recurring UTI

[NJ85]

I am 6 years remission from stage 2 cervical cancer. Had chemo brachy and radio. I have PRD - bile acid malabsorption

however recently I have had recurring UTIs. Ended up in hospital on IV antibiotics. they said the bacteria I have is unusual. The antibiotics I’m on at the moment are causing huge gastro issues. But I can’t seem to clear UTI. Does anyone else suffer from this any advice?

[Gtuva]

I don’t normally preach natural cures but some research studies have shown cranberry juice or supplements may reduce reoccurring UTIs. Evidence is not conclusive but at least it won’t hurt you and it might help with some people.

[Herdy2]

Hi,

Sorry to hear you are suffering from recurring UTIs.

I am now 13 years into surviving leiomyosarcoma of the pelvis, several major operations, radiotherapy and four sepsis events. Two bouts of urosepsis.

I initially had endless UTIs, treated successfully with antibiotics initially and then the treatments became less successful. Because I had frustrations/concerns regarding antibiotic resistance i asked my urologist if there was anything else available.

It was suggested that I was started on iAluril…

(ialuril.co.uk)

I had monthly treatments for two years and have only had two episodes of infection both treated successfully with Nitrofurantoin.

The treatment has transformed my life and I am hoping that as time goes by my body becomes less resistant to antibiotics and therefore gives me more confidence that I can be treated for sepsis successfully in the future.

I went as an outpatient to the hospital to have this bladder installation administered by the nurses each month ….you can in fact have some basic training which allows you to do it yourself at home.Something I opted out of as I already felt unfeminine after all the medical interventions and this felt like a step too far (despite being an ex nurse!🙈🙄).

Good luck! Hopefully you may also start on the iAluril journey and get some relief

[Hopeful-one]

I too have bile acid malabsorption and have lots of bowel problems. Also I have been hospitalised 5 or 6 times over the years for infection and treated with IV antibiotics. Like you I worry about using regular antibiotics for UTIs which I have had 6 times this year already- I have to self-catheterise. But the last few times I've taken the herbal remedy Barosma Betulina which seems to have knocked the infection on the head and I haven't had to take antibiotics. I also take a cranberry supplement daily. No idea whether that helps, but I haven't had to use antibiotics again so something's working!Good luck with your problems, I hope you find a way of successfully managing the infections.

[Perido]

Occasionally pelvic radiotherapy can cause urinary retention which increases the risk for UTI. Might be worth asking your GP to get this investigated.

[BlueButterfly4]

My recurring UTIs turned out to be radiation cystitis. Maybe look in to this.

[NJ85 in reply to BlueButterfly4]

Thanks. Did you get treated for this? My hospital does have a late effects clinic so I’m trying to contact them but can never get through

[BlueButterfly4 in reply to NJ85]

Yes I take a medication called mirabegron which definitely helps with the symptoms such as urgency and frequency. Unfortunately I do still get flare-ups where I experience pain, peeing bloody etc. For many years I was was fobbed off with recurring UTIs and given antibiotics which were useless. I was eventually referred to a Urologist (after about 3 month of constantly peeing blood and feeling generally unwell) and we began tests. A cystoscopy (performed under general anaesthetic which I now insist upon) showed my bladder was damaged due to the radiotherapy.

[NJ85 in reply to BlueButterfly4]

Thanks for the info. Feeling a bit lost and worried just now. I’ve got a GP appointment on Thursday so I will raise this issue with them. I’m glad your med gives some relief!

[BlueButterfly4 in reply to NJ85]

No problem. It took me 15 years to stop feeling so lost. Just know you are not alone on this journey and there will always be someone to talk to on here if you need it. Much love and good luck for Thursday xxx

[jude-the-obscure Community Pioneer]

Hello NJ85

I have recurrent symptoms of bladder irritation and used to rush to be treated with antibiotics. Now I use Waterfall D Mannose , available from Sweet Cures Ltd on line The management of urinary symptoms is described in their literature.

It is now approved by many urologists in the UK. It prevents E Coli from lodging in the bowel mucosa and causing recurrent infections. It has helped me and several friends and relations over the years.

It is worth a try with your GP's approval

Best wishes

Jude