elevated nitrite levels?:infection?-help!

[jjj]

Hi everyone, I just came back from the doctor and he told me I have elevated nitrite levels.What does this mean?he prescribed an antibiotic which I'm hesitent to take since Iv'e just been on 8 months of it.Is it dangerouse to wait till the lab results come in if i do have an infection? I guess my real q is whether or not nitrirte levels indicate a definate infection.I do feel really awful right now but having more bladder pain and pressure than actual burning.Thankyou very very much. jenny

[Annie2]

JJJ,

Elevated nitrite levels can be indicative of infection. Your increased symptoms would also indicate an infection. This would explain why your uro gave you an Rx. The problem with waiting for culture results to begin ABs is that during that waiting period the infection can spread into your kidneys and become more serious. Once the culture results are in and the exact nature of the infection is known, your uro can change your AB, IF necessary, to one more effective for that particular bacteria. I think it would be wise to follow your dr's advice and begin the med now.

Hope you will be feeling better soon!

Annie

[ICNDonna]

I have to agree with Annie. If you are definitely infected, and it sounds like you are, the infection can worsen significantly in the time it takes to get the culture results. If the results say you need a different antibiotic, the change can be made then.

Sending healing thoughts,
Donna

[ibtracy]

jjj
I can speak from experience, if your doctor felt it was necessary to order you an antibiotic > take it. I've had so many infections that were let go for various reasons and they ended up spreading into the ureters and kidneys and trust me you don't want that kind of infection. It's very painful, so like the others said take your meds and if later it needs to be changed they'll do so after your culture comes back.

I hope you're feeling better soon. :) :grouphug:

Tracy K.

[creatingkarma]

I feel like I need to add that nitrates & nitrites both come from processed meats. I avoid them at all costs. This is one aspect that concerns me about the Atkin's diet.