Does anybody else suffer with constant UTIs despite being on antibiotics

[janfarrugia]

I have been on antibiotics for several years now. I start on a weeks course of 200mg and then 3 months of 50mg as a prophylactic dose. I then have to come off the antibiotics and wait until I get another infection (usually 5 days) and then send in a sample and wait for the appropriate prescription which is always either Nitrofurantoin or Trimethoprim

However this time it’s not working. I am 14 days into my 3 months of prophylactic treatment and the infection has returned.

Wondering if anyone has experienced similar. Any advice would be really gratefully received.

I also have bowel issues and recall my Radiotherapy consultant saying that the wall between my bladder and Bowel would become very thin and I might need a graft but current consultants don’t seem to agree

[Perido]

Hi janfarrugia

I looked at your previous post 11 months ago and note that topical oestrogen was mentioned. I started using Ovestin last April and the general condition of my nether regions is much improved. Certainly my urethral area is more resilient; pre Ovestin I had become prone to urethral bleeding whilst self catheterising.

One of my continence nurses suggested that topical oestrogen can help prevent UTIs. Might be worth trying if you haven't already.

[janfarrugia in reply to Perido]

Thank you so much. For whatever reason I overlooked that tip. Definitely going to try this ASAP. Thank you again

[Perido in reply to janfarrugia]

Ovestin was prescribed by my gynae-oncologist on the basis of a diagnosis of atrophic vulvo-vaginitis. If you're thinking of seeing a GP try and see one with an interest in women's health. I gather from my Facebook group (vaginal atrophy) that a lot of GPs are not well educated about menopause related issues. The information sheet that comes with Ovestin has some scarey information about cancer risks but it seems it is out-dated. Dr Louise Newson's website menopausedoctor.co.uk is worth a look for enlightened advice - imo.

[Whittlestone]

Hi junfarrugia,

I have sufferd from constant UTIs plus bowel problems as a result of pelvic radiation, much like yourself.

Has your urologist carried out bladder washes and tried you with bladder intallations?

I went through a range of the above, alongside antibiotics and now seem to have reached a position where my UTIs are much more under control. Infact I havnt been on antibiotics for 8 months, which feels like a miracle!

I also find that diet helps control my bladder irritability, as do anti inflamatories such as ibruprofen, I only take the latter intermittently when needed, not on a regular basis.

Good luck!

[janfarrugia in reply to Whittlestone]

Thank you so much. I haven’t been offered these. I will ask my consultant ASAP. You have given me hope.

[jude-the-obscure Community Pioneer]

Hello Janfarrugia

I use Vagifem pessaries 2 on Monday and Friday and 1 on Wednesdays. The smaller dose was insufficient. I also take Waterfall D Mannose at night Google the website. It is a sugar tablet ( or dissolvable powder. It stops E Coli from lodging in the lining of the bladder and/

can be helpful in reducing the likelihood of infections. If bought in bulk it is not too expensive! Sadly not available on prescription at present but becoming more widely recognised in medical circles in the UK

Best wishes

Lynn

[janfarrugia in reply to jude-the-obscure]

Thank you so much. Unfortunately the Mannose didn’t work for me but haven’t tried the Vagifem

[Greenfingers20]

Only just saw this-using the same antibiotics every relapse makes the infection resistant. Your Doctor needs to do a urine test to see which antibiotics will clear the bacteria