Thyroid and cystitis.

[Fruitandnutcase]

I seem to have developed cystitis. Was diagnosed almost a year ago with Graves. On Carbmazole and levo (75mcg alternating with 100mcg) and doing ok - I have a feeling I might be needing a bit more levo but not sure so will see what next blood tests say, anyway I now seem to have developed cystitis. It started when I was on holiday then stopped but has started again. I have never had it before and it is so annoying, especially at night when I seem to have to go to the loo again and again.

Does it go hand in hand with thyroid problems or is it just something that has happened? I have tried cranberry juice and drinking loads of water, haven't been to the doctor because I would prefer to avoid antibiotics - does anyone have a good cure?

[Hennerton]

I had this problem two years ago and not realising what it was, I waited too long, (drinking pints of cranberry juice) to see the doctor, by which time it was a full blown urinary tract infection. I had never had one before and was horrified as it took 4 different antibiotics to clear it up. Do have it checked if you start to have a lot of pain and feel unwell. It may be simple cystitis and clear on its own but better to be sure. As to whether it goes with thyroid, I think possibly yes and it made me aware of the fact that I was probably not doing well on Thyroxine, following TT for Graves eight years ago. Hope you soon feel better.

[jaxnbreeze]

You should really see a docter for anti-biotics if you have had cystitis for more than a couple of days as it can develop into a more serious condition that effects your kidneys. In the meantime bicarb. of soda and boiled barley water might help.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to jaxnbreeze]

Thanks both of you for your advice. I've had it for about a week now so I think first thing Monday morning I will ring up for an appointment.

Will let you know what happens.

Liz x

[marram]

Have you had your thyroid levels checked? You might find that the block and replace is leaving you slightly hypothyroid which can mean you don't fight infections very well.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to marram]

Marram

Due to get my levels checked in a couple of weeks, endo visit the following week. See reply below - somehow or another I answered that one first. I know I'll be in range but I think I'm probably not at my optimum level. I'm sure I'm a bit hypo but I just don't feel as bad as I have done in the past when I have been hypo and have ended up with an increase in levo .

Funnily enough I have got a cold sore this week - first one since I started B&R a year ago - I used to get them all the time especially when I went somewhere sunny on holiday - some years I would come back feeling really ill with them - there was I thinking I I had escaped this year. I have one of those electronic light gadgets from Boots though and that stops them in their tracks. Will make an appointment to speak to my doc tomorrow,

Thanks,

Liz x

[Jackie]

Hi You are more prone to any infection and various other things too if your thyroid is not quite right.i would be sure to have a new test for TSH, T4 and Free T4, Also vit D and corrected calcium.Also Diabetes,autoimmune and hormonal.

It could well just be a coincidence.

Best wishes,

Jackie

[picturemaker]

If you are hypo the bladder often doesn't empty completely. The bladder is a muscle and needs thyroid hormone as does every other part of the body. Urine left in the bladder becomes an irritant and possibly lead to infection. Not nice. I had cystitis on and off for years and years until my thyroid levels were optimized. . Vitamin C tablets morning and night can alleviate symptoms for some people.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to picturemaker]

Jackie and Picturemaker, both replies make sense, I'm not sure i am optimised at the moment but I see my endo in a few weeks so as I am not feeling really bad I am not doing anything about it at the moment although I will mention it when I I to see about the cystitis next week.

The muscle thing makes sense too. I take slow release Vit C every day so that ought to help.

Thanks both of you,

Liz x

[Angel_of_the_North]

D-mannose is an option.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

Thanks - haven't heard of it before but I looked it up and it looks really interesting stuff.

Liz x

[paigie]

If it is Cystitis or U.T.I. -- I was warned off cranberry juice because it's mostly sugar, and bad bacteria like breeding on sugar. The concentrated cranberry capsules are more

effective, but didn't eradicate my UTI completely. A lot of people swear by Bicarb of soda (just google it) but the best thing I've found is "HIPREX", bought online because the NHS doesn't buy it. When the UTI flares up I get Amoxicillin, highest dose, on prescription, for 5 days, then continue daily with the Hiprex. After years of suffering + experimenting, this is for me the best solution. (pity I have to buy the Hiprex, but I know it works).

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to paigie]

Thanks Paige, know what you mean about cranberry juice, I have always avoided it for that reason. The stuff Ii got is the light version but even then it worried me to take it - I don't normally drink that sort of stuff. Took a sample in yesterday, was told there was nothing really awful showing up ut that they have sent it off for further analysis. I've got bicarbonate in the cupboard for baking so I will find something to put it in and try that.

Liz x

[paigie]

Hello Liz,

I bought the concentrated cranberry capsules from the Health Food Store, but although I

followed the instructions rigorously, the infection kept recurring. I looked up Bicarb as a cure for UTI & was amazed to see how much info there is : I haven't tried it yet as I'm experimenting with Hiprex, but I will try it. Someone in a waiting room told me the Bicarb has to be very fresh + new, & should be kept in a fridge . My French friend told me it's

an extremely popular cure in France.

So try it !

Good Luck,

Peigie (Gaelic for Peggy, I'm told)