Misery of cystitis

I thoroughly recommend D-Mannose too. I've suffered from recurring UTI's for years and since the menopause they became more frequent and more painful. I saw D-Mannose recommended on here and thought, what the heck I'll give it a try. I take 1 multi probiotic capsule and 1 D-Mannose capsule every day...and it really works. I had to do something as I became allergic to the antibiotics resulting in a visit from paramedics after suffering anaphylactic shock!

Ginny 42 it's good to hear you are feeling more comfortable. I have had intermittent cystitis attacks since the onset of puberty about 50 years ago. It returns whenever I am under stress or when my hormones were changing (pregnancy, menopause...).
I was interested in your remedy using tea tree oil. I have used that and lavender oil, sometimes together, but always well diluted, with success for both cystitis and thrush. (And I have sometimes had both complaints together.)
None of the other women in my family seem to have suffered from these horrible conditions so I sometimes wonder why me? I have read that the additives and pollution we are subjected to nowadays may be to blame.

It sounds as if there are a few different causes for cystitis, and each needs different treatment. I thought the urine test that your doctor does was to find out which cause and which antibiotic etc.When my Mum was in her late 70s she used to get that kind of soreness and used that lubricant cream some people use for sex. She was a bit embarrassed to ask for it , as Dad had been dead for a few years.

I am not a regular sufferer but have had a couple of bouts which flared up very suddenly and were horrendous. Both times I needed antibiotics and the pharmacist also recommended keeping a bottle of Potassium Citrate mixture to hand. I've occasionally had the feeling that the waterworks were going to play up and seemed to keep it at bay after a couple of doses. Might be worth a try although probably no help in the case of a bad infection.

Hi Ginny, I to have recurrent cystitis but luckily have a very understanding GP who lets me have a spare prescription, which I have dispensed and carry with me at all times, as it can come on v quickly. I
have had loads of tests and have white blood cells in my urine, even when I have no symptoms. Have to learn to live with it, I have MS which maybe be a connection but ?! Hey ho got to get on with it X

At the very first feeling. Teaspoon of bi-carb in pint of water every 2-3 hours for the first few hours. This very often stops it in its tracks.
It really does work!

I have a friend who suffered badly with this for years and years, one day she went to a new doctor who felt that she had suffered long enough, she took samples, which confirmed what the doctor had suspected, it had originated from a vaginal infection, which once treated cured the cystitis problem, so sad that she suffered for years unnecessarily. I tend to get it when I am stressed or when I have a heavy period, and usually end upon antibiotics.

Hi there, I seldom post but daily read and felt I can share my experiences with you. After years of misery in this department I now have to take a daily antibiotic which is changed by my doctor every three months. Additionally I drink only decaf tea and coffee, restrict my alcohol intake and avoid all acidic foods including oranges and strawberries both of which I used to eat in large amounts. Carefully watching my diet and taking the antibiotic has kept me free of cystitis for a year now. I have had bladder infusions which helped for a short time only.

Sorry I forgot to say that drinking lime juice is better than cranberry juice for me. Like Dandibelle I have also found relief with bi-carb of soda dissolved in warm water.

I had recurrent cystitis years ago, and bought Angela Kilmartin's book. I found her advice worked for me, and have had no trouble since.

Have had this problem for years. Following various procedures it was discovered that I had a duplex ureter (the tube from the kidney to the bladder) on one side. Nobody has satisfactorily explained why this should cause recurrent UTI's but apparently it does. I have an emergency supply of antibiotics so I can start a course at the first sign, and if I have more than 4 infections in 6 months I go on a daily low dose of antibiotic for 6 months. Although this is only one tablet a day it does seem to keep attacks at bay.
Cotton underwear, no fizzy drinks or sweets, always make sure bladder is empty especially when using a public loo as sometimes if you are crouching you stop before this is the case. Has anybody mentioned always wiping from front to back?

Hope you are more comfortable now.

Ginny42 I am so pleased you are feeling better.

This is Gransnet at its very best: people coming together to help and advise. If one person gains the smallest insight to their problem or new ideas to try and help themselves, well done us all!

I may have misled with my comment about cutting out bread re the cystitis. I cut it out because it gives me palpitations. True. I've tested it over a period of two years and found no bread, no palpitations.

I used to get cystitis all the time but now at the first sign I take Cystopen or cystopurin) ,( it also has a few other names ) and after 30 mins or so the symptoms disappear . You can buy it over the counter and even in the £1 shop! It is a powder that you mix with warm water and it really works quickly . I tried to buy it in Boots once but they wont sell it to the over 60`s so I go elsewhere . Give it a try

Yes, I noticed they won't sell it to the over 60's. Anyone know why?

Watch out with the cranberry juice - best ask at the pharmacy if it would have an effect on your medication.

Dandibelle that's my remedy too and its a 100% effective... for me.

Quick update. I've now been symptom free for the longest time for months. I drink a glass of water with cranberry powder and take a pro-biotic on rising. With breakfast I start the doses of D-mannose. I chose the tablets and they're rather large to swallow so have to break them in half. Next time I'll buy the powder.

It was great to have a whole day away from home today and not feel anxious.

Thank you for all suggestions. Clearly between all of them we have a solution!