Posted 7/23/2017 2:12 PM (GMT 0)
New challenges:
I suspect that you have some degree of bacterial overgrowth or low grade infection in your lower pelvis.
Did you have complete surgical closure of your anus (aka "Barbie butt")? Or do you have some remanent of rectal cuff tissue or anus, however small?
The reason I ask is that even a small residual portion of rectum/anis can be a welcoming home to bacteria. Bacterial overgrowth can cause systemic symptoms: 1. Sensation of lower pelvic pressure; 2. Sensation of having to have a bowel movement; 3. Low grade fever; 4. Night sweaters; 5. General malaise, as though having a mild case of the flu with muscle aches and headache.
A blood test to see if your WBC is elevated would be suggestive of bacterial overgrowth or actual infection.
That you are having concurrent symptoms of a UTI adds credibility that you may have bacterial overgrowth of whatever residual tissue you have of the rectal vault. The bacterial strains that make home in the bladder and digestive tract are similar and have cross-over.
I would talk with your MD about placing you on another 10 antibiotic if either/or Flagyl, Cipro, or Augmentin.
It is not unusual for the bacterial overgrowth to return when an initial 7 day course if antibiotics ends. The initial course of antibiotic lowers the bacterial count where the physical symptoms subside but is insufficient to eradicate the bacterial population. The harboring bacteria begin to re multiply in the days after, ramping back up. Symptoms reappear as the bacterial population reaches a critical mass.
Bottom Line: It can require a longer period on an antibiotic specific to intestinal Flora to contain a recalatrant case of bacterial overgrowth. If your immune system is less than robust, this can contribute to low grade bacterial overgrowth.
I have a small 1" rectal cuff that periodically becomes inflamed due to bacterial overgrowth. I off experience UTI type symptoms. I always have lower pelvic pressure and feel as though I have a mild case of the flu. A short course of Flagyl or Cipro usually suffices.
I also use a solution if water+ aloe Vera to irrigate and flush-out the rectal cuff using a baby aspirator while in the shower.
Karen