Hello - I was browsing through Facebook yesterday when I came across an article about c difficile. To say I have been frightened to death is an understatement. I have had a permanent uti from November 2021 and no antibiotic seems to clear it. If I catch c difficile it puts me in grave danger because it often leads to sepsis. I am waiting on the next set of urine tests to see if the infection has gone but if not its yet more antibiotics again. I am going to have to be so careful about hand washing etc and now even going out scares me in case I catch it. No one warned me about the dangers of continuous anti biotic. It just seem like one thing after another at the moment. I have yet another set of blood tests next week and I am scared of the result because my creatinine levels are so high (24) and urea (16.1). Has anyone got any good guidance for me as how to keep myself safe - I do not want to become a hermit - thanks for reading.
advice needed again.: Hello - I was browsing... - Kidney Disease
advice needed again.
Fartikins, This might sound mean but the only advice I can give you is to stay away from the internet. If you feel the need to "research" pick a couple of sites that have been vetted as being correct. I prefer Mayo clinic or web MD. Drugs.com for side effects of meds. Also, just because something might happen doesn't mean it will.
I can only echo that.... stay off the Internet. Fartikins, YOU cannot seem to realize that there is a lot of stuff out there but that doesn't mean you are going to get it. STOP IT.... dear one.
Thanks for that - it has become bad habit.
Good Morning, Fartkins,
I can understand your frustrations with your on going health issues, but realistically Facebook or other social media sites are not the place to find answers.
These sites are not operated, monitored and their content justified by the AMA or any Medical Association.
To continue to try to self diagnose via the internet; will unfortunately not give you the answers that you are seeking. We are living, breathing human beings and not test cases. Continually surfing on medical discussion areas can only make you more confused and anxious.
As far as the UTI; very annoying and I am sure that you are mindful of sanitary habits to avoid problems.
If you feel that you are not getting the medical care that you should from the attending doctor that you should be and the TESTS reveal that the UTI has not dissolved, ; my thoughts are to seek other opinions; be it another urologist and nephrologist who will do their own testing, assessment and treat this.
At this point, it's in your best interest to set up a medical team headed by your GP who is your team captain and ask that they refer you to various specialists who are trained to assess and treat any symptoms that you may have, calm your fears and give you suggestions as what to do when you feel frustrated and fearful.
Ask that they communicate with both you in plain language as well as send notes to each other.
Continually seeking answers based on undocumented information and test cases can't replace a face to face discussion.
As much as the members of the community are knowledgeable and have been through plenty of illness, they are here to support.
Give your GP a call and get a urology referral. You will feel much better.
Bet
Thanks so much for your reply - half the trouble in the UK is actually getting to see a GP - it has got really bad and is frightening for people like me. There was a much publicised wait in one of our big ER departments of 13 hours yesterday. But I really need to get a urologist on board now.
Fartkins,
I understand the system as close friend lives in UK, but you have to be your own advocate.
If GP is not responsive,
find one who will listen.
I know that the ER's are crowded, but if it means getting this attended to, go in.
My friend was unwell and did just that; was seen and a consultant saw her.
Please stop digging on unreliable internet sites; stress and worry makes physical situations worse.
B...
Hello - thanks for that. It is so difficult trying to get anyone in the medical profession to see to you. I had to leave work because of my illness and I have lost my health cover so I am having to rely on the NHS. I was just listening to a radio broadcast on the state of the NHS and it was frightening - I switched off because I got the impression that. anyone over the age of 60 with a chronic health condition is considered a liability. Not good - I do my best but it is very difficult under the circumstances.
Dear Fartkins,
I empathize with your frustrations; as much as I am sorry that you have lost your medical insurance, I am grateful that you do have NHS coverage.
As tough as it is, try to focus on what you have, and that is some medical care coverage.
Until the NHS sends you written notification that you are considered a liability and won't cover you because you are over 60 and have a chronic medical condition; do not go there.
Please stop reading misinformation on the internet and listening to jabber on the telly and radio which may not be true as it is dragging you down.
You can find a NHS, GP who relates to you and all of your medical needs from their list and see them.
Darlenia has shared personal experience with you and offered valuable advice about her husband and a good urologist. What may happen to one may not another.
I am grateful that you have NHS coverage and can seek help at the ER, get that UTI treated as well as the name of a GP who takes your insurance.
The wait at the ER may be inconvenient; wear a mask and remember your purpose; to be your own advocate and take the best care of yourself that you can.
Please see someone in person and stop wringing your hands in frustration over internet information which is not always accurate and stay off radio and telly which focus' on the negative.
If it is too stressful to find a GP right now, go to the ER and let them assist you.
Your life is worth more than fear.
Bet
Hi Fartikins. It's okay to be aware of things that might pop up and affect our lives. Indeed, you now know that antibiotics can lead to some undesirable outcomes. It's not mythical or fear mongering - it can and does happen to some. And it, of course, is just one other thing that happened to my hubby on his journey with kidney failure. Here's how it all went down for us. My dear hubby wasn't able to pee after his PD cath placement surgery. (This is known as Post Operative Urinary Retention.) So a urologist quickly put him on a Foley cath, taped a bag to his leg, and ignored him for weeks even after repeated calls. The cath produced a terrible uti (he eventually reeked) which was finally addressed by an intravenous antibiotic treatment at an emergency center and followed up by more oral antibiotic medications. Thankfully, he managed to conquer the uti and come off the cath. His pee function was restored. (His ability to pee was probably there all along.) However, the antibiotic treatments forced all good intestinal and colon flora to disappear, and so he was then greeted by heavy diarrhea - diagnosed as the superbug C-diff - and was sent to his gastroenterologist. He then received another round of a different set of antibiotics to remove the C-diff. This treatment was successful and it hasn't returned. Although C-diff can be contagious, transmission seems be quite rare. I wasn't effected - hubby always made it to the bathroom on time, washed his hands, etc.
Our takeaways from our experience are these: 1) Simply be aware that there are different antibiotic treatments for different situations, it's important to have the correct type of antibiotic and the correct dosages to knock out the problem as soon as possible to prevent follow-on issues, 2) Stop using Foley caths (self-cath if necessary) as quickly as possible, 3) Supplement diet with great probiotics while on antibiotics to keep good flora and good critters in your intestinal and colon tract, and 4) Make sure you have a great urologist who will take you seriously, treat you properly and who recognizes that infections of any sort near a PD cath is to be avoided to the extent possible. (Our dialysis center became increasingly concerned and issued referrals and recommendations.) Yes, C-diff exists, but with mindfulness on the part of you and a great urologist, it shouldn't have to show itself to you. So, there you go - find that urologist now. You have a life to live! 
Thank you so much for your wonderful reply and I am so glad that your husband has recovered. I knew of c diff because I worked in a hospital many years ago but now I am ckd 4 with constant infections it has provided me with more knowledge and hopefully strategies to deal should the need arise. I get my test results tomorrow and I hope the infection has gone but I somehow doubt it.
Hello, Good advice about media and medical concerns. Do you have a counselor or good friend to talk with about what triggers your thoughts? Also, how about hobbies to give you a physical and mental break? I love to read books and talk to friends on the phone
Talk to your Dr about it stress will make your kidney worse and reduce your immune system further. Although it is common for those above 40 but it does not mean you will definitely get it. Make sure to wash your hands often and avoid touching others especially strangers or wash your hands after wash fruits vegetables even with peels and before cutting fruits. Cook everything you eat drink enough water take the medicine prescribed to you. Finally de stress and get enough sleep.Take care
I too Echo everyone that told you to stop researching your health on the internet. If you must go to a reputable medical site, as Jodaer said. If I want real medical advice I ask my PCP even if I need to make an appointment. I also do go Mayo Clinic site or WebMD.Just know that most antibiotics do cause diarrhea as a side effect. For a lot of people taking probiotics helps.
All of that being said, continue to eat healthy and stay hydrated. Relax and don't worry about something that might be! Be your own advocate and stand up for your own health! Be persistent and I would demand that they get to the bottom of your UTI issues. It is your right!
Take care.
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