MS and UTI’S

[Irishgirl76]

Just wondering if you can help me understand ESBL urinary tract infection/ contagious and common in nursing homes. I already have bowel and bladder issues but ESBL? I feel dirty and ashamed. I was told it was me. I know it can come from food, water, stools etc!

I research often but not sure if my care plan can be better. I can be independently but not sure if there is more to do. My hands break out from cleaning.

I also listen to a podcast that reflects elder law/ multiple sclerosis. I listen to rights we have in facing such as UTI’S. They can be tested more and sanitary measures more available. They call me a complainer.

I am also aware of gaslighting where doctors avoid testing or researching MS issues like this. It is your fault! Very sad that advocates are hard to find. Thanks 😊

[NorasMom]

I had to Google ESBL, so I can't really help with that specifically, but I've been hearing increasing reports of people with serious UTI's that don't respond to traditional treatments. I can't help but wonder if it's something in our food or water.

[Frances_B in reply to NorasMom]

If you Googled ESBL (and I had to as well) you should have found information that explained that the acronym refers to enzymes produced by bacteria to help the bacteria be resistant to commonly used antibiotics.

cdc.gov/hai/organisms/ESBL....

publichealth.hscni.net/site...

In a sense there is an element of a contributing factor with "something in our food or water" because of the extensive use of antibiotics to keep intensively farmed animals healthy - e.g. cattle in feed lots, high density farming of chicken killed for eating, and similar.

All sorts of bacteria that cause health problems are becoming more resistant to antibiotics - and some doctors are concerned that even quite common bacteria caused illnesses may become virtually untreatable in the not too distant future. Humans themselves are to blame for this - patients who demand that their doctors given them antibiotics when they really don't need them, and doctors who are too tired and overworked to resist belligerent patients demanding drugs that aren't needed.

[NorasMom in reply to Frances_B]

I didn't really explain myself well. I was just trying to say that Irishgirl76 shouldn't feel any shame or embarrassment by this because it's becoming increasingly & disturbingly common due to things beyond our control.

[Frances_B in reply to NorasMom]

Absolutely - and those who demand drugs when none are needed or essential are becoming the downfall of the medical system but they don't seem to care that others who are vulnerable - such as the aged and children and people with chronic health problems - may die because of the overuse of antibiotics creating resistant strains of bacteria

[sashaming1]

UTIs are common for people with MS because we can't empty our bladders fully. FYI.

[Frances_B]

If you have bladder problems with bacteria which are ESBL then from what I just found online about what ESBL means it is is nothing to do with you being "dirty" - unless you are not following normal accepted hygiene practices.

UTIs are not a problem for everyone with MS because not everyone with MS has problems emptying their bladder - someone whose MS doesn't affect their bladder won't get any more UTIs than the general population does.

If you are continuously suffering from UTI then your doctors probably need to culture some samples and check exactly which bacteria are responsible, and which antibiotics may still be effective.

Some people also have problems with "bladder colonisation", where the bacteria have embedded themselves in the lining of the bladder and don't cause UTI symptoms constantly, but can fire up into a full UTI at "short notice". There is a product called Hiprex which some people find helpful - it is not an antibiotic but it helps manage/ control bacteria populations in the bladder.

hiprex.com.au/

[CatsandCars]

I'm sorry about your bladder infection. If you feel dirty (which I'm also sorry about) then I'm sure it's not you. A person who didn't care about hygiene wouldn't know any better, or be researching as you are. Getting older is hard for most everyone, but MS is a b*tch of a disease. I think it's great that you're advocating for yourself and other patients, but it's terrible that no one is listening to you. Don't give up!

I hope one of these links are helpful to you.

aarp.org/caregiving/health/...

medicare.gov/what-medicare-...

[Irishgirl76]

Irishgirl76 wants to thank Everyone! So happy 😃 you care.

[kycmary]

Hello Irishgirl76, first get you some cranberry pills. Azo makes a good one. I take 1 in am & 1 in Pm they are 500 mgs. It will help. It is NOT your fault. some people are more susceptible than other people. My PCP sent me to a Urologist, she started me on a hormone cream Estradiol I use it 3 times a week after 2 weeks of every night. Hope this helps. Mary