Chronic UTIs

[Jill - Pa]

Hey.

I was never one who developed UTIs until I became a nurse...long hours without enough bathroom breaks, maybe?

I've had five UTIs in the past year and now my MD is recommending that I see a urologist. Has anyone out there gone this route? What can I expect?

Thanks in advance,

Jill

[rpbear]

I don't have any info for you, but maybe post this on the urology forum.

[stephera]

Hi, when I was 7 years old I had frequent UTI's. I had a surgery done that enlarged my urethra because they thought I wasn't emptying my bladder all the way. I have still had a few over the years. They found out I was a diabetic also at 7. I don't know if that had anything to do with it. It wouldn't be a bad idea to get checked for diabetes. Yes, holding it can definitly cause it and if you let it go untreated it can travel to your kidneys and that infection hurts badly. Just advice!!! Good luck.

Steph

Hey.

I was never one who developed UTIs until I became a nurse...long hours without enough bathroom breaks, maybe?

I've had five UTIs in the past year and now my MD is recommending that I see a urologist. Has anyone out there gone this route? What can I expect?

Thanks in advance,

Jill

[RedSox33RN]

Your MD is right, you should see a urologist.

I went through the same thing just before I got married. I was diagnosed with a UTI every month, just days before my period started. Finally the month before I got married I said something to my MD, who thought I was getting them because of sexual activity, which was not the case. Anyway, I went to a uro, and they diagnosed a ureter infection, that would respond to the antibiotics for a little while, then flare back up again during the drop in hormone levels. He told me the symptoms were very similar, and many MD's mistake them for UTI's.

He put me on some different antibiotics and another pill that makes your urine turn bright, bright yellow (can't recall the name, but it's a purplish color. LOL - scientific, huh? :chuckle ) and that took away all the pain associated with it.

My uro and his nurse were just the sweetest. They squeezed me in so I could get treated before my wedding and honeymoon (hint, hint), and even called to make sure I HAD a good honeymoon! :)

I hope your problem is something as easy, and you can get a quick appt. That kind of pain associated with them just suc#s!

[sjoe]

Hey.

I was never one who developed UTIs until I became a nurse...long hours without enough bathroom breaks, maybe?

I've had five UTIs in the past year and now my MD is recommending that I see a urologist. Has anyone out there gone this route? What can I expect?

Jill

Your experience has been shared by many nurses whose similar long hours without bathroom breaks commonly cause UTIs. No maybe about it.

Along with drinking more water and TAKING sufficient bathroom breaks, your urologist might have other useful suggestions.

[sharann, BSN, RN]

He put me on some different antibiotics and another pill that makes your urine turn bright, bright yellow (can't recall the name, but it's a purplish color. LOL - scientific, huh? :chuckle ) and that took away all the pain associated with it.

Probably Pyridium a urinary tract anesthetic. Turns pee a different color bu works well huh!

I just force myself to drink all day long which in turn forces BR breaks. I had too many infections an d PAIN from not voiding during my 1st year as a nurse. It is not a good thing. Of course you should consult w/a URO to make certain.