antibiotic experience

[NicoleB]

For years (ever since i got my first bladder infection) i've had urethral burning from time to time. About six months ago, i had a bad strep infection in my throat, and tonsillitis that kept returning. i probably took 4 whole bottles of antibiotics before it went away. i was on penicillin, augmentin, and bactrim all alternating. Funny thing is, i kind of noticed my urethra pain subsiding as a result while i was on the pills. It seemed short lived, but i'm now curious as to whether my painful bladder symptoms i have now, are bacteria related. I just started Macrobid even though i have no bacteria showing up in my urine. i think the doc was just "making sure" i didnt have an infection that wasnt showing up. its somthing to think about, and even though i HATE antibiotics (bad yeasty side effects) i think i will just suck it up and take them, just in case.

[Katrina]

Have you considered a broth culure? Hope you find the path of feeling better that works for you!

[sunshinegurl]

I do good when im on a antibotic for a throat problem or other....and i have no bacteria either in urine. some how the antibotics soothe the bladder..

[MarthaF]

Nicole and Sunshine -

There are many of us who believe our symptoms are due to an honest-to-goodness bladder infection that is not found by the average lab culture. Katrina is referring to a broth culture that is more extensive and able to find some types of bacteria that do not grow easily. Usually the broth finds a form of Strep or Staph that is not commonly thought of as a cause of UtIs. The only lab in the US (or world for that matter) that will do a broth culture is United Medical Lab in McLean, VA. 703-356-4422. You can call them and get instructions for sending a specimen to them. I, and many others, have done this and they have found a species of bacteria to account for symptoms and the report will tell you what antibiotics are best. The ones you have mentioned are among some that are effective usually, but it depends on your particular finding.

I also recommend working with a nurse practitioner and former patient, who specializes in treating using this approach. There are some fine points involved and most MDs do not understand this method but Ruth has treated over 200 patients and is able to prescribe. She also uses some supplements to help the body heal. It is not an accident that you feel better while on antibiotics. Labs do not use the right culturing to find every pathogen because it is more time consuming and labor intensive but we are fortunate to have UML.

If you would like more information and to get a number to call and talk to Ruth please email me. mfmidlo@aol.com.

Martha

[Katrina]

Just to clarify a bit antibiotics are believed to have a anti inflammatory affect...but when it comes to treating the possible but not detected bacteria...that is where other culturing methods may help.

With my Inflammatory Bowel....I have been biopied many times over....multiple tests and multiple stool samples.......no bacteria found but antibiotics did bring down the inflammation. Just so you know that is a possility too...but I later had some big problems from long term antibiotics so if it turns out that it is the anti inflammatory affect that is working for you....you may want an anti inflammatory rather than antibiotic. :grouphug:

[dminton]

I find that even one Cipro tablet will reduce my IC discomfort, even for a few days; in fact, I went into remission once after taking courses of different antibiotics one after the other for about 2 months total. However, anti-inflammatories do very little for my IC. I don't know what to say about this, except that it happens to me.

[PlainJane]

How come I don't seem to get an anti-inflammatory effect from antibiotics?

~plainjane

[Katrina]

I can't explain that Jane....I just know that with my age and lack of having anyone in my family with IBD doctors looked hard in me to find bacteria many times over.....and were ammazed that they couldn't find any! (this is both prior and during antibiotic treatment).

[ICNDonna]

Nearly all antibiotics have anti-inflammatory qualities. That's one of the reasons a child with an aching ear will get relief within hours. There's a section in the Patient Handbook regarding antibiotic therapy for IC. There are some who swear by it; others have reported severe reactions.

Donna

[PlainJane]

NicoleB,

You think you'll do a broth culture? It can't hurt in my opinion.

Jane

[NicoleB]

i've thought about it. but if it comes back with anything, what are the odds that a doc will even listen or believe it?

[PlainJane]

NicoleB,

I work with a Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating these infections. She can prescribe the appropriate antibiotics. I think she is fantastic and really knows her stuff. Send me a private message if you want her contact information or any other information you might need.

~plainjane