram negative and has a different kind of outer cell membrane than gram positive bacteria.

Nattokinase from Source Naturals is another enzyme that has been shown to dissolve biofilms. (9) Produced by the bacteria found in the fermented food natto, this enzyme is proteolytic and can help break down the fibrin proteins that maintain the structure of biofilms. Because of its fibrin-breaking ability, it’s important that nattokinase supplements are not taken by people with bleeding disorders, or by people who are taking Coumadin (warfarin), aspirin, or any other drug that influences blood clotting, unless supervised by a physician.

Apolactoferrin (or lactoferrin) is one more supplement that I recommend to my patients with recurring UTIs. This multifunctional protein Lactoferrin is a component of the immune system with antimicrobial activity, and is part of the innate defense, mainly found in secretions and mucosal surfaces. (10) Lactoferrin has been shown to block pathogenic biofilm development by binding to iron and causing the bacteria to “wander” across surfaces instead of forming cell clusters and biofilms. (11, 12) One study found that the amount of E. coli bacteria in the kidneys and bladder of mice was significantly reduced 24 hours later by oral lactoferrin treatment, compared to a control group. (13) More research is necessary to demonstrate the effectiveness of lactoferrin in treating UTIs, but I believe it is worth trying, especially if dealing with chronic UTIs.

 

 

 

 

Edited September 15, 2020 by Garga

[Garga]

36 minutes ago, KungFuPanda said:

I’ve been given a blood test to check for UTI when I’m on azo and it’s hard to read the test strips. 
 

I wonder of D-mannose would be helpful to use as a prophylactic for those of us who tend towards TeA-induced UTIs? I’d be afraid to treat with it again, but I wonder if adding it to the after-care routine could be useful (or even before if you plan these things out 😂).

ETA a follow up question: Does it matter which BRAND of d-mannose you use?

I’ve re-copied here the part where someone wrote about tea-induced UTIs.  I use the NOW brand because of all the reviews on it that were positive.  This is just a random note that someone online wrote about it, but it might get you going/thinking:

 

After doing a little bit more research, I found something called the waterfall method. This method is meant to prevent UTIs from occurring after having intercourse. I mix 1 tsp. of D mannose in the morning with a full 8 oz. glass of water and drink it. Then, one hour before sex, I take it again (1 tsp. of D mannose with 8 oz. of water). Immediately after sex, I take another dose. Afterwards, I take another dose every 6 hours for a full 24 hours after to make sure that there's no bacteria left in my system. This method has worked for me every time, and since following this method, I haven't had another UTI. I am so thankful to have found this product and I hope that this helps others. I have not experienced any side effects from taking this product.

[Terabith]

So, would it be okay to take D-mannoose with antibiotic?  And where do you get it?

[J-rap]

43 minutes ago, KungFuPanda said:

I’ve been given a blood test to check for UTI when I’m on azo and it’s hard to read the test strips. 
 

I wonder of D-mannose would be helpful to use as a prophylactic for those of us who tend towards TeA-induced UTIs? I’d be afraid to treat with it again, but I wonder if adding it to the after-care routine could be useful (or even before if you plan these things out 😂).

ETA a follow up question: Does it matter which BRAND of d-mannose you use?

Yes, I believe it would.  For about two years, I was prone to getting UTI's at the drop of a hat, and I began using D-mannose prophylactically.  I'd often take one pill either right before or right after, and follow up with one more in the morning if anything felt off at all.  That was generally all I ever needed, and it made a HUGE difference for me.

I use the NOW brand, but I don't think it matters much.  

 

[J-rap]

6 minutes ago, Terabith said:

So, would it be okay to take D-mannoose with antibiotic?  And where do you get it?

If you're already on an antibiotic, my own thought is that it wouldn't be necessary to take the D-mannose too.  I just get it on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/NOW-D-Mannose-500-120-Capsules/dp/B000JN4CR0/ref=pd_lpo_121_t_0/132-6472586-5485307?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000JN4CR0&pd_rd_r=55679262-6266-41bb-aab7-5d61391c47c7&pd_rd_w=kQfMR&pd_rd_wg=Z7OG4&pf_rd_p=7b36d496-f366-4631-94d3-61b87b52511b&pf_rd_r=XWHB2KAWMNNV6GN6AP4Z&psc=1&refRID=XWHB2KAWMNNV6GN6AP4Z

 

 

[J-rap]

24 minutes ago, kand said:

I guess it depends what you’re taking the probiotic for. I’m always thinking c diff, but it strikes me some people are probably taking it to prevent a yeast infection. I can imagine yogurt might work just as well for that (except for the high sugar in most of it), but for preventing c diff, I wouldn’t trust yogurt to do enough. Florastor (or other s. Boulardii) is the one with the most research supporting it. There are some other high dose probiotics that may help as well, but florastor has its own unique action. 

You may be right!  I haven't done much research on this myself.

[Terabith]

Usually, I take probiotics to try to prevent yeast infections, but I definitely don't want c diff, either!

[Terabith]

So how long does it usually take to stop feeling like death on a cracker with a UTI?  I’ve had two doses of antibiotics, lots of water, and azo.   Still feel crummy.   

[KungFuPanda]

15 hours ago, J-rap said:

Yes, I believe it would.  For about two years, I was prone to getting UTI's at the drop of a hat, and I began using D-mannose prophylactically.  I'd often take one pill either right before or right after, and follow up with one more in the morning if anything felt off at all.  That was generally all I ever needed, and it made a HUGE difference for me.

I use the NOW brand, but I don't think it matters much.  

 

I think that's the brand I threw out after my kidney infection hospital adventure.  I'll bet I even got the recommendation here.  I'm going to order it again and try it as a preventative. I seem more prone to them as I get older.  If I stay REALLY hydrated at all times AND am very careful not to fall asleep "afterwards" I can put them off indefinitely, but I eventually drop the ball one way or the other a couple times a year.  There's no way I have the follow-through to take all of the steps @Gargaposted.  Things would have to be much worse before I'd be motivated to that level of planning.

 

13 hours ago, Terabith said:

So how long does it usually take to stop feeling like death on a cracker with a UTI?  I’ve had two doses of antibiotics, lots of water, and azo.   Still feel crummy.   

Sometimes I have no other symptoms beyond the direct UTI stuff.  Other times it wipes me out like I have a mild flu and I'm sleeping for a day or two.  There seems to be no rhyme or reason. It sucks.  

[Terabith]

5 minutes ago, KungFuPanda said:

Sometimes I have no other symptoms beyond the direct UTI stuff.  Other times it wipes me out like I have a mild flu and I'm sleeping for a day or two.  There seems to be no rhyme or reason. It sucks.  

Yeah, the direct UTI stuff is definitely the most distressing, but I do feel sorta like I have a low level flu thing.  Super exhausted, a little bit achy, like my skin is overly sensitive.  A headache.  Just no energy.

[J-rap]

1 hour ago, KungFuPanda said:

I think that's the brand I threw out after my kidney infection hospital adventure.  I'll bet I even got the recommendation here.  I'm going to order it again and try it as a preventative. I seem more prone to them as I get older.  If I stay REALLY hydrated at all times AND am very careful not to fall asleep "afterwards" I can put them off indefinitely, but I eventually drop the ball one way or the other a couple times a year.  There's no way I have the follow-through to take all of the steps @Gargaposted.  Things would have to be much worse before I'd be motivated to that level of planning.

 

Sometimes I have no other symptoms beyond the direct UTI stuff.  Other times it wipes me out like I have a mild flu and I'm sleeping for a day or two.  There seems to be no rhyme or reason. It sucks.  

I just went back and read about your kidney infection!  Ouch!!  I only use D-Mannose when I can feel the very beginnings of a possible UTI or when things just feel a little off, or preventatively -- as discussed.  If I knew I had a full-blown UTI, I would never self-treat but would go straight to the doctor.  Also, it could be that your infection was caused by another bacteria other than e-coli.  (D-Mannose only works for e-coli.)

I agree with you about having to be extra careful now...  I didn't have a single UTI until about 4 years ago, and after that, I seemed to get them so easily.  I was so glad I learned about D-Mannose!  I don't go anywhere without it -- we travel a lot, and I always keep some in my suitcase, my carry-on, and my purse.   For about two years I was very strict and also took a shower immediately "afterwards."  Only recently I've become a little more lax, and so far the UTI's have stayed away.  (But I still keep my D-Mannose handy!)   

(Also, it would be hard for me to follow the strict routine Garga posted too!)

[Terabith]

3 hours ago, Æthelthryth the Texan said:

My "I am not a Urologist"  .02 would be call the Dr's office and tell the nurse you still feel really bad and ask if that's normal after 3 doses. It sounds to me as if you were in kidney infection territory not simply a minor UTI, or were at least really close to kidney infection level. I would want something better than Macrobid, if we were talking kidney infection level. They may want you to wait another day but the fact that you have a fever- that is not normal UTI level. That's getting serious level. 

And if you are worried about yeast infections, just ask for two Diflucan pills (150)  while you're at it. Take one now, and one in 72 hours and that should prevent a yeast infection. If you don't want Diflucan you can always try Boric Acid vaginal suppositories, the only problem is the ones they sell OTC like in Walmart etc. aren't the same grade as the ones you will get from an Rx at the pharmacy and they aren't seen to work as well in the literature (I actually think some of them sold OTC are fake and not straight up boric acid). But a standard GP might not know about boric acid and that may involve you asking your OBGyn. Different docs are weird on whether or not they'll Rx the Diflucan. And not everyone is on the boric acid train- it's an old treatment brought back new again, and frankly some doctors just don't keep up with research- but it works- maybe even better than Diflucan and is multi-spectrum, especially now that there are resistant strains of candida out there............so something to keep in mind.

Anyway, I have broken my vow to not post about medical stuff here ever again, but there you go. You have my sympathies. My UTI sucked. 

I hope you feel better. Do not feel bad to call back. You should have had SOME relief by now. 

Thanks!  I definitely have had significant improvement, just not all the way to 100% improvement.  Don't think I have a fever today; that was yesterday, although I still feel a bit of the run down feeling like I often do with a low temp.  Just still really tired and kinda icky feeling today with still some urgency issues.  I should probably try not taking the Azo tonight and call back in the morning; that would put me at the 48 hour point.  Will definitely ask about diflucan!  Complicating factor is I am allergic to sulfa, which seems to be a common drug they give for UTIs/ kidney infection.  

I definitely want something strong enough to knock it out, but I have some anxiety around stuff like cipro, too.  

I am DEFINITELY better today.  Pain is less; while I still have urgency, it's not to nearly the same degree.  I'm not vomiting.  I'm not measuring a fever on the thermometer.  

[Terabith]

I wish doctors were clearer about when to call back.  They said to call back if not better in 48 hours.  I definitely feel a lot better than I did, but I still feel crummy and not well.  Not sure if I should stay the course or call in.  Symptoms are better but still there and still feel utterly wiped out.  

[Terabith]

I called and left a message on nurse’s line.  Odds of getting a response are about 50-50.  

[Terabith]

10 minutes ago, Æthelthryth the Texan said:

If they haven’t called by 1pm i’d call back. If they don’t get back to you, do you have a local urgent care you can physically walk into and not deal with the telemed stuff? 

Yeah, there is one.  I just don’t want to over react because I do feel better.  Just not well.  (And I worry about covid at urgent care.)

[Spryte]

Yes, call back if you don’t hear from them.  You want to give the new med enough time to work before the weekend, so you’re not limited in options over the weekend.  (Why do things always get worse on weekends?!)
 

Our urgent cares here do televisits, if you call in advance.

 

Did they culture your urine?  Sometimes that can tell what abx will hit your infection best.

 

The last two years, my UTIs have all required Bactrim.  Like ten days worth.  Cipro didn’t touch them, and I actually worsened terribly once.  It’s meant many call backs, and staying on the phone.

[Terabith]

3 hours ago, Æthelthryth the Texan said:

If they haven’t called by 1pm i’d call back. If they don’t get back to you, do you have a local urgent care you can physically walk into and not deal with the telemed 

[Terabith]

3 minutes ago, Terabith said:

3 hours ago, Æthelthryth the Texan said:

If they haven’t called by 1pm i’d call back. If they don’t get back to you, do you have a local urgent care you can physically walk into and not deal with the telemed 

Okay, I don't know why with the new board it wouldn't let me add anything to quote.  I'm frustrated and groggy and not at my best.  

Talked to doctor.  She says since I am improving, she wants to just stay the course, keep hydrating, keep resting.  She says since I don't have a super high fever, she doesn't think it's kidneys but that unfortunately, UTIs can make you feel really crummy for several days.  Blah.  

Very tempted to go back to bed.  

[RootAnn]

Go back to bed!

[Terabith]

Urinary symptoms are WAY better.  I still feel irrationally tired and kinda generically slightly sick but much better.  I’m assuming the exhaustion is a sign I should keep resting, but it’s such a relief that the urinary symptoms feel so much better.  

[Lizzie in Ma]

This stuff can stop it cold and will keep UTI's from reoccurring as well.  Youngest's gyn recommended it. Hope you feel better soon.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MR7Y7AS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Terabith]

3 hours ago, Lizzie in Ma said:

This stuff can stop it cold and will keep UTI's from reoccurring as well.  Youngest's gyn recommended it. Hope you feel better soon.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MR7Y7AS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Oh yeah, I'm fine now.  Antibiotics are fantastic for things like this!  I'll check that out though.  Thanks!