First UTI

[born2swim]

I didn't know where to post this... but I got my first UTI after surgery last week. I had a foley for 2 days (Lord have mercy... that was torture), but then I started to pee blood clots and things didn't really improve much. I thought I was good enough to come home... did... returned 10 hours later with pain the worst it had been in my life... stiff in pain (too painful to move)... and now after a few days in the hospital, I was discharged. My urine is a yellow color now (went from blood clots to tomato soup to cranberry juice to urine color). It was one hell of a week, but it seems to be getting better...

My question... how long does it take to calm the bladder down after a UTI like that? I see the urologist on Monday and I hope he can get me more comfortable. I am still on Vicodin (max dose) every 4 hours...

Anyone else been there done that?? I really want to be off pain meds! I start school in a few days and I can't drive on narcotics.

[hdb1982]

It says in your sig you cant take Hydrocodone. The vicodin isn't cauing any addition problems is it? You didn't state in your sig why you can't take Hydrocodone so I was just wondering if it was a retention thing or what type of problems you experienced from hydrocodone b/c it is the same drug that is in Vicodin.

[ICNDonna]

Sometimes it takes a while for the bladder to "settle down" after an infection. Did they give you any of the medications that turns urine orange or blue? If not, you might want to ask about trying one of those.

Donna

[nottoc4]

Pyridium (perscription) always helps me..or AZO over the counter.I have not had a UTI since early May of this year,before my diagnosis of IC.

[SharonA]

I have never had that bad of an infection. I think it would be a good idea to call your doctor and ask if you can take an OTC Pyridium (like Azo) until your bladder is doing better. (((Hugs)))

[born2swim]

It says in your sig you cant take Hydrocodone. The vicodin isn't cauing any addition problems is it? You didn't state in your sig why you can't take Hydrocodone so I was just wondering if it was a retention thing or what type of problems you experienced from hydrocodone b/c it is the same drug that is in Vicodin.

Yeah... I had a severe reaction to hydrocodone (Lortab specifically). It caused severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness. My reaction to codeine was worse (had to be take via ambulance to the ER because I blacked out from either the pain or shortness of breath). While in the hospital, they were trying to wean me off the IV pain meds (dilaudid). They were going to use it for breakthru pain. Well, I was in a lot of pain but my IV failed and they had trouble starting my next IV and brought me Lortab instead (I said it was ok). I figured if I get that reaction again, no better place than a hospital to try it. My reaction wasn't as severe to codeine, so I thought maybe when I tried hydrocodone a year ago, I had a reaction to something else I was taking. So, they gave it to me and monitored me for the first 1-2 hours and I did fine. So, I was discharged with that as my oral med to take ever 4 hours. My allergies have improved drastically this past year. I did a skin test and I was severely allergic to many things... say around 50 items... now... it's more like 20-25 and not as severe. So... maybe my body is just more stable in that respect? I don't know... but I can take the hydrocodone (Lortabl specifically) right now.:pray:

[born2swim]

Sometimes it takes a while for the bladder to "settle down" after an infection. Did they give you any of the medications that turns urine orange or blue? If not, you might want to ask about trying one of those.

Donna

I wasn't given a bladder analgesic. My surgeon was the one taking care of me and asked for a urologist to come by for a consult. The urologist sent his fellow who said, "It will take time to relax" and that I should just start my regular bladder meds (aka... meds that I use to maintain my bladder... but not when I have a flare... I need others). I see a urologist (one that was recommended to me by a lady I know here who has IC), and hopefully he will help me...

[born2swim]

Pyridium (perscription) always helps me..or AZO over the counter.I have not had a UTI since early May of this year,before my diagnosis of IC.


Yeah, this was my first UTI. NOT fun. I did take AZO a few days ago and didn't do anything... but I could try it again. Proced DS helps more... so when I see the urologist, I'll see what he recommends.

[born2swim]

I have never had that bad of an infection. I think it would be a good idea to call your doctor and ask if you can take an OTC Pyridium (like Azo) until your bladder is doing better. (((Hugs)))

Yeah... I heard of how bad UTI's are... but I couldn't believe what this ended up doing to me. The level of pain made them worry about kidney stones, kidney infection, etc. That is supposed to be one of the most painful experiences. The ER nurse did say that she sees a fair number of IC patients in severe pain come into the ER. So, they were not surprised to see me in there (more and more doctors are accepting IC as a disease). AZO has never helped me (tried it a few days ago), but when I see the urologist I will see about getting Proced DS (that helped a bit before). I also have a lidocane gel pen that I use on my urethra, but I don't have much left and have to save it for the really bad moments.

[TexasHoney]

It usually takes about two weeks for my bladder to calm after a uti.

[vm]

That's how it always was for me, too - took a couple of weeks for it to really calm down afterwards.

[Mothergoose]

I know you said you tried azo but it didn't work, the over the counter stuff is 100mg, if you get a script I beleive it is 200mg pills, maybe you were just not taking enough. I am not familar with the prodose so I am not saying that this will not work or anything, but just you may need a higher dose of prydium.

[hdb1982]

My doc said to take 2 1/2 over the counter azo, even 3 if needed. 100mg did nothing for me. If you have ins just ask for an rx of Pyridium or Pyridum Plus, even Urelle. They do the same thing.

[born2swim]

Yeah, I think I will ask for prescription bladder analgesics. I used 2 AZO tablets and it didn't help. I was scared to take 3 since my first urologist said taking too much AZO can be bad on your liver. So... I guess I'll see what Monday brings. I really wish things would calm down faster, but it seems like 2 weeks is what I am hearing. Ug...