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View Full Version : First time using test strips????


sailawaygrl
02-10-2009, 07:33 AM
Hi

I have had nauseating, terrible pain for about 3 to4 days now. Called Dr on wkend and he said my dr didn't let them give breakthrough meds to his patients but he would let them know I called about pain. Yesterday I called Dr and never got return call. Today called again and the nurse said he might want me to come in-not possible 2 hours away and can't ride that long right now anyway. So I finally had my daughter go get the Azo test strips- I have never used them before and don't know if my Dr will put any credence in them but the strip said my white blood cells are 500+++ but did not register any nitrites. For those that have used these before does this usually with confirmed infection as result? I have had very few infections in my life and none since diagnosis one year ago. I called back to have service add the results of the test at home to my previous call. I will probably end up at urgent care but honestly dont have the $55 co-pay. Anyway just looking for other experiences and hoping that this can be solved with an atibiotic if not I have no clue what has changed- I was sailing along very well and now boom this hits.

sailawaygrl
02-10-2009, 02:45 PM
Is there no one that can let me know if those strips are more or less accurate for them- I can't afford co-pay but will pay if I have more confidence in the strips. Please, I need some help here.
Can't someone tell me their experience with these- I can't tell if I have infection or flare!!


Please Please Help.

Sandra

an0bgobeloba
02-10-2009, 04:56 PM
i'm sorry you haven't gotten responses. i haven't had any experience with these test strips, but i think that you should call your dr and explain what's going on. they should know if that means infection and may just call you in a prescription with-out a visit. money is tight and they should be understanding of that and try to save you a visit. let us know how it goes and what information you can find out :)

kadi
02-10-2009, 05:13 PM
Unfortunately, you need to talk with a doctor on this one. If you do have an infection brewing, it could be dangerous to wait to treat it. I hope your doctor calls you back soon.

My doctor has given me a script for a month's worth of antibiotics to keep at home in case I start an infection on the weekend. And our agreement is that I take one dose as a preventative if I get diarrhea (that's given me UTI's in the past) or that if I test positive for infection, I start the antibiotic, but also come in to leave a sample for a culture & sensitivity to make sure I'm on an effective antibiotic for the particular bacteria causing the problem.

Thinking of you & hoping you get some answers soon, it's so hard to wait when sick.

ICNDonna
02-11-2009, 01:26 AM
The home test strips aren't 100%, but if the strip says infection you do need to see a doctor. Your primary care physician should be able to help by ordering a culture and contacting your uro.

Donna

SharonA
02-11-2009, 04:39 AM
I use the strips as sorta a warning device. If I show an infection on them, I go in to have my urine checked by my doctor.

sickofmybladder
02-11-2009, 06:08 AM
I have not used the test strips either - however, my suggestion would be that you go in to see your primary care doc (who I assume is much closer than your uro) - have them run a test on you - and call your uro's office with the results. At that point - your uro should either be able to call you in the appropriate meds or let your primary care doc know what to prescribe you.

I hope you feel better soon.

bjt
02-11-2009, 07:51 AM
Hi--I've had those strips come back completely negative but then my urine culture comes back positive for infection. It really sounds like you need to get to a doctor ASAP toget a urine culture. If you can't get to your Uro, go to a doctor close to you. or the emergency care place. You really dont' want to let an infection go untreated.

purpleviolet
02-11-2009, 09:36 AM
Before assuming it is a UTI I would have the doctor order a urine culture. The white cells could be from IC maybe. I would ask the doctor. Whenever I am on the fence I run to the lab. Then I don't feel so bad about starting treatment because I know they have the pee already. PV