UTI questions

[Schmoo1022]

Ok this has always mystified me, mostly because it occurs with the same doctor.

I get results back from a UA C&S. This is just an example..but something along the lines of "Negative nitrates, WBC's within normal limits with a growth of Proteus Mirabilis" Sometimes he will order an ABX, sometimes not. He isn't asking me if they have symptons or not, so I am not sure of why some get abx and some don't. I am not taking about the raging UTI's, I can understand the logic behind that. I guess I will have to ask him lol.

[tewdles, RN]

good idea...the only truly dumb question is the one not asked...

[JDZ344]

I'm not a nurse, so I have no idea... but isn't UTI more serious in elderly/people with suppressed immune systems etc? does he just order abx on those people, or is it truely random? I'm really curious to know, now!

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

No clue.

[Schmoo1022]

I'm not a nurse, so I have no idea... but isn't UTI more serious in elderly/people with suppressed immune systems etc? does he just order abx on those people, or is it truely random? I'm really curious to know, now!

Yes, it is more serious in the elderly. It appears randon..but I am sure there is a method to his madness...I am going to find out!

[LuxCalidaNP]

It depends on the microbe...

Some UTIs can be self-limiting if the patient increases their water intake, or is not at a high risk for developing them. Others, you want to treat quickly and aggressively.

[healthstar, BSN, RN]

I have never had UTI before, and I am always afraid that I won't recognize the symptoms. I am a person that can tolerate pain and even when I have bad headachs I don't even bother for a tylenol, advil etc. Anyway, since the topic is about UTIs, do the symptoms get worse to the point that you can't tolerate the pain anymore and you want to seek immidiate medical care? ...Don't laugh :PP

[mamamerlee, LPN]

A bad UTI can become systemic - so you not only have the burning and frequency, but start running a fever and can get quite ill. Many times the only obvious sign in the elderly is a change of mental status.

[gentlegiver, ASN, LPN, RN]

I too have a very high pain tolerence level. Many years ago I got a UTI, I ignored the burning & frequency. Then I ignored the pain,and also the strong smelling urine, what finally got my attention was the "gut punching, knife turning, searing" pain accompanied by blood in what little urine I managed to squeeze out. The UTI had moved up my system into my kidneys. Learned my lesson, never ignore pain, even if it doesn't hurt that bad.

[krazievi3t6url]

I think it depends...I'm not a nurse or anything but I've worked in a pediatric office. The doctor ordered a urine culture and the results came back with the same bacteria Proteus Mirabilis. Now it depends if the patient is male or female, circumcised or not. She did not treat him because there wasn't a significant amount of the bacteria and HE was not circumcised. The doctor said that sometimes that bacteria is found on the foreskin. Go figure? The doctor that I work for goes off of symptoms or unless she just suspects it.

[krazievi3t6url]

and orders further testing...

[krazievi3t6url]

I have never had UTI before, and I am always afraid that I won't recognize the symptoms. I am a person that can tolerate pain and even when I have bad headachs I don't even bother for a tylenol, advil etc. Anyway, since the topic is about UTIs, do the symptoms get worse to the point that you can't tolerate the pain anymore and you want to seek immidiate medical care? ...Don't laugh :PP

YES!!!! The pain is excruciating! I mean its one of the worst I've ever experienced! I cry!!!! There are OTC meds that you can take to relieve the burning sensation and it turns your pee bright orange!! But definitely need treatment or esle it can spread to your kidneys!!