UTI, antibiotics and Carbimazole

[MrsJoJo]

Help - I have a UTI (only the third one in my life, the first put me in hospital so I’m understandably cautious).

I’m on 10mg Carbimazole but my levels aren’t stable as it’s only 7 weeks since my Graves diagnosis and my dose of Carbimazole has just been reduced to accommodate a significant drop in my levels. I’m also breastfeeding (but the antibiotic is fine for that). Liver function tests a fortnight ago were fine.

My GP has prescribed the antibiotic MacroBID Nitrofurantoin but asked me to check it’s ok for Graves. My Endo is away on holiday and I’m waiting a call back from the drug manufacturer. Is anyone able to shed any light on this for me?

TIA

[Valarian]

GP leaving this up to you is distinctly unimpressive, as presumably s/he could call the endo department at the hospital and talk to another specialist !

You say 7 weeks since diagnosis, was that at an endo appointment ?

You could try your pharmacist, or possibly the pharmacy in your hospital.

[MrsJoJo in reply to Valarian]

Fully diagnosed with Graves via an Endo. I’ve had multiple appointments & blood tests since the end of July and have been treated as an urgent case because I’m breastfeeding - I was actively advised to use my private health insurance as it was such a concern I was seen quickly and there’s a five month wait to see my Endo via the NHS.

Even privately my Endo bumped me up his 5/6 week wait list and saw me the next day. I think I would have had a major thyroid storm if this hadn’t happened.

So far I’ve found my GP to be supportive but no-one in the surgery actually wants to take ownership of prescribing me anything so it’s ‘check with the pharmacist’... the pharmacist offered to check but it was going to be a 48 hour wait when I know I can call the drug company and find out sooner (which is what I opted for as two trips out the pharmacy is a pain with a two kids).

Just wondering if anyone knew anything else before I chase the drug company again this morning!!

[Valarian in reply to MrsJoJo]

I wondered how you'd been seen so quickly, that explains it. Given that you're breastfeeding, I think I'd be wary of taking anything less than professional advice - even if someone here had encountered the exact same circumstances, you'd need to be sure their doctor had checked everything out as you're being asked to do.

Have you tried calling your insurance company ? They might be able to organise an emergency referral, given your current endo is unavailable A real pain - and the last thing you need with a baby to look after !