Cystitis.

Well into my second course and yesterday I came out in a very red itchy rash. Rang 111 who were great. Off the Macroban and another prescription left at a local hospital. DH and DS went to get it late last night. So sitting in bed now doing this so I don't scratch my arms etc. On call doctor suggested I visit my GP and get an oestrogen cream for the vagina. 90% of UTIs she said, in older ladies (?) Begin there. So after an itchy Christmas I will

Oh no BB. My 3 day course of antibiotics worked but, strangely enough, I have just been to the loo and I felt a slight burning at the end of the flow. I was just sat here thinking “oh no” so I’m hoping it isn’t back. You have my sympathy x

Just an update. Still got it. New 7 day prescription .

When we lived in France you couldn't get Vagifem there. They had an alternative but the pessaries kept falling out. So I got Vagifem online from New Zealand for a while.
Then there was a world wide ban on some drugs including the New Zealand pharmacy. So I was able to get some equivalent cream from my doctor.

Get a few sprigs of fresh party and make a mug if tea with it. Good for all bladder infections. Same for corn silk tea. Remove the yellow threads of silk from fresh corn (summertime). Put in paper bag and leave to dry out naturally once dried cut it up with scissors into small piece and store in a clean jar. Use a pinch or 2 in a mug pour on boiling water and leave to steep for 5 mins. Strain the liquid and drink freely every day til infection gone.

A friend had a bad session, and in addition to the medication, wore a skirt and went commando, so that she kept as dry and well ventilated as possible.
Used to be known as the honeymoon disease, so lots of washing with plain soap, nothing perfumed, and only gentle exercise, to prevent any further irritation or bruising!

I know some were against online pharmacy, but after speaking with the doctor and doing my questionnaire. I got my medication the next morning and I feel back to my normal self. I hope everyone has a good merry Christmas like me. If you want any details of who I used etc get in touch. its a simple process.

Best to get it via a doctor I think. Especially as there are so many similar things that a doctor might prefer you to have.

It appears you can buy Vagifem from Superdrug online. Quite pricey though

BBbevan , doubt you can get vagifem online. Please speak to your GP about vagifem. For me it really has been a game changer ! It is worth asking , vagifem is a form of HRT but because it is placed in the vagina there is only a fraction of the hormone gets into your system - unlike tablets you take by mouth. Go for it and don't hold back when speaking to GP, make sure he/ she recognizes your discomfort and anxiety. Keep us posted and good luck. Go girl !!!!

I’ve also bought some DMannose and fingers crossed my feeling of needing to wee all the time has improved. Here’s hoping it continues.

I’m getting there BB. I’ve taken the last of the MacroBid as it was only a three day course. I’ve been sleeping a lot too since this started. It never used to affect me in this way years ago. I bought some dMannose yesterday and I’m taking that now as well. I just feel so blah…..if you know what I mean?

Are you better todaytickingbird ? I have been on a short walk around our hamlet , with DH, to deliver our Christmas cards. It was nice to be out but I slept for two hours when I got back. Still a step in the right direction.

It didn’t happen with me thankfully but I know there are warnings about it! I never seem to react to anything. I wish I did sometimes as it would show that the medication or vaccine etc is actually doing something!

I bought some Replens several years ago but couldn’t carry on with it as it caused the most awful cottage cheesey type clumps in my underwear. According to the enclosed leaflet this happens with some users and is harmless but I couldn’t tolerate it.

Newquay

And take cranberry tablets too!

Sadly these are now not thought to do any good . I took them for years.

Do you get Vagifem on prescription or can you get it on line.? I’m going to cover all bases when I am well. I’m not going through this again.

BBbevan the antibiotics for cystisis used to make me feel sick. I think it was one of the recognised side effects.
Thank goodness I'm another one who now uses vagifem regularly to keep the infection at bay.

BBbevan. Thank you. Let’s hope we’re all well for Christmas and can at least have a vodka with our cranberry juice!

I always keep some urine test strips in my medicine cupboard as they won’t give you antibiotics unless you have an infection. I also ask for spare urine sample bottles from the surgery so I can take one in for testing. But, from past experience, my doctors treated the cystitis but didn’t look for the reason for it happening so frequently.

I agree with the other posters about this being linked to vaginal atrophy.

I have been using Replens for vaginal atrophy. You can buy it online, over the counter or you can get it on prescription (in the UK).

It definitely makes a difference and is hormone free. You need to use it regularly, not just when you have symptoms.

Hope you feel better soon

tickingbird I hope you are a little better. What a b***er this is. It has hit me for six.
I hope you are completely well by Christmas so you can toast everyone in cranberry juice. ????

Really feel for you. I’ve had it many times but never as bad as you describe. Strong antibiotics does the trick for me and my last episode was probably two years ago.

Aww I know cystitis is absolutely horrible. I hope you get well soon. I know the feeling. Least you got an appointment with the GP. I spoke to an online doctor and got given Macrobid and canes oasis.
It tends to work for me, as its an ongoing thing. Hope it works for you too

I’ve had it several times over the years, though only once was bad enough to need a visit to the GP and antibiotics, and that could have been because we were abroad at the time and despite asking at pharmacies, I was unable to get the Cystitis Relief sachets (which you can buy in UK supermarkets) for several days.

I invariably keep a pack of those in the house now, and always take some away with me, in case.

On other occasions when I’ve had it, I’ve found that those sachets relieve the symptoms very quickly. As I understand it, whatever is in the drinks you take 3 times a day for 2 days, alters the acidity or otherwise of the urine, which not only relieves the burning/urgency, but also makes the urinary tract considerably less bacteria-friendly.