Yikes, I just found out I've had a UTI...likely for months!

[mom_in_ma]

I've been in an IC flare for nearly a year now but was functioning until the past few months when I hit a wall and it just kept getting worse.

My local uro convinced me during the summer that it was a waste of time to do cultures on my urine because they always came back negative. (Keep in mind, I'd only had one or two since I'd seen them and I was trying instills.) In August, I went to a uro/gyn in the big city who didn't even do a culture. Which, I thought was strange since it was an initial visit for IC.

On Monday I went to see a new uro/gyn because I was desperate...losing my mind. My IC was just getting worse, which was making my PFD worse, etc.. None of the meds have worked this year and I couldn't take pain meds because the make me retain. Talk about a situation that will drive you to the edge!

So today, they called me back and said my culture (which was cathed out) came back with enterococcus! Folks, I have no idea how long I've had this infection and it took THREE uros to find it.

[lisabar36]

Hi, wow, I am glad they found that! I have had several UTI's that only show on culture, so I always tell them to send my urine out for culture cause sometimes it does not show on the initial urine dip they do in the office. I hope you can start feeling better now. :) Lisa

[GriffsMommy]

Oh wow, that really sucks. Hopefully now that you know and you're on the antibiotics you'll start to feel better soon. :grouphug:

[SharonA]

I am glad someone finally found out what has been going on with you all this time. Now maybe you can start to feel better. :)

[traceann]

I too am really glad that someone finally caught it! It sounds like a really bad joke - how many uros does it take to find a UTI, lol. UGH ;) At least someone did and you can now begin to fight it - hope you feel much better soon!!

[mom_in_ma]

Traceann,
It does sound like a bad joke, doesn't it?

While it's not likely to solve this flare, I just want to feel human again and get back to being part of life. Folks say a prayer for me!

[runningemiles]

Make sure you get it checked after your rounds of antibiotics. I had the same bacteria found in mine and it took two different rounds of antibiotics to get rid of it. My doctor said it is a hard infection to get rid of. I am so glad they sent it off for a culture. I hope you get some relief soon.

[mom_in_ma]

Thanks so much, runningmiles. I see them on Monday and I'll ask. Actually, since I've also heard it's hard t get rid of, I'd love for them to just automatically put me on a second round. I've read that you should be treated at least 10-14 days if you're using cipro and right now I've only seven days. I need to kill this bugger!

[Sally939]

I might be strange but I am happy you had a UTI. When I am flaring badly I always am positive it is a UTI and it never is. I hope that it is treated quickly and you feel great soon. I hope it does clear up your flare. One can hope.

[runningemiles]

Yes that is a good recommendation. I would usually call after 5-6 days and if I wasn't better they would switch me to Bactrim or something else that is strong. If you can tell I have had this bacteria several times. That is smart to tell them what you need. I learned the hard way. Let us know how you are doing.

[mom_in_ma]

Curl,
Thanks curl, I doubt it will get me back into remission, but hopefully, I can get back to the land of the living. I've been on medical leave for the past two months because it's been SO bad and I can't take any pain meds that don't make me retain. The other night I broke down and took a vicodin, enjoyed my three blissful painfree hours, and then went into retention and didn't sleep all night. It bites.

That said, when the nurse called and said there was a UTI, I burst into sobs on the phone. Sobs! I think she thought I was nuts, but those with IC understand.

[Sally939]

I completely understand.

[leelee88]

Sending you :pray: and I hope the antibotics start woking soon....