UTI's are the bain of my existence. I typically contract a UTI at least on a monthly basis. And that's if I'm lucky. So I totally feel your pain (literally)...
I was recently hospitalized for 3+ days due to a persistent and severe complicated urinary tract infection. I was initially diagnosed mid-December and was treated with Macrobid. My symptoms initially cleared up, but within days I was in pain and began showing other signs of infection such as fever and nausea. I was then placed on another round of antibiotics -- this time Augmentin. When that didn't work I was placed on Cipro and then Levaquin. After nearly a month of consistent antibiotic use I was sicker than ever. I had a very high fever, was beginning to show some neurologic signs, and was having severe bladder spasms that resulted in the inability to go to the bathroom. The culprit? E-coli. I was admitted to the hospital and given high-powered antibiotics intravenously as well as pain medication and an anti-emetic. It's been two weeks since I was discharged and I am just now beginning to regain my strength and feel better.
Here are some points of information that may be of interest to you (all are direct quotes from the
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC)):
- Many women suffer from frequent UTI's. Nearly 20 percent of women who have a UTI will have another, and 30 percent of those will have yet another. Of the last group, 80 percent will have recurrences.
- Usually, the latest infection stems from a strain or type of bacteria that is different from the infection before it, indicating a separate infection. Even when several UTI's in a row are due to E-coli, slight differences in the bacteria indicate distinct infections.
- According to several studies, women who use a diaphragm are more likely to develop a UTI than women who use other forms of birth control. Recently, researchers found that women whose partners use a condom with spermicidal foam also tend to have growth of E-coli bacteria in the vagina.
Urinary tract infections can become severe if left untreated. And, in my experience, sulfa drugs are usually not strong enough to "cure" infections in women who have recurrent UTI's. When you see your doctor I would definitely recommend asking for a different classification of antibiotics.
Cipro and it's sister medication,
Levaquin, are wide-spectrum antibiotics. I would steer clear of
Bactrim,
Macrobid, and the like in favor of the other medications -- especially since the sulfa drugs have not been completely effective.
I would also recommend a referral to a urologist. In some cases, recurrent UTI's can be due to an anatomical issue. They are more common that many think and can be treated by surgery and/or drug therapies. You may also want to schedule an appointment with your OB-GYN as sometimes these infections are sexually transmitted or due to a gynecologic issue. At the very least you should have a CT scan or ultrasound to determine if there's an abnormality in your urinary tract or anything more sinister at play.
In the meantime, I would suggest picking up some cranberry capsules. I have been told that they are more effective than drinking juice. Keep drinking plenty of fluids and try to refrain from taking in caffeine. I would suggest not having sex until you have been seen by the doctor and then would suggest urinating right after you do have sex. You can also try showering before and after to help wash away bacteria that may enter your body during sex. You can use a heating pad to help with any cramping that you may have and don't hesitate to request medication for pain or an analgesic for your bladder.
No matter what happens, I hope you begin feeling better soon. UTI's are not fun and can be completely debilitating. Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions or would like more information -- unfortunately, urinary tract infections are something I have a wealth of knowledge about.
