Bladder problem

[Glynawel]

I am currently on 9mg due to be reduced this week to 8mg. On steroid therapy for PMR since April.

Over the last week I have started suffering from cystitis type symptoms, urgency to urinate, lower stomach dull ache and discomfort in my back around the Lt hip area (? kidney). I don't feel ill and urine clear.

Much worse at night and getting up nearly every hour and pass very little, more of a bladder sensation. Luckily I have never had problems Iike this before so I am thinking it could be steroid related. Wondered if anyone else had suffered from this? and how it was managed?

Thanks in advance.

[SnazzyD]

Pred can cause bladder irritation and cystitis type symptoms and for this reason I had to keep my urine dilute always. Calcium supplements can also do this. I had to take much smaller doses and eventually rely on diet only for my sources. Constipation can cause urinary frequency too and the low back, abdomen and hip pain.

However, you do need to have infection ruled out and other causes even if your urine is clear and you feel well. There can be blood and pus cells in the urine that you can’t see. Pred can increase your tendency to get infections and it may have been sitting there brewing since you were on higher doses. Many of us swear by D-Mannose available over the counter that is effective at preventing the bacteria from taking hold in the bladder. If there’s a wait, in the meantime you could also speak to a pharmacist who could give advice and something that might help with symptoms.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Pred wasn't a problem for me but calcium was as Snazzy says. I now use a different calcium supplement that doesn't form the grit that causes the problem. I also drink loads and use D-mannose.

I had a UTI last week - my urine LOOKED fine although it had smelled a bit at intervals for the week before, really by no means all the time. Then the lower abdominal discomfort and frequency started. I keep a pack of the urinary dipsticks in the cupboard just in case so I tested - lots of leucos, protein and a trace of blood - so I went up to the GP in the village a bit later. I described the symptoms and the diptest result, she knows me quite well so trusts me. She said that nitrites, the usual definite sign of a bacterial infection, can be negative in the early stages. She happily gave me abx and all was well by next day.

Don't rule out an infection - call your GP asap.

[Nightingales]

I have had this problem for years through endometriosis, hysterectomy, PMR and seem to have found a solution in the cystitis powders you can get over the counter. I use one with potassium citrate and cranberry. You would need to discuss with your pharmacy or dr. I get the same symptoms you describe and it’s awful when you need rest to have to keep getting up. One or two doses seem to help me.

[CassandraDee]

I’m so glad to have a great recommendation for you! I started getting signs of a UTI/cystitis a few weeks into prednisone. I started taking D-Mannose, which my doctor agrees is one of the most truly effective supplements there is. It’s a derivative of fruit pectin, it’s the active ingredient in tbe popular UTI treatment Uqora. There are zero side effects, just very quick relief! Take three or four capsules a day whenever you have symptoms, then continue to take less of it preventatively every day if desired. It has been lifechanging for me! (And now I see SnazzyD has recommended it too :)) I will add, don’t drink cranberry juice or take supplements with cranberry for cystitis. It can actually make things a bit worse. Feel better!

[birdwatcher81]

I never had UTI issues before prednisone. I have twice, since starting prednisone for PMR, had these symptoms: itching, pressure, urinating more often. GP prescribed a 3 day antibiotic that cleared it up perfectly. I am glad to hear of the D-Mannose. I will try that if it begins again! Well wishes to all of you! 😘

[Karenjaninaz]

So far I have not had a UTI the whole time I’ve been on prednisone (2014). I really credit that localized application of estriol, a safe form of estrogen, for breast cancer survivors. This was recommended by a GYN/uro a long time ago.

The reason: around menopause, the urethra starts to shrink shorten. This makes an easier passagewayfor bacteria. At first, the doctor prescribed the estriol cream, but it was rather expensive by prescription. But she told me I can buy it, without a prescription to make sure it is USP. USP means United States pharmacopeia.