Do many people get re occurring UTI's??

[Rach1977]

I requested a urine test to see if I had an infection and protein in it. It has come back positive this morning. I think I have had an infection for atleast the last 2 years, which is not so good!!!

Has anyone else experienced this?

[LindseyMid]

Have you ever had proper GI tests to check your probiotic levels and if there is too much Candida? I struggled with all kinds of infections a few years ago (everything from a UTI to swine flu within 3 months!) and had tests done privately, think I might have systemic Candida again. It turned out that antibiotics I'd been on had pretty much wiped out all my natural probiotics, leaving me prone to infection. A few months of high dose probiotic supplements and I was fine. Unfortunately, the NHS doesn't do analysis in this much detail! I was lucky that an osteopath I know works with a medical lab to get this kind of test done.

Did your test specifically test for bacterial infection? The dip test for UTIs doesn't differentiate between bacterial and fungal infections. Bacterial are more common, but if it could be fungal, then antibiotics will make it worse, not better.

If you see your GP about this recurring (and standard advice is that 3 UTIs within 12 months warrants a referral and testing) then it might be worth asking them to run the usual autoimmune blood tests, just in case, as well.

You don't have young children, do you? I have had some issues with UTIs since my daughter was born, but apparently that's not uncommon in the first year post-partum.

[Rach1977]

Ahhh man I am confused Lindsay. I went to my GP querying Lupus as I have the symptoms of this and I thought they were going to test for Protein as well as the other bacteria tests. Do you fancy a chat on the phone as there is too much to write and explain and need some advice from someone with scientific knowledge as you have. x

[LindseyMid in reply to Rach1977]

I'm no doctor! But if it would help to run through things, then sure. Email me and we'll work out a mutually convenient time. I'm online atm as my daughter is having a nap, but she's likely to wake up at any point and she's not a very well girl atm!

[Brujah81]

I get UTIs but i assume that mine are more to the fact i have bladder problems due to the Fibro and need to self catheterise regularly.

[Rach1977]

It's so difficult isn't it.... with fibro we can get the bladder spasms, needing to go to toilet frequently etc etc, however when I have no symptoms at all and had my bladder checked over with a camera I then wonder what are happening to my kidneys. I thought my offensive urine was due to all the drugs, but Gp said that wouldn't be the case.

I just am confused and fed up with all this, headache from hell and not achieving anything today!!!!

That self catheterisation sounds hard, is that for a certain reason? xx ( can't spell )

[historynut]

I have had UTI's on and off for over 3 years now, but have recently found a degree of relief. I have been on some tablets which relax the bladder muscle and stop the spasms. Sorry I can't remember what they are called off top of my head! Downside is they work great, but cannot be taken long term. My doc says only 2 - 3 months at a time.

Also, I am waiting for an appointment to see a gyneacologist as my doc says I have a prolapsed bladder and she says it is common after childbirth and especially in fibro patients with reduced muscle control in the abdomen, so it may be worth you asking your doc about that in your case?

I have had my bladder and kidneys scanned and have no stones etc, but it did show the bladder is lower than it should be an also that is does not empty properly.

Your headache is probably due to dehydration which is common in those of us with UTI's. We don;t drink enough water as it hurts to pee, but if we don;t drink enough we get dehydrated and the infection does not get flushed out either! It's a vicious circle

Try to take small drinks regularly. I find a few sips of water several times an hour is better than a whole glass full less often. My bladder seems to be less stressed this way.

[Rach1977]

Thanks for your comments, that is really interesting what you say about your bladder not emptying, I was told the same....I wonder why that is?? They did not tell me why!!!

My headache is due to my Occipital nerve being trapped through inflammation from whiplash unfortunately.....I wish it was dehydration!!!! xx

[Nicolakingston]

Funny because all over christmas i went off my food and had a pain in my right side it wasnt low as your kidney area i went to my doctor and said i thought i had a kidney infection they told me they very much doubted it and said i had proberly pulled a mucsle before i left i insisted on them doing a urine test only to find out i did have an infection and after taking the antibiotics my bloated belly went down my appetite came back and my back pain went so good idea to insist on something even if your doctor tells you otherwise after all its your body not theres.

[fibrojude]

I get uti s frequently ,they say the menopause , i think my womb prolapsed and my bladder , looks and feels low got gyne on 1st to check my lichen sclerosis which i have severe , thinnning skin which sometimes can turn to cancer ,so checks every six months will check other worrys whilst there!

[Bella_Baby]

Hi all. This is very interesting to me. I have always had pain or discomfort in my bladder. About a year ago, I went to a women's clinic, had a smear, urine and blood test, and it came back that I had a bacteria in my bladder. I cannot remember the name of it, but, it can cause death to a child at time of birth if not treated beforehand.. harsh aye! Also, it causes the 'fishy' smell that can happen. I was put on some tablets at the time.. and they were good. I think I have to do this again.. because i have constant discomfort in my bladder again.. and sometimes alot of pain.

As far as emptying the bladder... I heard years ago, that when one is on the loo... bend fully forward after urinating, then sit back up.... do this a couple of times.. apparently it helps to empty the bladder properly. I do this on occasion, and find that it does work.

And... wow, with the back pain. I'm having alot of it, kinda on the side.. buy not kindney pain. Yep.. i'm seeing the doc next week, so will be definately bringing this up with her.

Better days to you all

xox