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Oh boy, another infection!

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Posted 3/18/2011 11:02 PM (GMT 0)
Had to get worked into my Uro's office on a Friday afternoon, but they are always so accomadating to me.  Got my 3rd major UTI since my Urostomy surgery late in September.  Started the same way, burning pains around the stoma, then chills, then fever, etc.  They put a cath up the stoma  (no pain nerves in a stoma - so no pain with the cath) and extracted a sterile sample.  Put me on Cipro again, until they get the culture back Monday.

Without a working bladder to act as a buffer zone, doctor said that I should expect one every couple of months or so, forever.  Some uro's would prescribe a daily antibiotic, and he said that would cut down the number of these UTI's, but would put my body at risk by getting immune to antibiotics, and then later, if I really had a serious infection somewhere else, it would be difficult to  treat.

So, I sure don't want to do that path.  But I will have to live with being high risk for these infections forever.  Since I am on the urostomy because of the bladder damage that was caused by faulty delivery of the radiation, I want to thank the "Unnamed" Radiation Center for putting me in this situation, it sucks.

David

Posted 3/18/2011 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
David, I think "it sucks" is too mild to describe all you've gone through. I hope you can thank the unnamed center with an endorsed check from the ******s made out to you for many millions.
Posted 3/18/2011 11:47 PM (GMT 0)
so sorry to hear the news, David - here's to a speedy long lasting recovery -
healing hugs,
BRONSON
Posted 3/19/2011 12:01 AM (GMT 0)
David:
I know you are not a fan of certain juices and remedies - but feel I should share this with you and the others.
I found this at one of the sites I looked up after reading your latest posting -

Somebody said...
# Drink cranberry juice/eat cranberries. Cranberries and cranberry juice are particularly beneficial in treating UTIs because they prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder’s walls. Drink unsweetened cranberry juice, use Stevia to sweeten the juice, or take cranberry capsules to have the best effect.

# Identify and avoid food allergies. One of the symptoms of food allergies is frequent urinary tract infections. Identifying and avoiding your food allergies can help your immune system work more efficiently and can decrease the inflammation in your body.

the website in concern was: www.thedietchannel.com/Alternative-Womens-Health-Prevent-and-Treat-UTIs-Using-Natural-Remedies.htm

I have been the brunt of many an infection - bladder, lung, sinus, etc... ( I was raised on tretracyline and monthly/weekly allergy shots)
and sometimes, the trigger would a food allergy / exposure to an allergen -or even a physical trauma ( getting hit in the ribs can trigger a lung episode)....

- so maybe it is time to try alternatives - especially since you have repeatedly stated

Purgatory said...
But I will have to live with being high risk for these infections forever.

maybe this is the "first day of the rest of your life" ...

.. some may dismiss this as "old wive's tale".. but then, who lives longer, the men or the women...?
:-)

-getting off my - I care about you - soapbox....
sincere hugs,
BRONSON

p.s. google - diet change to reduce UTI men - and see all the sites that offer some alternative insights...
p.p.s hugs again
-and from another site....

Somebody said...
Several drugs are available to help relieve the pain of a UTI. A heating pad may help and most doctors recommend drinking more water because it helps purify the urinary tract of bacteria. While undergoing treatment, it helps to avoid alcohol, coffee, and spicy foods.


p.p.p.s ( have to go pee now)
:-)
Posted 3/19/2011 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
Ray, been plenty working on the "thank you" part to those good folks.

Bronson, since I began recovering from the urostomy operation, my doctor put me on Cranberry Juice Extract supplements, forgot what the mg. they are, but I take them twice a day. As much as he's not an advocate of supplement in general, he said I needed the Cranberry juice to neutralize the urine, to make it more hostile atmosphere in which common UTI's love to grow. Like me, he said today, that he can't stomach the taste of POM juice or cranberries, but to keep the supplement form going. I intend to do that.

David
Posted 3/19/2011 1:10 AM (GMT 0)
I have a chronic bone infection from an old compound fracture. My doctor also wants me to take antibiotics every day. I have resisted that fir similar reasons, but I also make sure I have a supply of antibiotics on hand for when I feel the symptoms.

Perhaps you could just keep some Cipro or whatever on hand or at least a script.

Goodlife
Posted 3/19/2011 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
<< Some uro's would prescribe a daily antibiotic, and he said that would cut down the number of these UTI's, but would put my body at risk by getting immune to antibiotics, and then later, if I really had a serious infection somewhere else, it would be difficult to  treat >>

David,

This info is spot on idea As a survivor of many bouts of prostatitis prior to PCa Dx, I can say unequivocally that this condition involved an on/off "balancing act", with guidance from my Uro, so that I didn't develop an immunity to Cipro/other antibiotics.

Sorry about the latest development. Keep your chin up smilewinkgrin

Mitch down the road in Powdersville, SC

Posted 3/19/2011 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
<< I want to thank the "Unnamed" Radiation Center for putting me in this situation >>

David,

"CC of the C", perhaps confused   Been there. Fired my Radiation Uro (before radiation, thank goodness) at the end of my second visit. He's the chap who told me, btw, that I had less than 6 months to live back in October 2009.

Mitch in SC

Posted 3/19/2011 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
goodlife, my doc was just letting me know it was a possible long term solution, but he was not advocating it, just letting me aware of it being an option. at this time, i will opt to deal with one uti at the time. the concern without having a functional bladder, is that the infection will bee-line straight to the kidneys, or get inflamed and cause the ureters to narrow.

mitch, thanks. prior to the urostomy surgery, i never have had an uti in my life. prior to my pc dx, never had any enlargement, infections, or anything in the urinary dept. i was one of those guys that had no symptons other than a rapidly rising PSA number. after all i have endured, going to take more than another uti to knock me down

david in the mega metro of easley, sc - home of the green wave (whatever that was suppose to mean)
Posted 3/19/2011 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
David so sorry to hear that your battleing that UTI again. I was thinking when I read your post can the Dr give you anti-biotics to keep on hand for the first signs of infection to head it off quickly.

Get well soon buddy.. Know I am thinking about you.

Cajun Jeff
Posted 3/19/2011 2:05 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Jeff.

The doc I saw today is one of the other doctors at my Uro's practice. He's a bit younger than my guy, but very qualified. He assisted on my open surgery, and I didnt know until recently, he is our area's most experienced robotic surgeon for prostate removal, not sure how many he has done now in almost 3 years. When I had to choose in 2008, he had only done 15, so naturally I chose the well experienced open guy I have.

david
Posted 3/19/2011 3:39 AM (GMT 0)
... side note - having antibiotics on hand to "pop them" when necessary, can lead to an antibiotic-resistant strain - that is why they are usually prescribed in 7-10 day sequences... once you start, you have to finish that round...

I had become hyper sensitive ( similar to 20th century syndrome) to many things around me in the early 1990's due to my frequent use of antibiotics, had to go off them entirely for about 2 years, and then finally started to be able to recover "naturally" from infections....
The use of Cipro for the biopsy and prep for and post op RP has wrecked my hearing...

-just being cautious,

hugs,
BRONSON
Posted 3/19/2011 3:51 AM (GMT 0)
David,
I'm sorry you have to put up with another infection. You sure have been through enough pain. I hope the infections clears up soon.
Posted 3/19/2011 3:52 AM (GMT 0)
Tatt,

I certainly wasn't suggesting popping antibiotics like an occasional aspirin. But certainly, having the capability to stop them aftter a one week course, and then restart them when I fell the symptoms ( fever, chills, pain) is a bettercoption for me than talking them every day. It cattily seems like taking them every day is more conducive to creating resistant strains than the way I am managing my infection.

If my symptoms begin on a Friday, I may not be able to get an appointment until later in the following week. Hitting it at the earliest symptoms is also beneficial in my opinion, plus, on that expensive American plan, it saves me 25 bucks or an office call.
Posted 3/19/2011 9:04 AM (GMT 0)
I am so sorry David, I thought the chronic stuff was behind you. Then you had pain, now you have infections. Its just not fair.

An
Posted 3/19/2011 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
Bad new! Sorry to hear this.

If I may suggest something that will reduce the risk / severity of infection without transgressing the 'rules' about quoting links / sources.

Test for tolerance: 1gm / day mixed with cup of fruit juice of choice, for a few days.

Maintenance: Coriolus versicolor (CV) 2gm / daily.

Severe infection: CV 2gm x 3 daily with water + soluble vit C tablet in one dose, fruit juice in other 2 doses. Try not to have the maximum dose for > 3 months to prevent tolerance to active agents.

For the CV, I have tried various sources, both heat extracted PSP / PSK types and cultured biomass. If you want me to quote the one I found best over the years contact me via my profile link.

BTW. You do not need to stop other treatments for this as far as I am aware. Coriolus versicolor does not interact with other treatments.

Another thing you can try is vitamin D supplementation but it may be slightly more controversial as the optimal dosing has not yet been worked out for individuals on hormone block and / or on calcium therapy or bisphosphonates.

Take care.

Sam.
Posted 3/19/2011 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
Coriolus versicolor - one website on the item - what it is -

cancer.ucsd.edu/Outreach/PublicEducation/CAMs/coriolusversicolor.asp
Posted 3/19/2011 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
David, I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm glad someone suggested the cranberry. I think it has a proven track record.

Fever and chills just totally suck.

Best,

Juliet
Posted 3/19/2011 6:47 PM (GMT 0)
Frequent infections now on your very full plate? Telling you I'm so unhappy to hear the news doesn't seem enough. I truly hope you beat that prognosis.

For what it's worth from the feminine world, women I know who seem prone to UTI's find cranberry juice as helpful as the others who've posted the above advice. It's also the frequent flushing out of the bladder with the added fluid that helps prevent reoccurence. Don't know if that's effective with a stoma, though...
Posted 3/19/2011 7:45 PM (GMT 0)
bronson - i am real cautious about taking antibiotics for the very reason you were talking about. i dont like taking anything that i really dont need

thanks, ed

An, theres' no fun to the end with me.

Thanks, Juliet, btw, that's a beautiful name

NE Irish, thats why I am taking the Cranberry Juice Extract supplement, each pill is suppose to equal to 15 glasses of juice.
And yes, it will be chronic, because of having a non-working bladder, and high risk for UTI going to kidneys. I almost only drink water, anywhere from 2-4 liters a day. I dont drink tea or coffee or juices.

Sam, I don't understand, what is CV, never heard of that before.

Goodlife, I am very fortunate to live but 3 blocks from my uro's office. (Sattelite office to my town). My doctor is there on Monday, another on Wednesday and another good doctor on Friday. After my 50 plus visits, I am known by face and name, and I can always be fittted in on short notice.
Posted 3/19/2011 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
Daviid:

I have had my share of UTIs. Actually, I know I have had some that didn't register as such on the dipstick, but actually responded well to antibiotics. Actually, ditto for sinus infections.

I can also attest that 100% cranberry juice (the liquid) seems to have been helpful.

Good luck.

By the way, what antibiotics have you tried? I have had good luck with zithromax and also cipro.

Mel

Posted 3/20/2011 2:00 AM (GMT 0)
Unless I get a culture back with something more exotic, I respond well to Cipro. Dr. started me on another 7 days, twice a day, until he gets the culture back.

I am fortunate, I have no known allergies, even though Greenville SC is suppose to be one of the worse places to live for allergies. Not even allergic to poison oak or ivy.
Posted 3/20/2011 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
I thought you were sensitive to mayonaise, David?

Post Edited (tatt2man) : 3/19/2011 8:42:08 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/20/2011 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
I am, Bronson, I thought we were talking about sinus problems and plant allergies. Sorry.
Posted 3/20/2011 12:34 PM (GMT 0)
but being sensitive / allergic to food can help trigger other body responses including sinus problems, infections ( see my previous posting on that matter) ... some items are hidden in prepared foods - and some you may not be aware of ... for example .... orville reddenbacher popcorn has an ingredient in their "buttery flavoring" that can trigger respiratory problems with certain people (like me !) ... it has been noted in newspaper reports etc... but not necessary to have it pulled from the market place or modified -

-also , am making notes of what allergies there are for the guys coming for the GFMPH weekend - will be doing some cooking when down there - don't want to add anything that will make anyone sick ..

list of allergies so far - some are allergic to: mayonaise, crawfish, mushrooms ...

hugs,
BRONSON
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