Continuing UTI and E.Coli

[marie66]

Hi guys, I’m still fighting this infection! It seems E.Coli has been in my system since January 2021, maybe even before that! I’m getting fed up of antibiotics. It all came to a head in September when I ended up with a kidney infection and eventually found out the issue all along had been E.Coli.

Rheumatologist says I need biologics now as the infection has flared my RA but she can’t give me them as I still have E.Coli and it will cause sepsis. I’m in limbo waiting for a Urology appointment! Scunnered! M x

[sylvi]

Oh my darling i can so relate to you. There is always something with us isn't there. Hugs from me and lets they they get you sorted out soon. xxx

[Summerrain14]

Hi Marie. So sorry to hear of your UTI’s. I had had a terrible time with them last year and was hospitalised twice with them and had 9 in total due to E coli bacteria too. The thing that changed it for me was having a low daily dose of antibiotics which means I can continue on my biologic with. My GP put me on the low daily dose whilst I was awaiting to see the urologist and it sorted my UTI’s out for me and I have been able to take my biologic consistently since. I saw the urologist on the 7th of January. I have been put on another medication called Hiprex and to remain on my low daily dose of antibiotics until they review me in three months. It may be worth asking your GP to put you on the low daily dose of antibiotics whilst you wait to see the urologist. Just need to clear up any infection you may currently have. I had to give my GP surgery a urine sample to send off to lab before starting my daily low dose of antibiotics. This would then mean if the low daily dose of antibiotics works for you you could then go onto biologics and not having to stop RA meds like MTX either. Hiprex is available over the counter too I believe. Both Medway lady and I are on this now from our urologists. I would advise speaking to your GP about the low daily dose of antibiotic as an option and mention Hiprex to them. I am not medical at all but just explaining how I broke the cycle of recurrent UTI’s with the low dose of antibiotics and have been able to have my biologic too. Thinking of you x

[Mmrr in reply to Summerrain14]

I have a similar experience to Summerrain, before my RA and many years ago, I had repeated UTIs and took long term antibiotics (cephalexin) for around 2 years, which solved the problem.It might well be worth asking about.

[Sheila_G]

Sorry you are having such problems. I hope you get sorted out soon and are feeling better soon. x