UTI won't go away

Sillyoldbird Please don't be embarrassed by this it is very common for ladies of a certain age I have had bladder problems for over 10yrs now it being a problem caused from surgery when I had cancer when I was 40,now I go every 9mths approx for botox of the bladder which strengthens the neck of the bladder so I have had quite a few visits to the urology dept so no embarressment is needed I can assure you.Have you tried Cranberry Tablets from Holland & Barret they have a higher content than just Cranberry Juice some people swear by them others dismiss them but I've always found they help,I would ask your GP to make you an appointment at your Urology clinic for a chat with the Nurse Practioner they are very knowledgeable sometimes more up to date with new ideas and treatments than GPs.

Thanks glammanaa. I am feeling quite uncomfortable, but my symptoms aren't as bad of some I've heard of - no blood, no cloudy wee, not even frequency now - just bladder pain during and after going.

This will sound odd, but it's not the symptoms being bothersome that's the worse problem. I have health anxiety (aka hypochondria) and worry excessively about my health to the extent evey ache and pain means cancer for me. My biggest phobia is things that linger on - like this.

I hate being like this, it gets me down and am very embarrassed by myself . I thought I'd mention this as people might be sick of my rambling on about my bladder (although everyone's been really lovely) and think I'm a bit of a nutter. I suppose I am really.

Sorry to hear you are still having problems sillyoldbird there is nothing worse than the discomfort you must be feeling, I was advised by another
GNer a couple of years ago that when I go to the loo to gently rock back and forth for a few minutes whilst sitting,this brings any urine retained at the back of the bladder to be dispelled (it sounds daft but it works) this urine can become stagnant and be the cause of recurring infection,I now do this everytime I use the loo and have had no infections for quite some time.

Still having symptoms after 4 weeks and 2 courses of antibiotics. Getting a bit worried now so off to GP again tomorrow. I hate this. Thanks for listening.

Thanks HeatherAnne I was thinking there might be some hormonal connection when I started to get flushes again. The lady GP at the surgery is great - really down to earth and easy to talk to and the practice nurse is great too - despite being the grumpy doctor's wife!
Thanks for all the good advice. Still feeling quite uncomfortable but sure others have had much worse to contend with
My worst problem is letting my imagination run away with me and diagnosing myself with all sorts of sinister things. I have to keep well away from Dr Google .

If your GP surgery or local council run a Well Woman clinic go and see them, this may well be something other than a UTI possibly hormonal. If no Well Woman clinic in your area and Your doctor is a little unapproachable, and no other doctor at surgery, try to see practice nurse, who is probably a trained continence advisor and well versed in all things bladder related. also don't use coloured toilet tissue, there is a small theory that the dyes used in toilet paper manufacturer can irritate, there is some difference of opinion on cranberry juice, but a small glass everyday may well help, it was believed to stop bacteria adhering to the bladder wall, but even if no proof it helps, a lot of woman swear by it. Put nothing in your bath water, and only use a specially designed wash for your intimate areas. If you are sexually active, your partner could be re-infecting you. There are so many aspects that you really need to speak to a professional who specialises in bladder and urethral issues. The average GP only has a limited knowledge about a vast amount of things and cannot always find the root of a problem, they cannot always sort something out. you really need a specialist in this field if this continues. I so hope you are more comfortable now, as these infections and conditions are really uncomfortable. Get better soon .

My symptoms came and went Sillyoldbird and it looked like the antibiotics had worked only for the problem to reappear very soon after. It's horrid!

Keep us posted.

The vaginitis/atrophy thing is certainly something to consider although cant say ive noticed any dryness/itcing/pain prior to this. Had a horrible night - up four times for loo and awake loads due to night sweats. Pain and discomfort slightly better though. Can't make my mind up whether to try to see GP today or wait till Friday (the one I want to see is part-time) to see how things go. If I wait, then at last I've given these ABs a proper chance to work . I think it says 48-72 hours before they start to take effect and not quite there yet.
I feel like a bit of a drama queen to be honest. Sounds like people have had things much worse than me.

I didn't have any examinations or referrals. The nurse told me to see the GP and tell him what she thought. I did and he said I could try the pessaries for a month to see if there was any improvement. There was a huge improvement so I now have the pessaries on repeat. There are no contra-indications in my medical history. I had a hysterectomy in 1999.

ps once the HRT has got your vagina back into shape you can have normal marital rels. again with no worry.

Sillyold bird - (you're not really silly!) After the menopause many women experience thinning of the skin inside the vagina - you can't see anything. Due to the drop in level of the female hormone, oestrogen.This makes it more sensitive and prone to infection. Especially if you're still having full marital rels.
If your doctor hasn't spotted this you could suggest it to him/her. Or ask for a referral to a female gynaecologist.

Forgot to mention, have been plagued with hot flushes too since all this started. I thought I had more or less done with them as only the occasional one on waking each morning. But now I get them regularly again. Life's not much fun these days

All things improved after diagnosis Sillyoldbird

Yes TriciaF I am post-menopausal. I don't seem to have any major 'external' soreness though. I had a look �� and there's a bit of redness and slight burning but the pain is mainly bladder/urethral.

It all started the day after weekend 'frivolities ' (sorry - TMI) and distinctly remember not going to loo straight away. The next day I started with the symptoms.
Grumpy Doc Martin-like GP makes me nervous and don't think I could possibly mention anything vaginal to him. Will see nice (menopausal) lady doctor if I can

I also had constant UTIs when I had undiagnosed urino-genital atrophy. Once I had a diagnosis and started on the topical oestrogen the infections disappeared.
As up to 40% of post-menopausal women suffer from this condition, it is worth getting it checked out.

In my experience, vaginitis is not something that crosses the mind of your avarage male (grumpy or not!) GP!

I didn't mention before, but my recurrent UTIs were also due to vaginitis.
Since using a pessaries or a topical HRT cream I've been free for some time.
Sillyold bird - have you gone throught the menopause?

For the last few years, I`ve had very unpleasant recurring UTIs, the doctor has prescribed several different antibiotics, only one of which worked, but only temporarily. I have now been put on Nitrofurentoin which works a treat, but it`s something that I have to take all the time, one each night, I had to have an ultra sound on my kidneys first, before it could be prescribed on a regular basis.

My friend has had a similar problem and eventually the pessaries for vaginitis worked for her.

Those were my symptoms too Sillyoldbird. The bladder pressure was the worst but the pain on weeing was awful - especially at the end. Whatever the cause of your pain, you have my sympathy.

Thanks kittylester. Pretty sure it is UTI as all symptoms consistent. I have bladder pressure feeling, frequent weeing and it's painful (but not burning oddly enough) to go. Wee was cloudy at first as well but that's gone now.

I thought I had recurrent UTIs but with only small amounts showing on the dip stick. The Practice Nurse, who must have been sick of the sight of me, suggested that it might be vaginitis. The pessaries worked a treat and, so long as I keep using them, I'm fine.

This is a brilliant forum. Can't believe how quick you all were to offer help and advice. My sympathies to all who are plagued with bladder bother. xx

Definitely return to your doctor. if left too long the infection can go to your kidneys which is more serious.
I don't think doctors like to prescribe the same AB twice in a row as there's a chance of the bugs getting used to it then it will never work again.

I can totally sympathise, Sillyoldbird, as I get recurrent UTIs and each time it usually takes 2 to 3 courses of antibiotics before it finally clears up. Unfortunately, once I am into the cycle I find that I just have to be patient and wait for the antibiotics to work, even though they make me feel rough. I check my urine every day and I know that if it is clear, the medication is working. Drinking lots of water and going to the toilet regularly helps flush the bugs out. You should contact your doctor to check that you are on the right medication and, as you are going on holiday, I would ask for a rescue pack of antibiotics in case it flares up again. If you are going somewhere hot, beware of the dangers of dehydration and drink more than usual - I would suggest aiming for 3 litres of water a day. For me, this has become a way of life and my main focus is on prevention now that I know I am susceptible to these attacks. Good luck with it