Upper UTI

[Whatawonderfullife]

This is my 5th day of feeling really poorly and was thinking, maybe you could give me some advice. This infection was rumbling quietly since Monday but somehow, I find that the pred seems to mask the pain until it’s really bad!

Just to put you in the picture:

I have been reducing the pred down from 8.5mg to 8mg, on the DSNS , with a blip in the middle but managed to continue after a checkup. This past week has been the first week I’ve been on 8mg.

Saturday, afternoon and evening, I spent in A&E being diagnosed with a UTI. I had an IV antibiotic and antibiotics by mouth to take home.

is there something I should be doing with my pred to help? I didn’t take mtx on the Friday.

Thank you in advance.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Sick Day Rules probably apply - a higher dose to allow your body to cope with a severe infection. We usually say ask your doctor, many haven't heard of them so don't give a proper answer but you can read them here:

leedsth.nhs.uk/assets/be1c3...

The basic instruction is to double the dose if you are on 5-10mg/day - see p5

[Whatawonderfullife in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you, I thought there was something. I’ll give them a ring just to cover base.

[Sillydogsmum in reply to Whatawonderfullife]

Perhaps you should also ask about still feeling so poorly with pain, especially if you have a temperature ?

[Whatawonderfullife in reply to Sillydogsmum]

Yes, I’ve made an appointment, I’m seeing the GP this afternoon. Thank you.

To be honest, I have been surprised at how the pred has masked the pain of this. I feel poorly but not as poorly as I realised.

Thank you again. What would we do without you?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Whatawonderfullife]

Pred damps any inflammation - you need a VERY low threshold of suspicion. I have a tub of dipstix in the cupboard - and I am guaranteed to see my GP the same day, turn up and wait.

[Whatawonderfullife in reply to PMRpro]

That’s a good idea. Not sure they’d offer that here?

GP advise 5 days of 10mg of Pred instead of the 8mg that I’m on.

I still have a temp and it will take a while to feel better.

Thank you again for all your help.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Whatawonderfullife]

It is the system here - I like it!

10mg seems a bit restrained!!!! See how you get on.

[Whatawonderfullife in reply to PMRpro]

I thought the same but I got the impression he didn’t feel it was necessary at all so I wasn’t going to argue.

[Sillydogsmum]

Presumably hospital sent urine off for analysis b4 starting antibiotics; have you got the result to check you are on the right one?

[Whatawonderfullife in reply to Sillydogsmum]

I think they’ve done something with it? They said they would be calling me in the week and I could possibly be going in at the end of the week for another IV antibiotic. I have no idea, they say these things but then I don’t hear a thing again?

[Sillydogsmum]

an upper UTI as you have written in the title of your post,implies infection in your kidney ( pain in your upper back) not in your bladder. Apologies if you knew this already. This can become quite serious if not treated promptly with the correct antibiotics. Since you are on pred this is particularly important. You dont say what advice your GP gave you but if it is an upper uti ( it does sound like it with the iv antibiotics) and you feel at all shivery or more unwell you should seek urgent medical advice at any time. If you think the hosp is getting back to you regarding another antibiotic why not give them a ring and follow that up and the urine tesult up tomorrow? I am a bit concerned your GP did not chase this up for you, given your pain and temperature. Maybe the hospital will get in touch once they have the result.

[Whatawonderfullife in reply to Sillydogsmum]

Hi Sillydogsmum, the GP agreed with what A&E dept had advised. My markers were extremely high. the hospital had said that they would call me towards the end of the week. I quite possibly would have another IV antibiotic, maybe it would also be for urine test results?

I had a better nights sleep, last night, that has made me feel a bit brighter. Hopefully I’m getting better now.

Thank you, I will certainly keep the in mind though. I know I’m not out of the woods yet.

[Sillydogsmum]

Hope you feel better soon.

[Whatawonderfullife in reply to Sillydogsmum]

Thank you. I meant to reply to you. Yes I do have a UTI they called it pyelonephritis. I had pain raidiating to the front under my ribs, which is starting to subside now.

Thank you all for looking after me. I am on the mend. X