Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Taz2 on September 10, 2013, 10:51:00 PM
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Anyone else had one of these? A week ago I thought I was getting cystitis and put that down to coming off HRT five weeks ago. I drank lots of water and took paracetamol that morning and it disappeared. However I felt really tired and headachy with a low back ache - sort of stiff rather than back pain and then, on Sunday, I developed a massive bout of shivering. It was really embarrassing as we were out for a meal at the time and I couldn't hold my knife and fork. I went home and turned the fire on high and wrapped myself up on the sofa (after taking some nurofen) and it took about forty minutes for the shivering to stop. As long as I take paracetamol or nurofen every four hours the shivering stays away but if I am even twenty minutes late it starts up. I do find it interesting how the body does this - my hands and toes go totally white while the body tries to raise my core temperature (doc said that at least I know my hypothalmus is doing it's job!).
I went to the docs today and have sent off a sample and she prescribed nitrofurantoin as I can't have the trimethropin she thought would really shift it. It's not nice. I have had to go into work as there is no cover for my job at the moment but if I still feel the same in the morning I might decide to stay home and they will just have to sort it!
Taz x
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Sounds nasty Taz. How are you feeling this morning? Work? Their problem, not yours. You are allowed to be ill. I used to be like that, would struggle in to work no matter what.
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Sorry to hear about that Taz - it's horrible that shivering feeling you get with a temperature when you can't get warm. I haven't had a urine infection that has gone that far - in the past when I had them, the frequency and burning sent me to the docs before it really got a hold.
Do you think you have succumbed to it because of coming off HRT and it has already made a difference to your tissues - or perhaps just coincidence
Definitely shouldn't go into work if you feel like that and hope you feel better soon!
Hurdity x
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How are you today.
Stay at home and look after yourself. You will get better quicker that way.
Hope you are feeling a little better.
Honeyb
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How are you now? You could always obtain some urine test strips and do a basic self test. This would give you an idea of what is going on.
Good luck.
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Thanks ladies. I'm not going in today. Had to give in due to high temperature first thing. Have had three of the antibiotics now so hope by tomorrow I will be feeling a bit better.
Hurdity - the strange thing is that with upper urinary tract infection you don't get any pain on passing urine in most cases. I just felt as if I was getting something flu-like for a few days. Achy and a bit shivery with a stiff feeling lower back and just thought it would either "come out" or pass. The shivers are a bit different to the normal shivers you get with a temperature. They are called rigors and one of the signs of this is that during the total shaking your fingers and toes go completely white and numb as the blood is taken into the core of the body. I found it really interesting how it all works - the doc was really great at explaining it all - and as she said "at least you know your hypothalmus is working well" :) Rigors show that a bacterial infection is present in the body but obviously doesn't show you where it is. The last time I saw someone with them was my mum when she first picked up MRSA in hospital - it was her constant shaking one morning and inability to hold anything that alerted them to something being wrong even though she didn't feel that ill. It also happened to a work colleague when she was going down with bacterial meningitis. I must admit I was a bit scared when they happened to me!!
Pauline - thanks for the advice. I sent the sample off yesterday and the doc will get in touch if it is the wrong antibiotic for the infection but I might get some strips for testing once I have finished the antibiotics to check that all is back to normal.
On a funny note when I first got up and came downstairs I had that horrible just-about-to-pass-out feeling (prob due to the high temperature) and I ended up sort of lying on the kitchen floor until the feeling passed. My cat thought this was wonderful and made a right fuss of me before sitting on my shoulders and settling down for a snooze!
Taz x
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Taz you are very brave any of this would set my health anxiety off big time.
Keep your mobile close.
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I agree with SL, you are very brave about this. I hope you are tucked up in bed all cosy.
I don't know about a day off work, more like a good few days to get totally better.
Hope you improve as the day goes on.
Honeyb
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I don't feel brave - I'm just getting on with it. The doc did say that as I was 59 this was good as over 60's should really be referred to hospital to make sure that the antibiotic was working quickly and to rule out anything else - that really cheered me up!!! She's the same age as me so understands.
I am a dreadful patient and hate being ill. Nobody likes being ill obviously but I do make it quite difficult for people to look after me and then, when I am feeling worse, I moan that nobody cares.. apparently! ;D
I will be ok as long as the antibiotic begins to work tomorrow - if it doesn't I will then be sure that I have got something totally different and will be working on a funeral plan!
Taz x
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Hope the antibiotics start to work soon Taz and you start to feel better :foryou:
Katy x
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Hope you're feeling better soon. My thoughts are take rest of the week off. If you are so bad that you think you're likely to pass out, you need to rest. Body's way of telling you, you need to be horizontal not upright. :hug:
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Hope the AB's soon kick in and you start to feel a bit better Taz :foryou:
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These bugs kind of creep up >:( .......... so we often don't know if we are 'in for something', whether it's 'the weather' or imagination ::).
Hopefully the ABs will kick in by morning and you will begin to feel better. Don't go to work, you may well pick up something else as your immune system is low or you will pass it on ::)
:foryou:
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Don't think you can pass this kind of infection on CLKD, but I do agree about picking something else up. Kids are germy little people. ::)
Honeyb
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Well Taz got it from somewhere/one ::)
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Hurdity - the strange thing is that with upper urinary tract infection you don't get any pain on passing urine in most cases. I just felt as if I was getting something flu-like for a few days. Achy and a bit shivery with a stiff feeling lower back and just thought it would either "come out" or pass. The shivers are a bit different to the normal shivers you get with a temperature. They are called rigors and one of the signs of this is that during the total shaking your fingers and toes go completely white and numb as the blood is taken into the core of the body. I found it really interesting how it all works - the doc was really great at explaining it all - and as she said "at least you know your hypothalmus is working well" :) Rigors show that a bacterial infection is present in the body but obviously doesn't show you where it is. The last time I saw someone with them was my mum when she first picked up MRSA in hospital - it was her constant shaking one morning and inability to hold anything that alerted them to something being wrong even though she didn't feel that ill. It also happened to a work colleague when she was going down with bacterial meningitis. I must admit I was a bit scared when they happened to me!!
Taz x
Oh I see - that sounds miserable (the shivers). I definitely haven't had this but I remember the children especially my daughter used to get them when little - used to get a temperature and complained of "tummyache" - as they do - and doc saying it was urine infection. I do remember being surprised as I'd only experienced the other sort and never had temp with them.
Re your mother, and colleague - quite scary....
Anyway hope you're feeling better by now - loved the cat story (apart from the feeling that preceded it!) - they do love it when we lie down don't they!!
Hurdity x
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Do you also think that cystitis is catching CLKD? ;D
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I didn't think it could be picked up as such.
Unless you mean like cystitus being referred to as the "hooneymooners disease", i.e. physical insult or aggravation kicking things off
How are you Taz?
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It can't be transferred like a flu or stomach bug. One of the causes is through sex and the doc thought it was because I was now off HRT so even though there was no dryness or pain during sex the tissues will be thinner and so allow bacteria to travel. They obviously weren't content to stay put in the urethra this time but fancied a ride higher up! This explains things http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Urinary-tract-infection-adults/Pages/Causes.aspx
I'm feeling better this evening thanks Limpy but still need to take the paracetamol or other painkiller every four hours or so or the temperature goes up and the back gets painful. I have been sleeping a lot. The cats have been cosying up with me on the sofa in an "well, isn't this nice mum?" kind of way. :)
Taz x
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:cat88: they know ;)
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Nice to know someone cares Taz. ;)
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Hi Taz
Hope thing settle soon.
This time last year I was never away from GP with UTI problems. Like you I was shivery, nausea sort of flu like, I also suffered urge incontinence. This whent on for months. Once I increased my HRT it all seemed to improve.
Oh I also had what the GP called vaginitis. With me I'm sure this was all meno related. Even now when things get out of sink, flu like symptoms return. If it is hormones it may just need time to settle.
Good Luck
W
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How are you feeling today Taz? Hope antibiotics are kicking in. :hug:
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:bighug:
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Thanks ladies. Felt a bit better yesterday I think - things seem to be changing in that, before, I didn't have any real discomfort but now have slight kidney pain and the cystitis feeling plus the temperature is high if I don't keep up the painkiller regime. Am drinking loads and having to go the loo every 15 minutes or so which is a lot for me. Am going to make a "sit and wait" appointment in the morning if I'm not better as I finish the antibiotics on Saturday and don't want to have a break without them. I can also then make sure that I am on the right ones.
I have slept most of the morning Grrrrr!
Taz x
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Taz - if you slept, you needed the rest. Your body needs more sleep when you are battling an infection. Just go with it and don't beat yourself up about 'what you could have been doing'. Getting well is more important than a bit of dust!
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Sleep is healing Taz. When I am really unwell I spend most of the time sleeping. I have always been like that though.
Getting checked by the GP sound good. The last thing you want is problems over the weekend.
:foryou:
Honeyb
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I know that you are right - it's just that I hate being ill and especially hate letting down people at work. I've never had time off before though so I wont beat myself up about it! Me and sleep have never gone well together ;D
Taz x :thankyou:
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Taz glad you are getting acquainted, you might get to like one another ;D
Get well soon.
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:lol:
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I've got another docs appointment at 11.20 just to check that I shouldn't be feeling better than I am! I'm feeling a bit better this morning and don't seem to have a fever which is great - first time since Sunday - but am getting much more uncomfy in the bladder area now which wasn't there before. I've still not had any stinging or burning when going for a wee though - thankfully - but I do find that strange.
Taz x
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Hope GP can get you sorted today Taz. Nothing worse than feeling rough and not being able to do your usual things.
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Glad you're feeling better and the fever has gone - pity about the bladder though! Hopefully you will be on the mend very soon.
Re stopping the HRT - are you still using Vagifem or similar to hlep with bladder issues? When I stopped HRT for 3 months I started to get uncomfy feelings in the bladder after a few weeks ( I think the overall lack of oestrogen caused everything to slacken :o ), so maybe you are beginning to notice this too? Hopefully just the infection though and those feelings will go when you are completely better....
Hurdity x
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I sort of forgot about the Vagifem Hurdity so I'm not using anything. I will put that right.
I had a good consultation with the doc - a different one as my other one was full up. She was looking at my results on the screen and said that, yes, they showed a "humdinger of an infection" . Apparently the level of something or other (I can never remember the different names) should be no higher than 299 and mine was 897 with pustules which sounded delightful. She agreed that I should have been fully better by now and has given me a just in case prescription for a different antibiotic should it not have totally cleared by sunday. She was really helpful and said that for something like a kidney infection you always need antibiotics especially for people of my age - cheers Doc!!!
I still find it strange that I didn't get a lot of pain with it but she said that some people don't which is where the rigors (rye-gors) come into it. Get those and you know that even without pain there is something wrong somewhere. She also said to still rest and definitely not go to a music gig I was going to tomorrow even if I felt better. "Lots of sweaty people in a small hot room and what is probably a quite depleted immune system at the moment - don't do it". Dread to think what'll happen when I go back to school on Monday then - all those bugs lurking around the little sweethearts!!
Taz x :D
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It's good you are feeling better.
Given that the doc wasn't keen on your music gig tomorrow, what did she reckon to your going back to school, with the all little sweethearts and associated bugs?
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A few years ago when my OH was diagnosed with a Kidney infection he didn't have much pain but he did behave very oddly and he did have a temperature, but it was the odd behaviour, not being aware of what he was doing that that alarmed me.
Antibiotics sorted him out and it has not occurred.
What I found hard to understand was how he got it in the first place.
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It can be a number of things apparently. According to Netdoctor the prevalence of it in men and women over the age of 60 is the same but under the age of 60 it is rare in men. Any useful info here? http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/menshealth/facts/urinaryinfection.htm
Limpy - going back to work is up to me as the infection should have cleared by Monday and I can't be signed off purely for a diminished immune system. It rebuilds itself quite quickly. She just thought it was a bit soon. I reckon she's right and I'd probably get halfway through and be worn out anyway.
Taz x
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If you're still not 100% though, I would be cautious with regards to going back to work. Take care.
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Sounds as if it has been very nasty Taz. It has lasted the best part of a week. Can you not self ....Oh can't remember the word ::) until you are completely better.
Perhaps you have been a little run down for it have taken such a hold.
Keep resting and I hope you feel much better very soon.
Honeyb
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Best wishes for Monday. Hope you have good classroom support. Take care. Ju Ju
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I've decided to have today off as well - unheard of!
The infection is much better but has still not gone. I haven't got any pain but still need to urinate very frequently and the whole of the urinary tract feels unsettled - that sounds strange but it's just not right. I am about to start the next antibiotic, Ciprofloaxin, which is not something I wanted to do but I don't the infection to take proper hold again. This has been a real learning curve as I would never have thought you could have had such a nasty infection with no real apparent pain.
I am so tired too but at least I had blood tests done three weeks ago as a routine check up and this showed kidney function to be normal so I know that there is nothing worse going on.. hopefully....
Taz :)
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Taz -you are doing the right thing.
Hope the Ciprofloaxin works - Hopefully it will be better than Nitrofurantoin (which I always found to be useless)
Stock up on the pro actives to combat possible antib side effects (thrush?)
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Strangely enough the nitrofurantoin came up as the one most likely to beat the infection together with Trimethroprin which I can't have. I found it worrying that the one most likely to beat it.. didn't!
I have also had the C.Dif likelihood explained to me so have to watch out for that for up to TEN WEEKS.
I'd thought of the thrush aspect too Limpy so will get some whatever they are called later.
Taz x
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LIVE yoghurt ;-)
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Live yoghurt doesn't contain enough of the pro-biotic to make up for what the antibiotics kill off though. I need some acidopholus tabs. Took me ages to remember the name :D
Taz
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When I kept getting UTIs Nitrofurantoin was the one identified as the best for the job. It has never worked for me. As for Trimethoprim - hah - that's even more useless. The thing that worked for me was Co-amoxiclav, that lasted 14 years.
However UTIs started again in 2011, I tried Nitrofurantoin for about 2 years, it would work after 2 days then infection would come back after 2 months. Eventually spoke to a sensible GP about getting co-amoxiclav again, he said that it was one of the antibs that had been identified as a match, so gave me some. This was 7 months ago, so far so good, peeing is pain free.
Doesn't take much to make me happy ;D
Note to self - must get some acidopholos tabs
Taz how are you now?
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Hi Limpy - this bug is resistant to co-amoxiclav :(
I'm still really tired and look "dreadful" - thanks neighbour! I am much better than I was last week though. Still not had any pain while peeing just an uncomfy feeling like you get just before your get cystitis.
I'm hoping to go into work tomorrow morning on the understanding that I will come home again if I find it too difficult. Feel a right wimp!!
Taz x
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Not a wimp Taz just human.
I think you should be staying at home. School will be there when your not.
In the meantime get the slap on before you scare the kids ;)
I hope you feel much better in the morning .....take care of yourself.
:foryou:
Honeyb
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Like Honeybun says, school will still be there. No point pushing yourself if you're still not 100%.
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If you have a bug then your immune system is low, leaving you open to other infections ::)
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Taz - If/when you feel duff come straight home - take care
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How are you this morning? The drizzle is enough to damper anyone's spirits ::)
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How did you get on Taz? I agree I'm sure you shouldn't really have gone in especially if you are still really tired. You've had one hell on an infection by the sound of it and not to be taken lightly. You sound like me - wanting to get back to it and feeling like a wimp and probably can do that most of the times with minor bugs - (as I do - usually a couple of paracetamol or lemsip and I'm on my way) but just sometimes now and again you get laid low by bugs and ther's nothing you can do about it.
Rest is so important - and I'm sure you are eating well, lots of fresh fruit and veg? Did you go off your food while you had the bug - if so maybe an iron or multi-vit tonic, or cod-liver oil? I used to give these to my children after they'd been properly ill.
What you don't want is to do too much when still tired/recovering and end up with a secondary infection - espcially from all the other kids!!
Hurdity x
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Thank you! I lasted the day and it wasn't too bad. I feel much better than I did but know that the infection is still grumbling away. I'm going to try for an appointment in the morning to see what happens when I finish this course of antibiotics on Friday.
I wasn't hungry at all in the beginning but am eating better now.
CLKD - the drizzle cheered me up!! ;D
Taz x
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Bet the cats were upset if you went back to work :catscratch: :cat88: :cat48: ::)
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How can drizzle make you cheery. ;D
Glad you managed the day but rest up tonight if you can.
Honeyb
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Feet up, fluffy slippers and nice cuppa in front of the TV for you tonight.
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Today is the last day of the second course of antibiotics (Ciprofloaxcin) and although I am still much better I still feel uncomfy around the bladder and urethra area so I managed to get an appointment with the original doc today.
She was really helpful and explained that I would still be feeling below par due to the fact that it was an established and bad infection. She advised pro-biotics in tablet form as there is not enough whatever-it-is in the drinks to be taken for a month to try to re-establish good gut flora and ward off C.Dif. I have to take in a urine sample on Monday to be tested to make sure the bugs have gone but she did say that with what we have thrown at it she would be really amazed if any had survived. I have to drink no less than two and a half litres throughout the day to keep flushing the kidneys through.
She then talked to be about my prolapse and asked what I was thinking of doing about it. This doc is much better than the other one I see sometimes who totally put me off having any surgery. She was upfront about the fact that all surgery is risky but then talked me through what would be likely to happen if I have nothing done. Her own mum had the same and wouldn't have anything done until, at the age of 75, hers prolapsed properly (eek!) so it was right outside of the body and she obviously had to have emergency surgery. She said that at 59 it's not too bad an age to have it done but by 69 there could be many more problems with recovery. She feels that this kidney infection was due to sex and that it will only get worse over time - especially as I am at the age to stop HRT. I have an appointment with her next week to "take a peek" because a couple of weeks ago - before the infection - I did have a small amount of bleeding after sex. All related she feels but I am on the "merry go round" of scans and possible hysteroscopy.
Thanks for all your support ladies - I felt so horrible ten days ago!!
Taz x :thankyou:
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Good to know she's on your side Taz. I use pro-biotic capsules daily.
I remember being given various antibiotics when I had pneumonia and nothing shifted it. Ended up in hospital on drip versions of various other ones. Thankfully never got C Diff, but oh boy an awful dose of thrush! Hope that doesn't happen to you!
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Me too!!
Taz :)
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I just lost large post darn it. I wondered if you are still on Vagifem. I also take D Mannose. To clear out bladder of E. coli, but don't know if it helps anything else. My gastro doc told me to double up on probiotics and to use the ones that have more than acidophilus. I take two kinds and take twice the dose. Te doc told me that one can't really overdose on probiotics. I don't know if that is true, but seems logical.
Sure hope you clear it completely and feel back to normal soon.
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D-Mannose is amazing stuff - google 'Waterfall D-mannose' for a supplier in the UK. It isn't cheap, but it's worth every penny. It can be effective for upper UTIs as well as bladder-level infections, and even if the major infection is not e-coli, D-mannose can help to reduce inflammation and therefore pain/discomfort.
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Thanks ladies will have a look.
I'm not on vagifem at the minute Trey - doc wont prescribe it while I'm waiting to find out what caused the bleeding.
She said to take the probiotics for a month and then stop as it's not a good idea to take them all the time. I have ones which are specifically for use with and after a course of antibiotics - maybe that's why she said only for a month?
Taz x
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What are the pro biotics called Taz and how many bacteria do they have in them. I take one a day to help my stomach and really do notice a difference if I stop. I also eat the yogurt and take actimel. I feel it keeps my stomach and bowels on an even keel. I still have blips though.
Good to hear your GP is so on the ball and very clued up. Sounds as if she will encourage you to get the operation sooner than later.
Honeyb
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I've got OptiBac "for those on antibiotics". There are 4 billion live probiotic cultures in each capsule. I don't know how this compares with any other makes though - it was just the one recommended in the chemist attached to the surgery.
Taz x
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Sounds about the same as I take. I find it really helps my IBS which is my primary reason for taking it.
Hopefully you won't have thrush when you take a course of these.
Honeyb
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I've taken one or two a day for years with no issues. Interesting onn the one month advice. Will have to research that a bit. Mine are 8 billion and my doctor has all her patients on it daily for immune system. She has a Phd in additional to her MD and seems very up to date. Hope you are feeling much better Taz
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She just said that at my age and with my overall health being good then a daily dose isn't necessary once I've re-established the good gut bugs. She did say that I could take one a couple of times a week if it made me feel better. There is so much conflicting advice around re this sort of thing. :-\
I am feeling better but got halfway round the supermarket shop and felt so tired - silly me!
Taz x
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Take care Taz and look after yourself, I can't think of you feeling tired.
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Anything that keeps the gut flora healthy is good. The body will digest what is required and excrete the rest ;)
Glad you have a good GP!
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I have an appointment with her next week to "take a peek" because a couple of weeks ago - before the infection - I did have a small amount of bleeding after sex. All related she feels but I am on the "merry go round" of scans and possible hysteroscopy.
Taz x :thankyou:
Glad you are feeling better and good that you are being properly investigated for things that could be causing problems now and in the future. Re the above - this is what led to all my investigations - bleeding after sex, which in my case turned out to be the ectropion on my cervix.
I'm not on vagifem at the minute Trey - doc wont prescribe it while I'm waiting to find out what caused the bleeding.
However I not necessarily agree with your doc there. That is what my GP said to me - to stop HRT completely (though she didn't mention the Vagifem) pending investigations - but I asked Dr Currie (when the e-mail facility was still there) and she agreed that I did not need to stop so I went back to a different doc in the practice and said I did not want to stop so she agreed (ref Dr Currie's comments) and referred me for further investigation.
I mean in your case, since stopping HRT completely, all the more important to keep your vaginal tissues healthy as the drop in oestrogen will be dramatic. I would have thought that using Vagifem could have no bearing on your investigations except potentially make them more painful if vaginal atrophy sets in...
Have you had a smear recently? In my case I'd had one about 6 months previously which was all clear so they ruled out anything wrong there straight away. Even if you are due for one I still can't see why you would have to stop Vagifem. Are you able to phone your meno-clinic for further advice on this?
In terms of possible time-scale (although it will be different in different areas), I first went to the GP about the bleeding after sex in early May, and only last week after all the investigations ( admittedly had quite a few!) got the letter to say there was nothing wrong (except the ectropion - which I was told about back in May ie that I had it!!). That would have been over 4 months without HRT - or in your case it could be without Vagifem either.
I'm not an expert though and just reporting what happened in my situation in case it is helpful and you really feel you don't want to stop the Vagifem but feel you have to because of GP....
Hurdity x
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Thanks Hurdity. I hadn't really thought about it very much but will mention it to the doc again on Friday when she is going to examine me.
My smears are up to date and it's around eighteen months since I had the pelvic and transvaginal scans which showed a thickened womb lining but as I was halfway through a heavy bleed at the time and the lining was uniform they said that all was ok and I have had no problems since. Going without HRT has certainly given me a better idea of how bad my prolapse is so this is making me a bit more certain that a hyster will be the way forward..maybe.. perhaps... :)
Taz
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One usually gets it from oneself. E. coli from colon gets into wrong place
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The GP phoned this evening. The sample I sent in on Monday shows that the infection is still there - albeit less than before - so I have to start on double Ciprofloaxin for ten days from tomorrow. It wasn't my own doctor but this one said that he felt given the strength of the infection that five days wasn't enough but that they don't like to overprescribe it. He said that Cipro is one of the "big guns" so hopefully another double dose course should kill it off. I must admit to being a bit worried about it although I knew that I still wasn't right although much better than before. It's the first time I've had something that hasn't shifted after two different antibiotics.
I also found this interesting having recently stopped HRT
"Factors in Overcoming the Bacterial Defense Systems
Changes in the amount or type of acid within the genital and urinary tracts contribute to lowering the resistance to infection. For example, beneficial organisms called lactobacilli increase the acidic environment in the female urinary tract. Reductions in their number (which, for example, occur with estrogen loss after menopause), increase pH and therefore the risk of infection.
Source: Urinary tract infection | University of Maryland Medical Center "
Taz x
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:thankyou:
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Sorry to hear that Taz - so stopping HRT could really have had that effect and led to the infection? Quite worrying - and I wonder if stopping suddenly makes this more likely ie there is less time to readjust.
Good that it is being treated properly but yes - disconcerting to have to be on antibiotics for so long
Hurdity x
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Sorry to hear that Taz - so stopping HRT could really have had that effect and led to the infection?
Good that it is being treated properly but yes - disconcerting to have to be on antibiotics for so long
I agree with Hurdity! And hoping you're feeling better Taz.
I'm wondering whether we can do anything to improve the acidity and so reduce the likelihood of infection? I don't take actimel or anything, but would that type of thing help the urinary tract? I've suffered from UTI since being a child and learned ways to stave it off, but am up for trying anything to reduce the risk!
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I've just got back from the doctors. She explained that what is concerning her is that the lab hasn't been able to actually grow anything from my latest sample but it shows considerable infection still. She had a good look through my notes and it's a blessing that I had full blood tests taken in August as these showed good kidney function and everything else was fine too. She said that if I hadn't had that done she would have sent me for a blood test today. She said that the next step will be referral to a urologist to try to find out what is going on. Apparently sensitivity to Cipro isn't tested although they will test (after making a big fuss apparently) if asked to by the doc. Cipro kills most of the bugs responsible for UTI's apparently. She told me to keep taking the probiotics and if I wasn't feeling better by monday to make another appointment. We talked about HRT and the effect it has and she agreed it's wonderful but that over 60 it does make sense to come off it although it is up to me.
When I got up this morning I felt dreadful - shivering and nauseous and dizzy. I took my temperature thinking that it must be raised again but it was 35.5. It took about an hour for it to go off. I think it might be a reaction to the higher dose of antibiotics.
She also said to take monday and tuesday off work next week and to rest to give my body a chance to recover.
She made me an appointment to see her in two weeks time to, hopefully, have the internal examination carried out to check on the reason for post-sex bleeding as she can't do that while I still have an infection. I explained that years ago I kept having to reschedule my bio-feedback appointments at the Continence Advisory Service clinic due to them always finding traces of infection in my urine but that after I started Vagifem this never happened again. She has prescribed vagifem to start tonight. :)
Taz x
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Perhaps the Vagifem will ease symptoms. We know our bodies best!
:foryou:
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Thanks CKLD. It should make a future infection less likely. I will just be glad to actually get rid of this one. It's a bit scary when nothing seems to work. As the doc said "We're scraping the bottom of the barrel already re trying another antibiotic". There are lots I can't have and the one that would really have hit it hard in the beginning is one of those. :(
Taz x
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If the GP was worried she would have sent you into Hospital so that any particular AB could be administered by introvenous drip, therefore by-passing the gut.
Rest. Feet up. :catscratch: on lap. Doze. Let Nature do her work ;)
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Sorry to hear you are still poorly Taz. You have had such a bad infection. The ABs can make you feel really grotty so as CLKD says....feet up and rest. It's really disconcerting to think that sex caused this....It's enough to put you off. Definitely rather have a cuppa....much safer. ::)
Hopefully this extended treatment will work.
Honeyb
X
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Thanks ladies.
I'm not sure how bypassing the gut would help CLKD - I'd still suffer the same allergic reaction unfortunately! She has spoken about hospital as a last resort but obviously with all the antibiotics she doesn't want to put me at more risk of C.Diff - seems to be a much better understood condition nowadays. If can't let nature take its course - I'd be overwhelmed with bacteria - nasty, clever things!
Honeybun- I told the doc this morning that I was never having sex again. She also said that she has patients in their eighties and nineties who are on Vagifem to keep their urinary tracts healthy which is encouraging if I ever get that old!!
Taz x
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My mum is on Vagifem and it really has helped. She still gets infections but nowhere near as many or as bad.
It should be prescribed or at least offered to all women of a certain age.
What treatment would they give you in hospital or would it be for tests.
Honeyb
X
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Taz - Sorry you are still not feeling right.
Really hope the Vagifem and taking time off next week sort things out :foryou:
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The allergic reaction could still happen but if ABs affect a patient's gut making them queasy, then IV is another way of making sure that they get the medication they require.
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I remember being given ABs in supository (sp) form. They were very strong and the oral ones were making me sick. As I had just had a baby it was not ideal. I have asked my GP about them but he had never heard of them. Maybe just available in hospital but they were great.
Honeyb
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I think the doc said that if it came to that it would be to monitor things i.e. urine output and also carry out scans Honeybun. Obviously IV antibiotics do get to work quicker but they still wont work if they are not the right ones I guess. The one it was really sensitive to was Trimethropin but that's one that makes me itch and last time caused swelling of the lips and tongue so I'm not allowed that.
My neighbour said she had a kidney infection last month but five days of antibiotics cleared it up. I will have to wait and see. Hopefully this double dose will kill it all off.
Taz x
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You're sure not doing great Taz. Problem is trying to find the correct antibiotic to suit the infection. I was given umpteen for pneumonia, but had to eventually get IV ones. I've got a list on my mobile of ones I can't take, together with side effects. Cephradine brought me out in hives. Most others make me pretty I'll. In fact I'm scared of ever needing antibiotics for anything.
Hope you start feeling better soon. :hug:
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Oh dear you are really going through the mill with this one Taz.
Do hope the new antibiotics start to work soon - and great news that you have been prescribed Vagifem which should lower the pH and hopefully lessen the likelihood of any re-infection.
As the others have said - you need the rest to really recover properly and if necessary have more time off.
Take care
Hurdity x
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Hi Taz, been on the road about six days and finally checked in on the forum. Was so hoping you would be clear of infection and on the mend. I hope the probiotics and Vagifem will help you beat this thing. I hate that you are still not feeling up to par. Looking forward to better news soon.
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Thanks Trey! It's being kept at bay but still not gone. Doctors again tomorrow or Tuesday to work out next course of action!
Taz x
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Hi Taz
Just caught up with your thread, what a nightmare for you as I know you don't do 'being ill" ;) Take it easy and rest, you need to let your body recover.
Good luck at the docs this week, hope they can sort you out or refer you to someone who can :)
Libby
x
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Thanks libby! It would help if I could take different antibiotics but the urinary tract ones are the ones I react to. One thing I found to be of interest while perusing the internet was the link between the mycobacteria and kidney infections. It is unusual but if it is one of these bugs it is very hard to grow it in a lab. I had mycoplasmic pneumonia which took ages to identify so I might just mention it to the doctor this week. A longshot probably but just want to know that I can get rid of the infection somehow. Scary to think it's still there after being blasted for three weeks!
Taz x
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Taz if the infection remains stubborn it might be that that administration of IV antibiotics might be needed, I expect your GP may consider it.
So sorry you are going through all this.
I found this was not sure if I should post link as it is probably way off the mark
http://voices.yahoo.com/upper-urinary-tract-infections-symptoms-acute-pyelonephritis-565465.html
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Thanks SL. The doc has already discussed the possibility of hospitalisation although the normal procedure would be to change the antibiotic I am on to a different one for IV use and it is difficult because there is not another one that I can have. The first culture grew the usual E.Coli and the second sample showed no E.Coli but still infection but nothing grew in the lab.
I have got backache (I never get backache) and some pain in my side now and again. The fever has gone but I still feel uncomfortable around the bladder and urethra although I haven't had any cystitis symptoms such as burning on urinating. I'm so tired but think the Cipro affects me in that way.
The doc is keen to keep me out of hospital if possible because I have been on antibiotics for almost three weeks now and she doesn't want to lay me open to contracting C.Diff which is more likely to happen in hospital than out in the community. I must admit she has been really caring and has explained things really well. She is not my usual doctor but I may try to change to her.
Taz x
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It's a shame that the very place that should help you get better is the place that can make you worse.
OH had an overnight stay in hospital a few years ago. He came out with C diff which took weeks to get better and he had been well before he went in.
Fingers crossed Taz that you can be treated at home.
Honeyb
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That must have been horrible Honeybun - how did you manage to stop it spreading to the rest of the family??
Taz x :(
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Taz - it's nice that current GP doesn't want to involve hospital unless necessary.
However, it would really would be worth speaking to usual GP.
It would be good if you could get better
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I prefer this GP Limpy - she's much nicer than my usual one and takes time out to explain things. The usual one is always so rushed, plus, she doesn't agree that there is such a thing as fibromyalgia which has rather changed our relationship recently as I have had it for ten years :)
Taz x
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He used one loo and we used the other. If I remember there was a lot of bleach and boiling water involved. I just tried to keep everything separate including plates glasses and cutlery. It was a miracle we did not get it because we knew he had picked up a bug but he was home a day before it started and then we had to wait for sample results. I knew it was not good because he normally has a stomach like a galvanised bucket and this was so unlike him. He was quite unwell for about a week or so.
He said that the loos in the hospital were filthy so that must have been where he got it.
Honeyb
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It's a fantastic bug - can live for ages on surfaces. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Clostridium-difficile/Pages/Causes.aspx
I will keep my fingers crossed!!
Taz x
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The usual one is always so rushed, plus, she doesn't agree that there is such a thing as fibromyalgia which has rather changed our relationship recently as I have had it for ten years :)
Taz x
Ah, now I see.
Can totally understand you sticking with new GP.
Hope you feel better today
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Trey - have sent you a message in the holiday 2013 thread ;) - do tell ......
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How are you feeling today Taz?
Hurdity x
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I'm feeling that the antibiotics are keeping it just under control but it's not gone and the doc was insistent that it should have gone by today. I have to phone tomorrow to get an "on the day" appointment with the doc I want so will do that first thing.
The vagifem is beginning to work though and I'm feeling more comfy again which is a bonus!
Taz x
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Have you many more ABs left to take Taz?. If you have then perhaps it's going to take the whole course to shift it. And they go on working for a short while afterwards.
Are you resting up and letting your body heal.
Let us know how you get on tomorrow.
Honeyb
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I have five more days Honeybun. I first of all had five days of Nitrofuantoin and then five days of Ciprofloaxicin (sp?) and then a further ten days of double strength Cipro.
I asked the doc about resting and she said that if I really needed it I could have today and tomorrow off but today was very busy at work so I went in for the morning but stayed the whole day. I have been managing to resist doing the housework though ;D and have also been falling asleep a lot which is something I never do and I've been going to bed before midnight for the last three weeks - unheard of!!
Taz x
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Housework I find is easy to resist. Only trouble is it catches up with you eventually.
Good luck tomorrow.
Honeyb
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I sure hope this gets under control soon and becomes a distant memory. I hate things that drag on. I hope the doc takes interest and does some detective work rather than just treat the symptoms. Crossing my fingers for some good medical care and some answers and mostly your feeling better.
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I've forgotten to update this thread!
I saw the doc on Tuesday last week and although the sample looked fantastic (her words) it still showed traces of infection so the advice was to keep taking the remainder of the cipro and see her again in a week but don't leave it till then if I felt worse.
I was feeling ok towards the end of last week - still very tired though and not doing anything apart from going to work and coming home to doze on the sofa. Friday I began to feel a little sick and not hungry (again) plus a bit shivery so I thought it was coming back but during the evening I developed diarrhoea and felt really horrible. I blamed it on the antibiotics finally managing to kill off all my good bacteria but then woke at three in the morning and was very sick a few times so it seems to have been a bug. I spent all of yesterday asleep in bed and am beginning to feel better today although I still have the diarrhoea even though I haven't eaten since Friday morning. I felt really sorry for myself yesterday but am better today. No work tomorrow as we have to have at least forty eight hours since the last episode of diarrhoea or sickness.
I had the last cipro on Friday morning which means I missed the last three of the course. I'm still trying to drink loads so will just have to wait and see what she says on Tuesday.
Taz :(
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Damn! I keep hoping to come on the forum and see that you are feeling better. I so wish I could help from across the pond. I hope they do paired blood cultures and get you to what we call an infectious disease specialist to identify the bug. Cipro can be very hard on the gut and I personally would double up on probiotics. I know you are taking a pricey one, but perhaps adding another different one would be good. I take more than one kind at a time to get added coverage. I guess at this point not good to play a guessing game as I use mine for occasional bouts of diverticulitis and kidneys could be different, but the gut reaction to ABs is the same.
So sorry, Taz and so hoping for improvement and discovery of cause.
Have you tried simple d mannose but that only clears the bladder of E. coli, the main cause of UTI. E. coli can be a horrid infection though. Have they said if this is the suspected cause?
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Hi Trey - sorry to disappoint you ;D
E.Coli was the initial cause but on the second sample they tested E.Coli had gone but there was still significant infection but they couldn't grow anything to find out which it was.
Over this side of the pond it is difficult to get all of these different cultures etc. done quickly unless you pay extra via private healthcare which I haven't got. I will see what the doc says on Tuesday. I didn't think that the lack of good gut flora would cause vomiting as well as diarrhoea unless in the case of C.Diff which when my dad had it caused a lot of pain. I have just felt uncomfy but didn't have those severe spasms you can get with diarrhoea.
It's probably just the sickness bug which seems to be doing the rounds again. Working with four and five year olds doesn't help. I am usually with the older children. I need to boost the immune system I guess. The doc said that now I am off HRT I will notice a difference in my ability to shake off bugs. I haven't told her that I haven't decided whether to stay off or not but on current evidence I think I may very well re-start when I am feeling better!!
Taz x
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Ciprofloxacin had me doubled up in agony with violent diarhhoea. Literally hit me like a ton of bricks. Felt very nauseous for days beforehand. GP encouraged me to persevere as I had nasty chest infection at the time. We had literally just ordered a carry out at shop & I was hit with the pain. Got back to car & fainted. Got home just in time!
Could be sickness bug Taz, but could also be the cipro.
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Thanks CG but I think I would have had symptoms before now though. I've been taking it for fifteen days now and it hasn't given me any stomach problems. I have had diarrhoea problems with antibiotics before but not coupled with sickness. I was more concerned that it would be the body being depleted of the good bacteria which is what the doc has warned me of - plus the obvious risk of C.Diff although cipro is not one of the bad guys in this respect.
Taz
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Your resistance is probably really low. Being back amongst germ ridden children won't be helping. I do feel for you Taz. I remember what I was like after pneumonia - caught every blooming virus going.
:bighug:
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Oh Taz, just when you were feeling a bit better.
Is there a bug going round at school but in saying that there is always bugs going round and your immune system must be low with all the ABs you have been taking.
I hope things settle for you soon tummy wise.
:foryou:
Honeyb
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Thanks ladies. Yes I caught everything going after pneumonia too and was much younger then!
We had two children off last week with sickness although they weren't actually sick while at school which obviously has a much greater "pass it on" risk.
Taz x :)
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Taz - so sorry you are still feeling c--p
Good luck with the Dr on Tuesday.
Are you sure about the HRT?
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I saw the doc this morning after another one hour wait - she is so lovely to all of her patients and never rushes anybody so we all build it into our appointment time ;D
She was pleased to let me know that last weeks sample showed no infection although still traces of blood and leucocytes (sp?) She is sending me for a ultrasound of the kidneys because I still have the back pain and what I had been putting down to odd IBS pains in my right hand side over the summer she says sounds like kidney pain. There may be a small stone or cyst. If this shows nothing she has asked for me to be referred either back to the gynae to discuss my prolapse (joy) or to the urology for some more kidney tests.
She thinks as I do that the infection had been brewing for some time and this may be the reason why I have felt so tired and down all summer. We will have to wait and see.
I am pleased that the infection seems to have gone but worried that it will come back - especially as there were no specific symptoms until it had got well established. Carry on drinking she said and rest and don't hang on to your urine for any longer than you have to.
I'm not sure about the HRT Limpy. I will see how I feel once I have got over this. Since stopping the cipro the hot sweats have really diminished so maybe it was the infection and the antibiotic which was making them worse.. she says... hopefully ;D
Taz x :)
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That's good about the infection, though I sympathise regarding the needs for further investigation. However, these things need to be done. I needed to have a dye injected to have my kidneys tested many moons ago after a particularly bad infection. Then at a later date needed op to stretch urethra. Delightful! However, apart from a touch of cystitis have been fine since.
Us ladies are bad for hanging on until the last minute I suspect. I hope you get to the bottom of your bladder woes soon Taz, especially as December is fast approaching.
CG x
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:thankyou: for the up-date. Your GP sounds great! :medal:
:foryou:
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The most annoying thing is that it wasn't in the summer as then I wouldn't have wasted over four weeks of Autumn!!!!
Taz :D
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Still got lots of miserable weather to look forward too Taz.
:sunny: days are gone now.
Glad for you that the infection has gone and your GP is moving things on. You will get answers soon I hope.
Honeyb
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Glad to hear the infection has gone.
When your GP says keep on drinking what does she mean?
Water or .............. (hic)
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Definitely not hic - water is good, weak squashes are good, tea is not too bad coffee is not too good. I have to aim for an extra one and a half litres a day. I keep a litre bottle of water in the fridge at home or at work and then at least I know I've drunk one litre.
I've not been out for four weeks so when I do have a glass of wine again up the pub it will be really strange.
Taz x
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An extra one and a half litres :o - for how long?
How is your appetite?
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Next glass of vino may knock you for 6 Taz. Interested to know why tea isn't too bad but coffee is. Is it to do with caffeine?
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Perhaps tea has less caffeine than coffee?
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For every cup of tea or coffee they say you should drink an extra glass of water as all caffeine has a diuretic effect.
Keep drinking and flushing out those kidneys.
Honeyb
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Guess there's always decaf. I switched Hubby's tea to decaf, he never noticed the difference. Me, I'm coffee but lucky if I drink one cup a month.
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I can't have decaf as the chemicals in it upset my stomach but I can see that it might be better for kidney function. I am drinking and drinking... lemon barley at the minute - oooh the excitement!!
Taz x
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Try it with a cherry & an umbrella Taz, that should liven it up a bit. ;)
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A bit.. but not enough :lol: :lol:
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Poured over ice ?
I can't bare de-caff - rather miss out the middle woman and pour it straight down the sink!
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Sorry to hear about your latest bug Taz - you do seem to be really run-down at the moment. Hope you get a date for a scan soon so they can sort out whether you have a kidney stone or anything like that.
I haven't suffered from anything like this myself but my husband had recurrent kidney pain over several years and he suffered very badly - with intermittent sickness, nausea and severe pain until an operation in the summer cured the condition he had, and he has been well since he recovered from the operation, so I do sympathise.
In the meantime keep drinking! I understand some brands of tea/coffee are decaffeinated gently/naturally so should not contain chemicals likely to upset the stomach but I can't find any info on this! For instant decaff I used to drink Cafe Hag because it said it was decaffeinated naturally but seem to have lapsed recently and not sure if it's still available. I drink Taylors Decaff ground coffee which is decaffeinated using the water process. Sorry this is a bit off topic but in case you were desperate for a coffee!!
Hurdity x