infection?? flare?? So sick of this

[anxious one]

I am just so tired of constantly worrying if I will get a flare or an infection today. .. by the way, how do you know the difference?? A couple of months ago I ended up in the ER weeing straight blood, in agony, but apparently there was no bacteria!!! Now I have been up since 12:30am weeing with sharp knife pains in my bladder, I feel sick and so tired... terrified of ending up in the Er again... doctor has given me some anti-spasmodic drugbut terrified I need antibiotics even though thry never seem to do much... oh god, just so tired of being afraid I'm only 24 I have a daughter and I'm so stressed out and anxious all the time I just can't live like this!!!!!!!

[dyno]

Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between a flare and an infection. That is why it is important to check with your Dr. if you suspect an infection. Some people keep the home test kits for infection that you can get at a drugstore on hand at home. I have heard others say that they have not had accurate results with them so you have to use your best judgement if you decide to try them. The best thing you can do in situations of acute pain that is different is talk to your Dr.
Sending hugs and hoping you are feeling better soon.:grouphug:

[ICNDonna]

I can't usually tell the difference between infection and flare. I'll be seeing my uro this morning to check to see if there is infection.

Donna

[SheriG]

I was having the same problem all last week. I finally went to the doc and I do have an infection. I think the only way to tell, is to have a urine test..Good luck to you! Sheri :)

[Dixiefireball]

i'm the weird one here i can tell the diff between an infection and a flare the reason being my urine truns dark and smells really badly. also when i have a UTI my kidney will start to hurt.
but the smelly part and the dark urine is what always tells me.
How about asking your doctor for a low dose of anti to be on the safe side most of the time if your on an low dose of anti you want get an infection.
plus you just had those test done yesterday so a flare could start up from that or even an infection anytime you have had a cath you will be pron to an infection.
you can always call your pcp or your uro and take a urine by for a test to see if you have a uti until you can tell the diff between them.
I don't like the e.r myself most of them there just don't understand or just don't care one now that is where i don't know the diff.
sending you hugs and prayers
and please don't stress over this it will send you in a flare.
Rhonda

[anxious one]

Hi everyone, thanks for your replies...

I had a urine test yesterday that was clear but today I feel dreadful... my urine is very dark but then I drink loads and it lightens... I am just so sick of being scared all the time!!! I feel like a complete hyperchondriac running to the doctor all the time to have my urine checked. He won't give me an antibiotic because my urine is always clear but I worry so much that I have an infection!!! He has given me Ditropan which is helping a little with the pain but I am now having trouble urinating and I feel really tired and sick. Can you take an antibiotic at the same time as Ditropan or do you take one or the other????

Thanks,

Sara

[crystilclear]

I tend to not drink enough liquids (which I know is aweful) and my urine gets dark too. It lightens because of the amount of water you're drinking. Try and lower your stress that won't help you any and it can make you hurt worse :( Try not to get too upset IC can be very painful but it's not terminal. It will be ok. Try and take some deep breathes and think of a safe and quiet place you love and when you're afraid go back there in your mind and let the fear fade away. Sortof like biofeedback I did in thearapy. It helps sometimes. If youm feel like you have an infection then have it checked and if it comes back ok it was probably from a flare. I can't tell an infection from a flare either. Sometimes I swear I have one and I go in and it comes out ok. I hope you will be feeling better soon. Take care - Chris :butterfly

[dyno]

Sara,
You should be able to take both but again anything involving medication should be discussed with your Dr. in case there is something we don't know about. Ditropan can cause retention, having trouble going to the bathroom. If you are having trouble talk to your Dr. about a doseage change or a different medication. Many people have problems with that and it is just trial and error to find out what works for you.

Drinking plenty of water is something that helps all of us. I hope you get feeling better soon.:kiss:

[Dixiefireball]

it is safe to take them both at one time if your doctor will give you an anti but it seems like he want anti want help you unless you do have an infection.
maybe ask him for a low dose so you want get an infection there is many that use the anti treatment for ic.