Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: jessieblue on March 14, 2022, 04:43:13 PM
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Hello everyone. I have not been here for a while. I am suffering severe health anxiety and recently had 2 utis, one of which I am suffering with now. Last one was 6 months ago when I had campylobacter infection and uti arrived right after. I had 3 days macrobid which cleared it according to the test although I still had some mild symptoms. It passed in time with help from d mannose. Then on saturday I had pain on urination and following symptoms of uti. I am desperate to avoid antibiotics after my stomach infection. I am terrified I get C diff from taking them. I am taking d mannose and lots of water.
Symptoms are mild, no pain now just frequency and urgency but dipstick shows very high leukocytes, nothing else. I have antibiotics here but want to avoid if I can while lab run tests to see what bacetria it is.
Does anyone have any advice or experience? I have been reading that most utis are self limiting .... never knew this and that the body will clear the infection in a week or so. I have severe health anxiety and I am terrified of both kidney infection or embedded infection and c difficile from antibiotics.
Any one resonate? xx
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Hi Jessieblue
Sorry to hear your woes, awful aren’t they uti’s, you have my sympathy as this is something I used to suffer from badly.
How much d-mannose are you taking? If you’re just taking a maintenance dose you should increase it.
Also, what brand? I tried 3 types but found the Powerhouse powder brand the best.
Also, there are certain probiotics that will help- Biomedica Femex Forte if you can get it. The two bacteria are Lactobacillus rhamnosus and reuteri.
Are you taking Vagifem? This will help prevent reoccurrence, speak to your GP about it.
I’m sure other ladies will be along soon to offer more advice.
I think one of the ways to avoid health anxiety is to Take Action, and you have begun that action by coming to this forum.
All the best to you
xx
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You won't get C.diff! Have any of your urine samples been sent to a Laboratory and why hasn't your GP prescribed appropriate treatment for vagina atrophy? This mimics urine infection symptoms really really well - GPs still don't seem to understand the effects of VA on the bladder etc..
I don't know where you read about infections clearing themselves, if so GPs wouldn't prescribe as many ABs. Ring the surgery in the morning and ask for 'vagifem', get plenty of 'nurofen' down you to ease that need2P sensation and drink enough.
Tnx Marchlove for the advice about probiotics.
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Thank you so much Marchlove. It really helps to have somewhere like this to come. I take coconut kefir for probiotics but hadn't had it for a while. I have restarted that. I will look into the others too.
I did try oestrogen creams a few years ago but they gave me inflammation and what felt like utis. So I stopped as was too afraid to continue.
It is so hard isn't it. I am so afraid of medications and I have this new fear around c difficile from antibiotics. I mean a real fear. I have convinced myself I will get it.
Have you cured uti without antibiotics at all, or am I just setting myself up for trouble? xx
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Hi and thanks CLKD. I can barely get to speak to a GP. They deal with uti over text message!! Last time I insisted they sent the sample off after I had antibiotics for 3 days and still had symptoms. It came back clear. Previous uti several years ago was e. coli. I am taking a sample in tomorrow.
I tried vaagifem etc years ago after having to insist they prescribe it. I couldnt get on with it. Kept getting inflamed and thrush?uti symptoms. So I gave up and just use some coconut oil. Have been ok until 6 months ago after this campylobacter stomach infection that was really bad. xx
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Yes I’ve cleared uti’s without antibiotics so try not too worry.
There are alternatives to Vagifem which hopefully other ladies will be along to advise on.
I think you should be able to see a Gp! Texting isn’t good enough for you in this state. Ring the surgery and explain your health anxiety and try and get an appointment.
If no joy, can you change surgery?
xx
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Ask for a referral to an NHS Menopause Clinic. There are waiting lists but your GP should be doing this as a matter of routine.
Some don't get on with 'vagifem' because the vaginal area is already too sore due to thinness in the skin. It is recommended that 1 inserts the pessary a little way in for the 1st week, as the vagina relaxes and 'takes up' the oestrogen, it should become easier. If not, ask for 'ovestin'. Some require 'yes' or 'sylc' products as well, have a lookC at the websites. It really is worth while persevering or the symptoms will become worse.
Nothing will replace the oestrogen that the vagina needs to remain healthy and supple. If the coconut oil helps, then mayB use more often each day?
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Thank you both. I did try ovestin too. I only had to use a tiny bit and I had uti symptoms and leukocytes on dipstick. It scared me too much as it was the utis I was trying to avoid. I even got a uti after starting a small dose of oestrogel. Just seemed my body rejected the oestrogen. I do have YES, but not been using so much as was getting thrush a lot. I now use multigyn actigel daily and coconut oil daily and things had been ok. I dont feel too dry or painful. Thats why I cannot work out why the utis again now.
I did ask about meno clinics a while back. I actually paid and went private to a gyn and also had mona lisa touch treatment. That seemed to help but I cannot afford to do that again atm.
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Most urine samples will show Leukocytes. !!! not a reason for ABs :-\
The longer you leave treatment the more tender the vaginal region will become. Why did you stop your regime? Dryness is not a certain way of diagnosis.
If they are truly repeated infections proven on Lab results, your GP should refer you to a urologist for advice. There may be an embedded infection. ABs will stop working eventually as World Wide too many are being prescribed.
Let us know how you get on.
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Hi Jesse blue, I really feel for you and can strongly identify with your fear, I too have terrible health anxiety, a big phobia for me is taking medication because of side effects especially antibiotics, I had a uti last may first proper one I've had in my life, I ignored it for the first 3 days thinking I could clear it on my own, drinking lots of water, and using canesten cystitis sachets, that was a big mistake, the infection got so bad I ended up in out of hours gp, I was given marcobid, by this point I lost all fear of antibiotics because I was in so much pain I was passing bright red blood, I took the antibiotics and other than a bit of loose bowels on the last day I was fine, please do not think an infection will clear itself they can become very serious if left, if I had gone to the gp straight away I could of spared myself the misery I suffered as I literally couldn't get off the loo due to the intense need to wee, I too couldn't use vagifem for the same reasons as you, there are other alternatives to try so you should talk to your gp, health anxiety is difficult especially when you fear medications, I have really struggled with this I have tryed AD meds difficult when you fear taking it, I done CBT, which by no means cured me but helped me cope better, also there's some amazing online support groups which are worth reading and joining for support from people in the same boat, I hope you find relief, but don't leave a suspected uti it's not worth risking.
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You might be ok with estriol cream.
Do a search with Vagifem alternatives menopause matters.
Yes get a referral to a nhs menopause clinic xx
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Thanks for your replies, they really mean a lot. I feel very alone and very desperate. I have battled anxiety and intense health anxiety for 16 years since peri menopause set in. My health anxiety was triggered back then by a uti that had no bacteria and initially I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. When I later had cystoscopy the urologist said it was the healthies bladder he had ever seen, so no IC I assume.
I have tried all the oestrogen vaginal creams except the ring. My GP refused to prescribe it at first but I managed to negotiate and then could not tolerate it. I dont know why but it was quite a bad reaction. I posted about it on this forum some years ago. CLKD, I didnt change my regime really. I settled with multigyn and coconut oil and have used that religiously and things have been ok until now. I dont have sex any more as my anxiety and health worries are so bad my marriage has broken down. I don't really have a life due to anxiety. I am more or less housebound and obsess about my health all day. It is a living hell and I sometimes wish I wouldn't wake up. My life has not been the same since peri meno hit and has gotten steadily worse. The last 6 months have made me feel suicidal.
It has become clear that there is very little help out there for anything. I believe there are not any menopause clinics in my area, at least there weren't last time I tried to find one.
I am sorry to be so negative, I just feel so low and so tired of being afraid. Thanks for helping. xx
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There is help out there. Access is difficult due to many Surgeries not seeing patients face2face!
I think that you have a dry, atrophied vagina which is causing an initial reaction to anything put close to it :-\ . Continue with your regime religiously. Your anxiety may be a separate issues and can be supported but you need to ask for a referral to the Mental Health Team for assessment. Feeling supported makes a huge difference . There are plenty of anti-anxiety medications to take. My GP gave me betablockas which really eased the sudden adrenaline surges.
What's the worst that could happen?
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Yes indeed, what’s the worse that can happen!
Take action, you can’t go on like this. Get mad about it and be a pain in the neck to your Gp and get referrals.
Sixteen years is a very long time and you haven’t died yet so beat a drum to find people who can help you.
I’ve been there jessieblue, locked myself away, but managed to crawl myself back out of that hole.
xx
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Hello jessieblue
I am so sorry that you are suffering.
I don't have any experience but I have posted before about diets and UTIs.
This probably sounds crazy, and maybe it is but I feel compelled to say it just incase it helps you. There was research done in the US that identified bacteria from chickens in the urine of women who had a UTI. Long story short, these women stopped eating and preparing chicken and their infections resolved. If you want to read more about it you can go to NutritionFacts.Org which is run by Michael Greger an American MD.
I have no way of knowing if this will work but you may find something useful on the site and I couldn't read your post without mentioning it.
Wishing you well and sending hugs.
K.
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I agree with the other ladies you definitely can't go on like this, I too have been there didn't leave my house at all for 6 months, you should definitely talk to your gp about the anxiety, you actually don't need to see a gp for a referral to the mental health team you can self refer, fill in a form online, they do a phone assessment first then decide which service you need, I did the self referral and was offered CBT, I also took ADs of gp, I was feeling suicidal which was what prompted me to seek help, reach out there is help available no one needs to live feeling this way search NHS talking therapies, you can self refer off there site, they also have a help line you can call, don't suffer alone, there is help available.
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Its horrible to be worried about using antibiotics and I don't want to add to your anxiety but I took a course of antibiotics for a UTI and things still didn't feel quite right but I ignored it rather than getting more antibiotics. I felt very tired and not too much appetite together with urgency but no pain. Three weeks later I developed an upper UTI together with Rigors (overwhelming bacteria) and ended up on strong antibiotics for four months. It taught me that some things do need antibiotics to clear them and these infections can be 'silent' before they suddenly become worse.
Do you have a particular reason to think you might get C.Diff?
Taz :hug:
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That rings a bell Kathleen and I know I’m not good with chicken. Too many synthetic hormones in them!
Big hugs jessieblue xx
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Taz, I am so sorry that happened to you. It sounds terrifying.
My mind just keeps telling me I will get c diff. I am having a lot of obsessive intrusive thoughts and this is one of them. It also seems like I get everything going and that my immune system doesn't work properly. I feel very vulnerable.
I will definitely bear it in mind. I wonder why we cannot heal UTIs like we do colds or tummy bugs? It seems like a flaw in the design. xx
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Thank you jessieblue. I think you are definitely right with the design fault idea. Even when we follow all the advice such as drinking enough water, wiping from front to back, emptying the bladder before and after sex etc we still end up with them. I do hope you feel calmer soon and manage to get some help for the crippling anxiety.
Taz x
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We don’t all end up with them Taz2 if we take the appropriate action.
Did all that hygiene stuff and yes it works to an extent …..
But the fundamental reasons for them occurring is the way forward out of the mayhem.
Our vagina needs estrogen, somehow or other, good bacteria and less stress.
Yes, even stress can cause uti’s by creating an imbalance in the gut.
So, the anxiety issue needs urgent attention as much as the physical recommendations.
Try not to think of the worse scenario jessieblue and take action for you. xx
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Sorry I didn't mean we all end up with them just that some of us despite taking precautions still do. Vaginal health is very important. I use hrt plus vagifem. I feel that it is also not made clear that as we get older there is often no pain on urinating when we have a UTI.
Taz x
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Tnx Taz
As for the chicken issue, that's information from the US which is why we must never import chlorinated chickens from across The Pond! It is unlikely that chickens imported from mainland Europe or from the UK meat breeding system would have any effects. Less ABs and no hormones. Also, there is a product (can't think of a sensible word right now :-\) that has been proven in recent years that chicken broth is actually good for the gut. Jewish women have used chicken soup as a calmer/healer for Centuries without knowing the 'active ingredient'.
I suggest that you make a list of how you have felt over the last 3 days/nights jessie - ring and ask for a chat with your Nurse Practitioner and suggest that you get a face2face with her. Also I didn't know that patients can self refer for mental health support, so do find out - MIND charity may be the way to go for your area: when a friend died in 2015 they were really really supportive.
When I had depression and anxiety I was too tired to ask for help so you need to find someone to advocate for you. This may be via MIND.
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Hi jessieblue,
I had c-diff over maybe 15 years ago and I was really scared to ever take antibiotics again so I do understand your anxiety. I must've caught it from the hospital after having had treatment to remove pre-cancerous cells from my cervix. The consultant dropped the suction tube on the floor and then carried on using it! I developed an infection and was given antibiotics and a few days later I developed c-diff. I'd say if you haven't had c-diff before, it's probably unlikely you'll get c-diff from antibiotics alone. Most likely you'd need to come in contact with a spore although I know some people do have the bacteria in their tums naturally (about 1 in 30).
I carried on believing that the c-diff bacteria was inside me forever and could re-populate my tummy if I ever took antibiotics again. However, I did get pneumonia 6 yrs ago and had no choice but to take antibiotics. I was petrified but I definitely needed them and the good news is, I didn't get c-diff which was a great relief. However, I did take saccharomyces boulardi whilst I was on the antibiotics. it is a friendly yeast which cannot be killed by antibiotics. I found it really helped me when I had c-diff. I will always take SB if I ever take antibiotics as wiping out the good bacteria is never a good thing and it takes a long time to get your tummy balanced again. Healthy gut bacteria equals healthy immune system.
I think having horrible illnesses in the past always make you worry about your health so I do understand. I hope you get things sorted. It would be good if a doctor could find out exactly what infection you have so that he could give you a narrow spectrum antibiotic so that it targets the infection without having to wipe out all your bacteria, good and bad.
Good luck!
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Good information Moonflower, thank you x
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Past experiences certainly play a part in how we move on in Life. Having been phobic since the age of 3, fear dominate everything I do, where I go, who I see ...........
A friend caught C.diff in Hospital and suffered 3 times after over 2 years after being discharged. That, as well as MRSA, were big problems throughout the late 1990s in Hospitals.
Fear is a determining factor in my Life :'(. Most days though, I'm fine.
Jessie - you aren't alone >wave< :foryou:
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Hello again ladies.
I thought I'd just expand on the subject of chickens!
The study was carried out by doctors at an American hospital and they found that a bacteria that was common in chickens was found in the urine of women experiencing frequent UTIs. It seems that the bacteria are present in our poo but can live on the surface of our skin and then migrate to our bladders. The women who stopped eating chicken obviously stopped harbouring the bacteria and this resolved their problem. However as the research continued it became clear that some ladies were still having infections despite the change of diet. On further investigation it transpired that although these women had stopped eating chicken they were still preparing and cooking it for other people. The researchers wondered if the bacteria was moving from their hands to their digestive system and onto their bladders. When these women refrained from preparing chicken they also found relief from their UTIs.
As I have said I don't have any experience to report and I only came across this study while I was researching something else. I thought at the time that if I was struggling with UTI's I would want to hear information like this.
The bottom line (pun intended lol) is that unwelcome bacteria from food can migrate to the bladder and cause a UTI.
Wishing you well ladies.
K.
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Thank you all so much for your replies.
Moonflower, I am so sorry you had c diff. How awful for you. It is one of my worst fears and I know with a phobia of vomiting and diarrheoa I could not cope. Can you tell me if the s boulardi makes you feel unwell at all? How did you know you had c diff and were your symptoms really bad? I worry because I take ompeprazole too and that reduces immunity.
I took a sample to the doctors today. They are sending it off and said just leukocytes showing. My symptoms are still there, mainly urgency and pressure. I spoke with a nurse practitioner and I broke down telling her about my anxiety and how I am not coping. She said she was sorry...... that was it. She said we will try to wait for the result before medicating.
This morning I called 111 mental health team. After waiting for ages and finally getting through to a mental health professional, a very nice lady who read my number out and said if we got cut off she would call me back. I told her I got cut off last time. We got cut off and she hasn't called back. I give up.
I honestly feel so desperate. I cannot tell you. I have tried everywhere for help. I have had private therapies with no improvement and my doctors are a waste of time. But then what can anyone do honestly? I actually looked for suicide helplines, but what can they do either. My husband went to work, my sister has ignored my message. I am all alone with this.
Can't live like this. The fear is too intense.
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Hello again jessieblue
I am so sorry that you feel this way, my heart goes out to you.
I suggest that you ring The Samaritans as their volunteers are well trained and they will always ring back if you are cut off.
Regarding CDiff I think some hospitals now treat confirmed cases with Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT). It sounds weird but it has a 100% cure rate and I think it has become standard practice in some hospitals.
I became interested in the subject a few years ago when FMT was being trialled for Crohns and Ulcerative Colitis patients. Unfortunately it didn't work for these groups but it was spectacularly successful for people with C Diff.
Perhaps ask your doctor about new C Diff treatments to reassure you that it can be dealt with and talk to The Samaritans about your fears.
Take care and sending hugs.
K.
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Thank you Kathleen. xx
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Hello jessieblue. I read your thread last night and it has been on my mind. I can really relate to your despair and sadness because I have several mental health conditions. I can understand what you mean about your GPs not caring or taking you seriously. I have found that as well. They just do not seem to understand mental health and it was a sad day when people were discharged from psychiatrists and sent back to GPs who cannot understand mental health in the same way.
It is very poor of the mental health team not to call you back. It is hard but I think you need to really fight to be heard and to get treatment. I would call back again even though I know it is horrible having to explain yourself again.
You mentioned having therapy and not feeling any different. I wonder if the type of therapy you had was not suitable. There are so many different types and we all respond to different ones. What I have learned after trying therapy for many years is that it cannot 'fix' me. I am still the same person but I have more understanding as to why I feel the way I do. I first expected therapy to cure me and was so upset when I was the same.
I know how hard it is to get NHS therapy now as the first thing is to have CBT and then keep referring yourself back for more treatment. I can understand how lonely you feel. It is even harder when loved ones do not seem to grasp how we feel. If it helps then you could use the forum for support. Another idea is a mental health forum were members understand things like health anxiety.
I am concerned about you. I can imagine how overwhelmed you feel. I just want you to know that things can improve. It can take time but it does not mean you are going to feel this way forever. I think once you get the right support it will help.
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Yes things can improve. I saw several therapists over the years: sometimes I could tell them which page there were reading from the books! One told me that I had to have a thought pattern B4 panic attacks would start - I walked from the session. My panic begins in my gut ....... I am still angry that she should try to tell me how my anxiety materialises. Also if it were 'that easy' to feel better by reading a book ? :-\
MayB MIND could advocate for you as it can be difficult to raise the energy or courage to keep asking for assistance. Fortunately I have had support from my GP and Staff (long story short). Samaritans are on the end of a 'phone at all times.
A sample showing 'leukocytes' is within normal limits in most cases. They won't suggest treatment until the sample is returned either 'normal' or with which specific bug has grown in the Lab.. That way the correct ABs will be prescribed to tackle the problem. A 5 or 7 day course is often required rather than the 3 day 'usual' treatment.
How is your diet? I have found that LIVE yoghurt helps ease the digestive tract from top to bottom, literally. Keep with the regime in the vaginal area as often as possible. Try not to despair. If necessary find a quiet spot in the sunshine or when you need to, sleep. Sleep heals.
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Thank you Flossie. I am so grateful to all that have replied. Your kindness and concern is a real comfort.
CLKD I have bought some kefir and biomel coconut drink, both good probiotics. I will keep topping up on them. I will continue with the D mannose and water and hope I can wait it out. The nurse said she will prescribe antibiotics if I want them in the hope they cover the bacteria. Last time I had 3 days macrobid and then a negative microscopy which suggested the bug had been cleared, but I still had some lingering symptoms for a while which I treated with d mannose and water.
I think having leukocytes and symptoms they usually treat as infection, at least my doctors seem to. I am getting very worn out now. The frequency is increasing and the pressure is there all the time. I am taking my temperature to watch for fever. Afraid of sepsis too. Well of course I am. xx
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Your Nurse is wrong. ABs should be given if an infection is found on the slide i.e. growth. U do not need any ABs if there isn't, leukocytes are often found in samples :-\. Many GPs do this without sending samples to a Lab., mine was furious with his Staff when he found out!
If U are concerned, I wouldn't take the ABs but ask for a referral to a urologist for specific advice.
Do take pain relief which will relieve the need2P sensation as the spincter closes the flow of urine. It can be really niggling, I find 2 neurone capsules 3 times a day for 3 days stops it.
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CLKD I wouldn't be able to see a urologist for weeks though. I doubt my gp would refer me until MSU result comes back. Even privately I would need to wait a week at least. Couldn't this infection go to my kidneys or sepsis by then? Or even before the MSU result comes back? I am so confused because so many doctors have just given me antibiotics after symptoms and a positive dip. Once I was given 10 days of cipro!
When I first had this issue I was in Florida and again nothing showed on the slide but they gave me 10 days cipro. I only took 2 as it made me feel so ill.
Yesterday I thought it was improving and ibuprofen eased the symptoms completely, but today the urgency frequency and pain is getting worse. Im worried...... again.
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Asking for an appt with an appropriate consultant will get you onto a waiting list and ease the worry. Eventually ABs will no longer work for any bugs ........ continue with the Ibuprofen regularly to give the bladder irritation time to settle. As with any medication, it can take a few days to ease symptoms.
In the US they treat conditions differently so stop hinging on 'then'.
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Jessieblue: "Moonflower, I am so sorry you had c diff. How awful for you. It is one of my worst fears and I know with a phobia of vomiting and diarrheoa I could not cope. Can you tell me if the s boulardi makes you feel unwell at all? How did you know you had c diff and were your symptoms really bad? I worry because I take ompeprazole too and that reduces immunity."
Hi Jessieblue,
To answer your question above, I felt fine with S Boulardii. It's just a probiotic yeast. I take it sometimes if I have a dodgy tum. The brand I buy is by Optibac. It has a good range of probiotics.
When I started getting diarrhea I suspected I had it, as C-diff was making headline news at the time. It was really scary. I did a stool sample and sure enough it was confirmed. I had diarrhea only, no vomiting. I was just reluctant to eat or drink much as it would pass right through me at the beginning. It did take a while for my tummy to feel better. I still managed to go to work so I can't have been too bad. The worst of the diarrhea lasted 2-3 days for me. I think the media did a good job of scaring me.
It's so easy to get crippled by health anxiety but you are doing the right thing by trying to sort out your health problems.
Take care,
Moonflower x
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Thanks Moonflower. It really helps to hear of your experience. I had campylobacter 6 months ago and I had green watery diarrheoa for 3.5 weeks. I felt absolutely terrible and lost 2 stones in weight. I could not eat for the best part of 2 months. I am still not right now really, but of course a lot might be anxiety as I have always had an anxious tummy. I am traumatised by it and recently had a private CT scan as I was so terrified I had cancer somewhere in there. I cannot have a colonoscopy because of my fears.
I fear having diarrheoa every day. I have weird bowels and a feeling of always needing to go. Again might be anxiety, but how can you know? I get nausea a lot and because of my phobia of vomiting I get really scared.
I know what you mean about the media frightening you. I think we have all been conditioned by fear to be honest. xx
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Oh another emitophobe ........... :hug: makes two of us ;)
We are certainly conditioned by family constraints in that many habits are handed down through the generations >:(
My bottom feels though it needs to 'empty' nearly all the while :( even after I've been. Sometimes I have to go back to sit for a while on an 'in case' basis, especially if we are leaving the house >:( >:(. It's a real bummer :-X
If I 'go' really quickly I have to sit quietly until the nausea recedes.
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CLKD you have emetophobia too? And the sitting on the toilet thing feeling like you still need to go is so me!!!
This has been worrying me for a while. I know I have prolapse down there, rectocele and I suspect bladder or urethra as well. I think everything has fallen down and feels heavy. So pooping is an art form. I always get the feeling of a little bit of poop nearly popping out but when I try to go I have to strain and splint to get it out. My husband says its just my piles, but I get all worried its a tumour.
I get soft poop too a lot, but then I take omeprazole too which can do that. Soft poop terrifies me in case it get the runs again. The campylobacter really did a number on me.
I had a ton of bloods taken today so now scared to death what they will show. Anxiety loves tests.
I am also trying to find a private psychiatrist, but they are so expensive.
Bladder symptoms are much less today and the nurofen you suggested seems to have helped. Don't really have any symptoms at the moment, so am waiting for the test result to come back hopefully. If the symptoms go away, do I still need the antibiotics? xx
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I thought this was really interesting and a good presentation.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=UTI+Women+Symptoms&ru=%2fvideos%2fsearch%3fq%3dUTI%2bWomen%2bSymptoms%26FORM%3dVDMHRS&view=detail&mid=715F8657880997DAF46C715F8657880997DAF46C&rvsmid=367FD794D57B8046B486367FD794D57B8046B486&FORM=VDMCNR
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Nope 2 ABs unless a bug has been grown in the Lab., when you will be prescribed appropriate treatment rather than a wide spectrum.
You will need to see an appropriate consultant in order to talk about the prolapse. Or, self refer to a physiotherapist who deals in women's health who can teach proper exercises to ease symptoms. Sometimes Kegel exercises are 'the wrong' thing to do.
What is the reason for the blood tests? If you weren't told then ring for a list. Some take 24 hours to come back, others may take 10-14 days depending on what was requested.
If we don't eat regularly the body won't digest and process the intake in the 'right way'. Different food stuffs take a different time to move through the system. Apparently. Dr Michael Mosley wrote a good book about the gut (name escapes me) ::)
Sometimes I have slow transit followed by a sudden rush of small pellets. Job done. Occaionsally my bowel feels empty. Other times it's a long wait B4 I get a result at all ::). Sometimes the poo is dry so that I don't need to wipe - I always do - so there's no rhyme nor reason and put me onto a UK motorway and I'm needing the loo immediately >:(
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hi , just wanted to quickly tell you what helped me. I had UTIs back to back , every different strain of bacteria, antibiotic resitiant, bladder retention, weeing continuous, pain excruciating etc for FIVE years. I nearly hung myself.
Yes I was given vagifem and ovestin but just flared my bladder even more. Was prescribed over 30 courses of horrific antibiotics including the "domestos" type, ie destroy your entire gut wipe everything out. I was thin, malnourished on an accute version of the IC diet, antihistamine diet, etc etc
In the end, going onto SYSTEMIC HRT is what helped. The local estrogen was too inflammatory . A year now, and I am a million miles better thank God. Please take systemic hrt, not one of the useless 18 consultants suggested it to me. In the end, I read a great book called My menopausal Vagina all about vaginal atrophy
Good luck
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Thank you Bananacarnival. Its a relief that you too couldn't tolerate topical oestrogen! Everyone talks about it like a miracle cure, but I just could not deal with the pain and inflammation plus yeast infections and utis that came as soon as I used it. I thought I was the only one. I haven't tried systemic HRT. Of course I am fearful of taking it, do you have bio identical hormones? Are they patches or tablets? Thank you. xx
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Hi I had exactly the same experience and concerns as you for five years, back to back utis and sheer terror on a daily basis. Saw 18 different gynaecologists, urologist and urogynaecologists. No one helped. I was given endless courses of antibiotics, and a range of vaginal estrogen cream and pessary which just burned and made me feel swollen and uti - ish constantly.
Someone on here recommended systemic hrt as local would flare and it was the best thing. I eventually, over the course of a year, got to the point where I'd forgotten my bladder existed and slept through the night with only one wake up.
I also started taking bone broth homemade with oxtail bones and two spoons of collagen powder mixed in and this made a massive difference.
I've tragically had to come off hrt for a short while but the broth keeps my bladder OK. Shop bought broth not the same!
All my sympathy and hope this helps. I literally tried everything under the sun
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R U able to tell us why you need to stop HRT?
Chicken soup is helpful, apparently the bones have some kind of 'anti-oxidant' which eases some conditions.
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Just realised I've posted twice on this board with the same details. Surely going mad.
I needed to stop hrt for heavy bleeding with a history of recurring polyps and fibroid, which has now been investigated
And is OK. So if my bladder gets really bad again I'm straight back on to it. For now it's broth and Blissel gel (a local estrogen I can tolerage
Clkd I love chicken broth much more but it doesn't touch the soreness like the oxtail. God knows what's in that bone but it's magic