Recurrent bladder irritation : Since my horrific... - PMRGCAuk

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Recurrent bladder irritation

EdithWales profile image
31 Replies

Since my horrific experience of urinary sepsis I am understandably concerned that it could return, to that end I am neurotically testing it with a dip stick. No infection as yet however I am not convinced that the bladder sedative I was prescribed Solifenacin 5mgs, is doing anything. Does anyone else have experience or know of an alternative?

🥂

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EdithWales profile image
EdithWales
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PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Are you still taking calcium supplements? I wonder what pH your urine is? jinasc swears by bicarb - and urologists don't diss it!

auajournals.org/doi/10.1097....

EdithWales profile image
EdithWales in reply to PMRpro

Yes. I know you said calcium causes problems. I need it for my bones but reduced it to once a day several years ago,

Bicarbonate of soda is my constant companion and even take it away with me in a special pot, looks suspicious secreting white powder,

I think I had amiltriptoline in the past

🥂🥂

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to EdithWales

Have you tried calcium citrate rather than carbonate?

EdithWales profile image
EdithWales in reply to PMRpro

No I will give it a try. Thank you 🥂

Sophiestree profile image
Sophiestree in reply to EdithWales

Rather than take the supplement can you increase the calcium in your diet instead?I can totally understand your worry and fear of it returning and it sounds like you don't feel quite right. But it might be worth trying that, ie stopping the supplement, and see if it makes a difference. It won't change anything short term.

Horrible for you

Greensleeves profile image
Greensleeves

Dear Edith ,

We know antibiotic resistance is a problem, but would a daily antibiotic give you peace of mind?

I’ve got intermittent burning, it does worry you. x

EdithWales profile image
EdithWales in reply to Greensleeves

Thank you. I need to “speak” to the GP, I know this is an option

Take care

🥂

Greensleeves profile image
Greensleeves in reply to EdithWales

You’re welcome, I hope the GP is helpful and forthcoming. It could give you some peace of mind.

I understand the irritability feeling . Of course sometimes we can develop Candida after antibiotics .

It’s quite frustrating when the symptoms are similar, but with that irritability you’re very much on edge .

The cystitis powders and drinking plenty of water can help nip those in the bud .

Take care xx

TM1970 profile image
TM1970

they usually prescribe a preventative antibiotic but I have lupus. Although I’d like to think after what you’ve been through, they’d offer it.

EdithWales profile image
EdithWales in reply to TM1970

I have some for an emergency if I have a proper flare, it’s the irritability that’s the problem.

Take care 🥂

TM1970 profile image
TM1970 in reply to EdithWales

I understand. The spasms and the rest.. but no harm in asking about a preventative. I was on nicrofuratotin (?) for years but it was withdrawn for long term use. Which has wreaked havoc, they (docs), are currently trying to find a suitable alternative,in the meantime I’ve had several so they must’ve done their job. If I’m understanding your condition properly, I may not, but for what’s it worth. I hope you get sorted, it’s miserable enough without the fear that must me attached to you catching one. If you find a way, please let me know. Take care X

Crochetgirl65_ profile image
Crochetgirl65_

I was having terrible trouble with constant stinging and discomfort. I took the advice I was given on this wonderful forum and cut out my Adcal-D I think it was called? Daily supplement recommended by my doctor and within two days things improved and by the end of the week it was gone. Only occasional problems now 👍

EdithWales profile image
EdithWales in reply to Crochetgirl65_

I will try it. PMRPro suggested the Calcium could be the culprit Thank you 🥂

TM1970 profile image
TM1970 in reply to EdithWales

I’m taking Calcium too Adcal and D3. Maybe there’s something in that

EdithWales profile image
EdithWales in reply to TM1970

Thank you. It’s worth not taking it for a short time

Take care

🥂

humlies profile image
humlies

I too have regular bouts of burning, and once ended up in A&E , so like you I am careful, and have a course of antibiotics on hand if I need them. I too find bicarb, great, but I also take the cystitis relief remedies that you can buy over the counter, and I do find that these help - along with LOTS of water. And of course no kind of soap, bath essence etc. in the bath.

EdithWales profile image
EdithWales in reply to humlies

Thank you. I have just messaged the doc shop. I dip sticked my urine and it is now showing leukocytes so it must be infected. My husband will take the sample to the Surgery, fortunately it’s only down the road

Take care

🥂

humlies profile image
humlies

Well no doubt they will take notice of your sample. As a matter of interest where do you get your testing kit from?

EdithWales profile image
EdithWales in reply to humlies

GP just text me advising I start the Antibiotics she prescribed in an emergency. Reassured by quick response.

I have a bottle of Uristix, my husband is a GP and always has them hanging about however I discovered his were out of date so bought my own on Amazon for £10, money well spent

🥂

humlies profile image
humlies in reply to EdithWales

Ah, thank you!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to humlies

Most decent chemists should have access to them to order from their suppliers - no problem getting them here but I suppose the UK may be different, A quick google suggests that simple Uristix or the like may not be held in stock - typically of the UK, Boots stocked the ridiculously expensive test some company put into a fancy pack!

They also now have this test and treat offer:

boots-uk.com/newsroom/featu...

humlies profile image
humlies in reply to PMRpro

Yes, thank you. I went to Boots to buy some cystitis relief packs only to find they had nothing under £15. Our little local chemist had some for £3....

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to humlies

I won't go near Boots if I can help it. Only after money ...

EdithWales profile image
EdithWales in reply to PMRpro

We only have a small shop here and always use the independent pharmacy for everything we can, he worked slavishly during Covid and nothing is too much trouble 🥂

Rachmaninov2 profile image
Rachmaninov2 in reply to PMRpro

Just googled Boots; parent company Walgreens.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Rachmaninov2

Quite - no longer a UK company. As EW says, important to support the local independent ...

EdithWales profile image
EdithWales in reply to Rachmaninov2

Very popular in America

EdithWales profile image
EdithWales in reply to Rachmaninov2

Walgreens are a supermarket, sell everything including beer in some States, fine if that’s what you need

🥂

EdithWales profile image
EdithWales in reply to humlies

If you are lucky enough to have a local chemist it is important to support him/her.🥂

Rachmaninov2 profile image
Rachmaninov2 in reply to EdithWales

Had Dosset boxes made up and delivered by Superdrug (another giant), poor service to put it mildly. Switched to local independent pharmacy, pleased to say (touch wood) very efficient.

EdithWales profile image
EdithWales in reply to PMRpro

That’s a good service 🥂

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