Update on UTI-THANK YOU

[CaseyG]

Hi,

I just wanted to tell everyone how helpful they were on these boards.
I had a bladder infection (after the doctor checked it in the office), they lost my culture, so she couldn't confirm if I was on the right antibiotic) but she put me on Cipro. After 7 days, I felt something was still wrong (even with IC-we know our bodies) so I went back and the culture tested negative! I still new something wasn't right. So with the great advise from my IC friends I bought the AZO test strips and tested myself at home and sure enough, my WBC was positive (2 days in a row).
I made another appt. and this time my culture came back POSITIVE!
She said that according to the culture the only effective antibiotic would be introveniously (sp?) or Cipro again. So I am on the antibiotic this time for 10 days!

Why the infection didn't clear up the first round sort of scares me........????

I guess it's time to start looking for a new Uro (mine (female) moved to California).

I guess we have to be our own doctors (of course we already new that :cussing:

If I had left it up to the doctor and ignored what I felt I would be walking around with an infection STILL!

THANK YOU again for all your help!

Chloe

[mich2604]

Im glad that you finally tested positive. Do you remember what bacteria was found. I hope the cipro helps, and yes it is scary. I usually always have white blood cells in my urine, but since i have the IC diagnosis, its just IC. Its so difficult to tell.

Hope you continue to improve :-)

[CaseyG]

The bacteria found was "intro bacter" I actually had her repeat it to me 2 times to make sure I got the name correct.

Does it mean that having positive white blood cells is just common for us IC'ers?

My doctor told me use my home AZO test after I am off the Cipro 10 days and if the WBC is positive, to come in and she would send my urine out to be cultured AGAIN!

Thanks again.

[mich2604]

The WBC question is something ive been looking to answer myself.

I think some feel inflamation in the bladder can cause higher wbc.

[Krisi]

I have had RBC and WBC without an infection after it was cultured. It happens sometimes. Before I started elmiron I always had at least the RBC but now I hardly have them anymore. I started Elmiron 3 years ago and I have had IC for 4.

Krisi

PS I think I might have an infection today. It is either that or a major flare, but it is feeling imo more like an infection. The are going to take my sample this afternoon and if it doesn't get a rapid test they are probably going to give me an instill and then culture the urine. I can't take cipro since I became allergic to it almost 6 months ago. :(