Help UTI or interstitial cystitis? - Bladder Health UK

Bladder Health UK

1,222 members409 posts

Help UTI or interstitial cystitis?

CW12 profile image
CW12
14 Replies

For the past couple of weeks I have been battling frequent urination and pressure. My culture shows now bacteria +2 leukocytes NO BACTERIA... in both the In office quick test and more comprehensive lab test. I have had 4 test total to make sure. None of the test show bacteria.

I have had interstitial cystitis in the past.

Can interstitial cystitis cause +2 leukocytes? The antibiotics make me feel not great. What are you thoughts?

Thanks!!!!

Written by
CW12 profile image
CW12
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
14 Replies
MBOY1 profile image
MBOY1

I’m just coming out this cycle and it’s pretty horrible. You don’t mention if you’ve had prostate cancer/treatment. I developed radiation cystitis and prostatitis a year post radiation. Anti biopics didn’t work. Was tested for 100 bacterial and no infections. Finally chose to try Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, 30 sessions. I’m almost finished and have had significant improvement which started after 15 sessions. The frequency might be controlled by Betmiga (Myrbetriq). If you try make sure to get 50 mg/day. That brought frequency down from 40+ to 12 or so times a day.

Good luck, I know it’s pretty horrible.

CW12 profile image
CW12 in reply toMBOY1

I am female so no prostate issues 😊. Never had cancer but have had interstitial cystitis... not so uncommon in females. I notice it flares with certain foods .

MBOY1 profile image
MBOY1 in reply toCW12

Got it. I’m sure you know more about IC than I do. When this started a couple of months ago a female friend talked about IC. Anyway the meds I mentioned might help the frequency and maybe for you it’ll work at 25 mg. The med has nothing to do with men or cancer. You can read about it online and talk to your doc. Good luck.

in reply toMBOY1

Lots of young men and older men get IC. The youngest I had in my group was 17!

ZeeCM profile image
ZeeCM in reply toCW12

Hi,

Try D mannose powder, you can order it online on amazon. Take 1 tsp 3x day. It will help, trust me.

maryemma profile image
maryemma in reply toZeeCM

Hi,I have been taking D mannose powder for the past year ,I take just a tiny amount on the tip of a spoon in a glass of water every morning,at first after none stop ITU s and to many anti bs only to get it back after they finished I also took it three times a day

Then I added probiotics after all the anti bs .Well I did not have any ITU got a year🙏Then about two months ago I got one and 'carn't get rid of it even with one course of anti bs came back when finished I do everything advised still take

Dmannose higher does cause bloating, also drinking l

Water

Cranberry juice eating yogurt cotton pants very good hygiene any more ideas 😢

in reply tomaryemma

Cranberry juice has acid in it. The IC food books and app tells us to stay away from acidic food and drinks. It doesn't bother you? Certain drinks and foods cannot be used with IC.

in reply toCW12

Yes it does trigger with foods, stress, sitting too much, bike riding and much more. It does not cure it goes into remission

Hi, I have Interstitial Cystitis and was diagnosed in 2008. I am state Advocate and state Support Group Leader.

IC does not go away it goes into remission. So if you were diagnosed before you are likely having a flare and are not in remission anymore. Flares mimic UTI's as you know so I would get your urine checked at the lab. I am in the state's I have a standing order to go when I need to. I also go for bladder instills every two weeks were a cocktail of meds is put into my bladder. I also have a medical marijuana license for the immense pain that occurs but only use CBD gummies I don't like the effect of THC. I was also in PT for years up until 2 years ago. I take 50 mg Macrobid antibiotic daily to prevent UTI's and suppress them . I have a Urogynecologist that oversee's my case and had 6 separate outpatient times where I had 12 shots of botox pelvically to freeze the spasms.

There are websites the interstitial Cystitis Network and the Interstitial Cystitis Association that have a plethora of info and doctors overseas and support groups as well. They also have an online support group on either website I mentioned.

Going by the dipstick I'd not recommended because they are not trustworthy...I would get back to your urogynecologist and get tested and back in treatment...

If you need anything let me know.

I been through it all. For now put a tablespoon of baking soda in an 8 oz glass of water and drink it twice per day, be bladder healthy and download the IC friendly food app...to avoid foods you cannot eat..use ice on pelvic heat on bladder for relief. A warm bath in epsom salts helps. Do you have any pyridium to take..the anesthetic for your bladder that's a dye that turns orange?

Keep me posted and let me know if you need help. I get messages and calls from everywhere.

Feel better! 🙏🛀🤗

maryemma profile image
maryemma in reply to

Hi,Leeza ,Thankyou so much for all that information very interesting and informative . I am going to look up all the foods I should not eat now Best Wishes xx

in reply tomaryemma

There's an app you can download called IC Foods and a list of foods on the Interstitial Cystitis Network and the Interstitial Cystitis Association. You can download a list.

Also a list of support groups in your area as it's world wide. You can also start your own group.

Any question is never too small so please message me or ask here.

I've a lot to share!! Happy to help!😊

maryemma profile image
maryemma in reply to

Thankyou 🙏

in reply tomaryemma

Anytime I'm here for you. I know IC like the back of my hand. Also if you are taking Elmiron beware that there are studies that show it can harm your eyes. Obviously discuss this with your doctor..In the states people are suing the Elmiron company. It's a med to thicken your bladder because with IC your bladder thins out.

Please join the Interstitial Cystitis Association and the Interstitial Cystitis Network for free emails.

Also there's tons of info

😊 Be Pain Free😊

Fnz85 profile image
Fnz85 in reply to

To hidden, sounds like you know your stuff. I need help but the hospital are not familiar with the problem.Pyridium!! I think that's what I bought in the pharmacy when in Florida back in 2016 when I was on holiday. If I'd have known at the time how good it turned out to be and that I couldn't get it in England. I would have stocked up because if it was that then I'm desperate to get it again. It was a God send. I havent had anything like it that works since.

I cant find it in England at all 😒 I need any help with a seriously inflamed bladder and urethra (not infected) that I can get.

The NHS have taken too long and just discharged me for a missed appointment which I contacted them about. I'm bed bound because of it, I have been for 10 months and now about to loose my career of 19 years ! 🙄

Thank you

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Interstitial cystitis

Twelve years ago I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. At the time I was drinking a lot of...
CW12 profile image

CONSTANT reoccurring UTI'S/IC/Cystitis

Hi, hoping someone on here might have some advice or a similar situation as I don't seem to have...

Managing Interstitial cystitis

Hi there, I’ve been living with this condition for a very long time. I’ve had surgery’s and...
Talice profile image

Don't know what to ask for for embedded UTI

Hi, I've had the same bladder infection since (I think) at least May, possibly longer. Possibly...
Chancery profile image

My health nightmare

Hi all. In the past my biggest health concerns were hay fever and migraines. However, around the...

Moderation team

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.