After getting recurrent UTIs for years I found myself back at the surgery last week with usual symptoms, after a dip stick that was positive he gave me antibiotics. I returned today as I feel like its still there. However the test done after the antibiotics, came back clear, so that was that. I'm also taking trimethoprim daily. This week I did a Medicheck thyroid test as I've been feeling so unwell and tired. I also took the results to the Dr which he dismissed really.
The GP said the Folate wouldn't make me feel poorly and that trimethoprim isn't a problem (not what the dastardly internet says!!!) He wondered why I bothered with this group of tests even though my history shows I'm a prime candidate for a low thyroid. He also told me to stop doubling up my Vitamin D as it was fine to be at 50 (it hasn't risen from last year even though I've doubled up) and I'd just pee out the excess anyway. I've been taking B12 for 4 weeks and that has risen nicely from 72.3. He has arranged a blood test for tiredness which I'm having this afternoon (whoo hoo) but he did ask me the usual "how is your mood, are you sleeping blah blah?" I said I was very definitely not depressed but that if I kept on feel rubbish I might well be! My antibodies came down nicely last year after going lactose free (still eat cheese as not much in the way of lactose in hard cheddar apparently) and I'm almost vegetarian with a well balanced leafy, beany type diet with lots of eggs and fish but no meat. I also take Psyllium Husks as I suffer with constipation. I'm rabbiting on as usual and I know I've got Hashimoto's disease that isn't pants enough to treat but I'm having a rant really and would love someone to say I'm not going mad, please.
I always find your responses helpful and I realise I hadn't said thank you for the comments on my previous post, life got busy and I was distracted and must apologise for that. As an afterthought question, any thoughts on leaky gut and UTIs, as my positive samples always show c diff bugs?
Joan x
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Doesn't matter if they're going up or coming down. Once you've had an over-range results, you have Hashi's. Antibody level doesn't reflect the level of Hashi's, it doesn't reflect anything. Antibodies fluctuate. That's what they do. Not really worth having them retested.
Hmmm, did he say you'd pee out the excess vitamin D? Does he realise its not water soluble and excess is stored? His comments don't sound based on facts. Edited: See my suggestion above, maybe he was referring to calcium rather than vitamin D? When you get a UTI, what symptoms do you get to alert you to it? Do you know what readings you are getting from the urinalysis dip sticks?
In any case your doctor is your best ally as he can do further tests to find out what's happening. Perhaps the next level of antibodies tests?
I’ve been on prophylactic dose of antibiotics for a few years, toggling between three (now down to 2) different ones. Always with a water sample positive for c diff when I have an attack. So I know I have a problem. I’m seeing a consultant at the moment and having a bladder wash treatment, which isn’t working as yet but there’s still hope apparently. All the usual symptoms, peeing a lot, pain, chills and fever, tiredness, grumpy beyond measure 😂. As yes I swear he said I’d pee out excess vit D. He did the dip stick test before giving me the antibiotics, 2 sachets of fosfomicen (sorry spelling). Which I used, then sent off a urine sample which came back clear but I’m just not sure it’s cleared up completely! I’m now chucking down the D Manose and drinking lots of water. Going to get my next bladder wash on Monday so will hopefully see the consultant then.
Sorry to whitter on its just so frustrating Thanks for your reply. X
So, the doctor did a dipstick test but what did it show? What were the indicators? Leucocytes? Protein? Nitrites?
The NHS allows for antibiotic treatment for suspected UTI but perhaps something else is going on? Sounds like you could do with further investigation. Have all blood tests for a variety of antibodies been done?
I've no idea what the dipstick showed. I was besides myself with symptoms and had to nag for an appointment so was on the edge. He dipped behind me and said it was positive. I must say I felt so much better after taking the sachets of antibiotics. I'm seeing my consultant on Monday who is lovely and will discuss why properly. I will say I usually get a positive for c diff result back but this time was negative probably because I'd taken two doses of strong antibiotics 😂.
Thanks for help though, I'll be making notes of all suggestions and slowly work my way through them. Take care and stay safe x
I bought my own medical grade dipsticks so I could double check and try to understand what was happening, not so I could diagnose myself. Have you checked kidney function?
Goodness knows what’s been checked over the years. I know I don’t have any kidney stones though as I got scanned not long back. Also had my bladder checked thoroughly with camera and all good. I wondered about leaky gut, but in my heart of hearts I think it’s my low thyroid that’s causing infections but no one is willing to see if treating it will help. As I said, I’m seeing my gynaecologist who specialises in urinary problems on Monday so will have a long chat with him. He’s easy to talk to thankfully.
B vitamins best taken in the morning after breakfast
Igennus Super B complex are nice small tablets. Often only need one tablet per day, not two. Certainly only start with one tablet per day after breakfast. Retesting levels in 6-8 weeks
Or Thorne Basic B or jarrow B-right are other options that contain folate, but both are large capsules
If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before any blood tests, as biotin can falsely affect test results
The present review of the literature regarding B12 status among vegetarians shows that the rates of B12 depletion and deficiency are high. It is, therefore, recommended that health professionals alert vegetarians about the risk of developing subnormal B12 status. Vegetarians should also take preventive measures to ensure adequate intake of this vitamin, including the regular intake of B12 supplements to prevent deficiency. Considering the low absorption rate of B12 from supplements, a dose of at least 250 μg should be ingested for the best results.3
Vitamin D is not water based, so we don’t pee out excess. That why it’s important to test at least annually
GP will only prescribe to bring levels to 50nmol. Previously NHS minimum use to be 75nmol....but that meant almost all UK eligible for vitamin D prescription
Vitamin D deficiency is frequent in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and treatment of patients with this condition with Vitamin D may slow down the course of development of hypothyroidism and also decrease cardiovascular risks in these patients. Vitamin D measurement and replacement may be critical in these patients.
Evidence of a link between increased level of antithyroid antibodies in hypothyroid patients with HT and 25OHD3 deficiency may suggest that this group is particularly prone to the vitamin D deficiency and can benefit from its alignment.
Ferritin is too low. Obviously GP unlikely to run full iron panel test for anaemia. You might test privately
Much harder to maintain optimal iron levels on vegetarian diet
Eating iron rich foods like liver or liver pate once a week plus other red meat, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate, plus daily orange juice or other vitamin C rich drink can help improve iron absorption
Thank you for all that information, having taken B12 under the tongue supplements for the last 5 weeks my levels have come up nicely. I think the folate is partly because of the tirmethoprim. It actually says on a NHS website that you shouldn’t take it if you have low amounts of folic acid and there are numerous studies that say it lowers your folate. He seemed unaware and didn’t look like he’d check it out either. When my nhs tests come back if they show it’s low I’ll give him the links! I’m going to keep up my own vit D dose as I know I’m not over doing it and I’ll read through all the other links you gave me later this evening. I didn’t know about cholesterol issue, I’ll get that checked out thanks
I am so glad I read the link you sent me on folate, I was in the process of getting folic acid! Found Solar folate in our local health shop for £4 cheaper than Amazon, result all round. Thanks.
I kept getting UTI’s before being diagnosed. I hate their patroniising grins that your bloods are normal then you find that they were not. At least you know your Peroxidase antibodies are raised so you know you have Hashi’s.
My former GP kept trying to push an antidepressant on me but I kept refusing as I wasn’t depressed. Just felt ill. That didnt stop them putting on all my referrals that I was on Sertraline with a diagnosis of Depression which I never was. Got a verbal apology and apparently caused by a computer glitch ! 😏 x
No medication, I’m in range so they won’t give me anything. Don’t take Vit C or selenium. And no not gone gluten free, it’s a big step but one I think I may end up taking.
Seven months ago you were given good advice and questions were asked of you. There was no response from you. Maybe read your last Post and Replies although I see SlowDragon has been kind enough to reply again in depth.
Responding helps us simple folk when there is more information 😎
My suggestion to refer back to your previous post was to save us repeating information already given. I do try and check if there are previous posts to learn more before replying and often see questions repeated ... 🤔
Thanks for reply, I do take D Mannose, but not quite enough I don’t think. I’ve not been able to get a prescription for thyroxine as my levels are still all in range and the GPs won’t take into account my symptoms and the low results. One of the practice drs said a few years back that the antibodies mean nothing! I’ve got family history with my mum and her sister and also with my dads sister and I had an over active thyroid from around my late teens until I was diagnosed at 29! Funnily enough I was beset by UTIs then.
I did apologise for not thanking people and I do really appreciate the help people give, it just took me a little bit longer than usual to say thanks x
No worries, I really didn't realise how dopey my GP was until today. I am seriously considering changing and will definitely see another Dr next time. My poor hubby has to listen to me moaning all the time bless him. I usually take slightly less than the bottle says, different makes of D Mannose give different amounts. I've got a new packet open today and it says to take 1 to 2 tablets 3 times a day 1000 strength. I'm going with that. Onwards and upwards and stay safe yourself x
Sometimes just a “like”, a thumbs up or smiley face emoji is all it takes to acknowledge a reply or message if you don’t particularly want to reply in full. At least then members won’t feel ignored
I also have recurring uti’s and take cefelexin daily and have done so for about 5 years after extensive investigations into it. I find sometimes that after I have an infection the symptoms linger for a week or so after, and find that buscopan helps, I know it’s for IBS really but it helps with a lasting inflammation down there.
Your folate is too low, and your B12 very low. How you still functioned when it was down in the 70s, goodness only knows! To give you some idea, I often see new visitors to B12 deficiency groups elsewhere on the web who report severe ill-health, often with neurological problems, with levels above 200.
The standard references ranges for B12 are far too wide and really not fit for the purpose GPs use them. Consequently, they don't understand that a patient can be within range and still be very unwell.
Luckily, supplementation is gradually raising your B12 level, so there doesn't appear to be an issue with malabsorption - at least for the present. You may want to think about taking a higher dose though.
Thank you so much for your advice, I’m well past the menopause so don’t worry 😂. I get migraines even from tiny amounts of oestrogen as we have tried them. I have got just the vaginal moisturiser pessaries but am very lax in using them I’m sorry to say. I will start using them regularly and see if it helps. I’m so happy for you that it sorted your recurrent UTI’s, you must be so relived. Thanks again x
Sorry if didn't make myself clear, I wasn't asking for an apology, I realise she apologised for her lack of response to a previous post. Instead I was just making a general point that a prompt acknowledgement is fair return for advice.
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Levels update
Help please - Thyroid/ vitamin results are in 
Latest medichecks results - would welcome your advice as to the next step to take - thank you
Just back from an awful experience at the doctors
Advice on Advanced Thyroid Function Blood test results from medichecks
