UTI & preds?

[Kael-gca]

As mentioned in my previous posts, I been suffering with bladder infections and severe pain in the groin area. Ultrasound showed no obvious cause (although lots of insight into other things going on with organs in that area (age related, non-serious thankfully!)). Saw urologist today, who suggests that the preds effect on the immune system is a likely cause to why the UTI is hard to clear up. Continuing with antibiotics and will be getting a camera investigation to see what is going on down there. Oh Joy!

The groin pain has recently affected the right side of my leg making walking difficult. Much worse at night where I heavily rely on pain killers. During the day I am hardly affected by the pain which seems to settle down once the preds kick in (currently sticking to 35mg).

I take the preds early morning but I experience an obvious slump around 8-9pm as, I guess, their effect tapers off.

Any experiences with this kind of situation? Any other men had such problems?

[makic]

Hi I have had PMR for 3 years and have also suffered with UTI and I also had a very bad

bout of vaginal shingles all due to my immune system .I am now down to 3mg and discovering other pains I did notice when on higher pred. groin area, top of thighs and after x ray I need hip replacement. the steriods weaken the muscles and do untold damage to the body.

[Telian]

I suffer with UTIs and even when there's no infection I still have the symptoms. Will be seeing Urology again in March as I've been full circle seeing others to find out why with no luck. I think it's the steroids drying everything out - tried all the lotions and potions and take Betmiga, muscle relaxant, so a year later back to see them for review. No groin pain though. I had the Cystoscopy to eliminate cancer, which they did, as always have blood in the urine. Have you had it done before? All the best.

[Kael-gca in reply to Telian]

Hi Telian, thanks for the reply. Not had this procedure before so a little apprehensive. These things must be done though.

[Telian in reply to Kael-gca]

It's more nerve racking prior but not that bad, they spray with anaesthetic so not painful and the results are instant. Tell them if your nervous and they will hold your hand! Good luck.

[powerwalk]

Yes to the infections. Non stop now. I asked to be referred but I am wondering now if there is even any point now if it's the pred that's the problem. I am starting oestrogen to see if it helps and also another go at a low dose antibiotic every night. I do get achy groin pains also. Good luck with the test. Let us know how things go.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to powerwalk]

There should be no "I asked..." - the GP should referring you, it is in the guidelines and you cannot assume it is the pred. More unpleasant reasons must be ruled out - because there is always the risk of renal damage in the long term.

guidelines.co.uk/urology/ni...

Your GP may claim he is following them - but I have little trust in GPs these days.

[powerwalk in reply to PMRpro]

Oh she is very lax in her approach. I had to say it to her several times over last few weeks. I mean even if there is no reason other than the pred I might get a way of managing it and putting my mind at rest. Literally two days after finishing the antibiotic I had another one. Thank you.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to powerwalk]

That just shows that whatever she is giving you is the wrong stuff. If it is straight back - all the abx was doing was probably a bit of antiinflammatory action. Not good enough - and she is contributing to the problem of antibiotic resistance.