Had to go to emergency

[Hunter134]

I started to get a fever and more signs of a UTI.My Dr was so negligent and even aft the hospital released me Iam leery with Drs now.I thought I should have given a intravenous antibiotic seeing iam immune compromised.The emergency did say if I don't improve call my Dr for stronger meds.It was an 11 he wait to be seen in er.Can I get anymore bad luck?

[HeronNS]

In Nova Scotia our pharmacists are now able to prescribe for uti. Could be the case elswhere in country? If doctor inaccessible. The ER waits are criminally long now.

[Hunter134]

Not sure if in Ontario?Would be convenient.

[HeronNS in reply to Hunter134]

A quick google look indicates it was discussed, although I can't see that it is actually in place. Worth a call to your pharmacy perhaps? It was proposed way back in 2019 and most recent article was earlier this year, outlining the proposals. I feel a bit conflicted about this as it seems more and more is proposed to be handed over to pharmacists in NS, and they are not doctors. But certainly for what is described as uncomplicated infection like a uti in a patient who has had them before and knows all the signs, it makes sense.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Why would an i.v. antibiotic make any difference? It is far more important to identify the bacterial strain involved and treat it for long enough - and duration of treatment is critical in recurrent UTIs. i.v. abx would mean staying in hospital or daily visits - I'm sure you want neither.

Try getting some D-mannose - it really does work to calm down symptoms acutely but also used longer term it reduces the risk of infections establishing.

[YummyBear]

I feel for you, a UTI is debilitating. Here in the UK I have found that in the many years I've had a UTI, that it takes up 5 days to confirm, which leaves the patient flu-like, painful and distressed. Often I've been prescribed meds for 3 days, only for the UTI to return. Nothing seems to have improved with the faster treatment being given to suffering patients. Drink plenty of water .

[Hunter134 in reply to YummyBear]

Thanks for responding.You re right it's very painful. Worse one I've ever had cause it took so long to diagnose.I got a prescription at the emergency.Got strong meds but I don't think it's taking away.

[YummyBear in reply to Hunter134]

You know your body best, so if you do not improve, contact your GP. I get annoyed when I have to continually explain to various GPs that my UTI symptoms are not the classic ones, with localised burning when passing water. My signs are always lower pelvic aches/pains +pains in back of upper legs+feeling flu-like, only to be told it's a virus! I insist a water sample is sent to the Lab and after 3-5 days is shows as a positive, that is my experience and more often than not, I am in much discomfort for a week before meds are finally prescribed. On one occasion the nurse tested my water sample at the surgery and said "you'll be pleased that it is negative", I said but I feel dreadful. The following week I asked that the water be tested at the Lab and it was positive that took 10 days! I could have developed Sepsis and hospitalised! Your GP may give you another week's course of meds.

[Hunter134 in reply to YummyBear]

That's so neglectful.I ve had mine for3wks and it was my reumy that ordered the bloodwork.It got so bad over that length of time.The emergency Dr told me to get stronger meds if not improved by tomorrow.Ive had fore kids and two were twins and have to say this is more painful.My granddaughter has anerexia and when I took her to him he told her to try eat more.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to YummyBear]

I keep a bottle of the test strips at home - and my GP believes me when I report the results. I recently had a positiive and called the rheumy helpline as I am on tocilizumab - the duty doctor wrote a script for a lab urine test and I stupidly assumed it was requesting a culture. Oh no, I took the sample in to the lab, collecting the script on the way, and she rang next day to give me the result of a lab stix dip!!! And I should repeat the performance with another sample. I got very stroppy - it takes me 2 hours for the round trip. even using the car it would be way over an hour! It was an Italian doctor - whose knowledge of German (the local language) was about the same as my knowledge of Italian! At least the script she provided did the job!

[Hunter134 in reply to PMRpro]

I ve never heard of the strips so I for sure will purchase them.My infection was so bad my urine was brown and that I've never had.Had a temperature over a 100 degrees last week.My husband has been trying to care for me bless his heart and he uses a walker with balance issues.I started in Mar.that I'd lose weight to be healthier and haven't had a well day since.But I did lose 27 lbs.Iam thinking UTI s are common with us?Thanks for responding❤️

[YummyBear in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for the tip of buying test strips. I have bought them in the past but found they have a short life once the pack is opened. Hence if I suspect a UTI, I found the test strip is past its best before date, so I dont buy them. I do have 2xtablespoons of live yogurt before bedtime, as I read it helps with good bacteria, plus drinking cranberry juice.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to YummyBear]

I only buy bottles of 10 strips and if you close the jar tightly they keep.

[YummyBear in reply to PMRpro]

Many thanks for your response. In the UK I have only found these strips in packs, with polythene wallets inside containing the 24 test strips, so am guessing they are not airtight. Did you purchase your bottles online?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to YummyBear]

No - from the chemist in the village! To be fair, that isn't the UK but I know there are people on the forum who have bought good ones online. MrsNails for one.

[YummyBear in reply to PMRpro]

Many thanks indeed, much appreciated.