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Recurring Cystitis - please help!

Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
Ok, for the last year or so, i've been getting recurring cystitis. I've been to the doctors every time, and they put me on a course of antibiotics abd it goes, but it comes back very frequently (ie, monthly). It's not always sex related, i get it randomly too, and it's really started to depress me because it hurts so much and the antibiotics take two days to kick in. I've spoken to my doctor about it and she's taken urine samples and they show that i have 'contamination' (ie, bacteria in my bladder) for the time when i don't have cystitis, but she says that there's nothing they can do except treat it as i get it, which is frustrating. Has anyone else had this, or does anyone know anything that might help?

Comments

  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I dont know if this will help, but i friend of mine had recurring cystitis and she said the best thing to do to try to avoid it is:
    Drink lots of water, always go to the loo before you sleep and after sex, steer clear of tea coffee alcohol sugar and spicy foods whilst the symptoms last and avoid wearing tights and tight jeans
    hope this helps <IMG SRC="biggrin.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    yeah, i do all of this, and i've read loads on the internet about it, and it really hasn't helped that much... i don't know. it's just really started to get to me, i've got it again for the second time in a week...
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Might also help to shower at least twice a day- when i've had cystitis, i've found that simply showering takes away the pain and also seems to make it go away quicker.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    yeah, it's less about making the pain go away that i'm interested in, more that i just don't want the cystitis to come back! Thanks though, i'll try that today suzy.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    i think drinking lots of water helps. sorry, only tip i can give you.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Hi Punkinlondon

    If this problem has been going on for a long time, go back to your doctor and ask to be referred to a specialist for further tests. If you don't get on very well with your doctor for whatever reason, it may be worth getting a second opinion from another GP.


    hope you feel better soon
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Originally posted by Karla:
    <STRONG>If this problem has been going on for a long time, go back to your doctor and ask to be referred to a specialist for further tests. If you don't get on very well with your doctor for whatever reason, it may be worth getting a second opinion from another GP.</STRONG>
    Yeah, I agree.
    Ask your GP for a referral to a nephrologist, who will know a lot more about kidneys and the urinary system than your GP.

    Chronic cystitis can become a much more serious problem if left, so it's best to get a second opinion.

    In the meantime, make sure you finish your course of antibiotics.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I was recommended cranberry juice. Not quite sure why. And bizarrely, you can get it from not drinking enough water. So the nurse told me.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    The one thing NOT to do is avoid water, honestly!

    Cranberry Juice is a brilliant source of getting rid, and Canestan cream will sooth the pain etc. CAnesten is available over the counter etc.

    OR go to the doctors, and maybe he will provide you with fucidine or sommit.

    PLEASE do not avoid water - it will make it worse. The only reason why people avoid it is so they do not have to go to the toilet as much, cause it hurts.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    nah, canasten is for thrush (which i also have, an unfortunate side effect of the antibiotics). I know, i drink loads, and everything (and cranberry helps avoid it cos it stops bacteria sticking to the walls of the bladder), but i just keep getting it. I might go back to the doctor and ask to be referred. Thanks everyone!
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I too have your problem and it drives me mad too! I've had it monthly for about 2 years. It does my head in when they tell me it's 'honeymoon cystitis!'. Anyways, I went for a scan the other day and they said there's nothing wrong with me and the docs and specialists don't know either. The only thing I've found to really help is taking herbal tablets (I'm not a big drugs fan but as they're herbal it's ok!) They're called Antitis and they're genius. Ihope this helps... I feel your pain!
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I too have your problem and it drives me mad too! I've had it monthly for about 2 years. It does my head in when they tell me it's 'honeymoon cystitis!'. Anyways, I went for a scan the other day and they said there's nothing wrong with me and the docs and specialists don't know either. The only thing I've found to really help is taking herbal tablets (I'm not a big drugs fan but as they're herbal it's ok!) They're called Antitis and they're genius. I hope this helps... I feel your pain!
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    i went to lloyds pharmacy where the lovely pharmacist recommended potassium citrate mixture diluted in water every 3 hours, lots of water generally and cranberry juice too. but avoid fruit juices. and they sell special 'feminine bathing' stuff too, cos apparently a lot of shower gels/soaps can irritate further. dunno if that helps...
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