UTI Test Strips???

[sandy426]

Hello..I've only been diagnosed with IC for a few weeks, and are currently taking Elmiron, Vesicare and Atarax. I felt like things were starting to calm down, but now I am in agony I believe due to sex. I can't tell if it's a flare up, or possibly a UTI. I have read that some people need to take an antibiotic after sex all the time to prevent infection. How can you tell which it is?? I have read about over the counter test strips you can buy? Does anyone know where you can get them, the name, and are they expensive?? This is so cruel......I'm so sick of being in pain. Thanks for any advice. :help:

[traceann]

Hi Sandy!! In the beginning it's hard to tell what's a UTI and what's just good old IC being it's usual annoying self. For me, UTI possible signs are an increase in pain (more than what I would normally experience), and it seems to shoot horizontally across my bladder area, cloudy urine for days, frequency seems to be up at night, etc. But that's just me. If you are in doubt any time, it's best to give your doc a ring!! ;)

I bought my strips at Rite Aid. The brand I got was Azo. It tested for white blood cells and nitrites. I use it as a gauge. If it's negative the first day, I do in the next day. If still negative and I am not starting to feel better, I call the doc anyway. If it's positive, I call the doc....LOL But they are helpful in giving you something to work with, a direction go in. I think I paid like 10 bucks for 3 strips, not too cheap, but cheaper for me than driving to my doc (40 min one way) to be told, "nope, just IC".

Hope this helps a little!! :)

[kayrol]

Ditto. This exactly what I do and what I buy. Hang in there.