Hi Matt,
I can sympathize with you because I currently have a recurring Urinary Tract Infection which is making my life a total misery. Like you, I too do not like visiting websites because they make me paranoid. I visited one such site related to bladder problems and the first thing I read was: “a recurring UTI can be a sign of something more serious such as prostate cancer, bladder cancer or kidney cancer”. Needless to say, it frightened the life out of me so I try to give such websites a wide berth now.
My UTI has been ongoing since the beginning of May. At first I had a burning sensation when passing water and the need to frequently urinate. In addition to this I had a high temperature and would wake up three or four times during the night absolutely soaked in sweat. My GP had the nurse check a sample of my urine and she confirmed I had a nasty water infection. There were also traces of blood and protein in my urine. The doctor put me on a 7-day course of Amoxicillin and told me to return in a week’s time. The antibiotics seemed to bring down my temperature but I was still experiencing discomfort when urinating. The doctor prescribed a further 5-day course of Amoxicillin which seemed to sort everything out. However, my UTI returned a couple of weeks later. This time my GP prescribed a 7-day course of Trimethoprim but again these only seemed to offer temporary relief before the problem returned. Since then I have been prescribed a further four courses of Trimethoprim but I think my infection has pretty much built up a resistance to this particular antibiotic. The nurse suggested I ask my GP to refer me to a Urologist, which I did do. The only problem was I had to wait two months for an appointment to see one. In the meantime it was arranged for me to have some investigative tests done at my local hospital. These included Ultrasound scans of my bladder and kidneys. When I eventually saw the Urologist he gave me a prostate examination and also arranged for me to have a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test. In addition to this, I have to go into hospital for the day on the 28th of this month for a CT scan of my abdomen and also spend a day at another hospital on the 1st October for a Flexible Cystoscopy where they insert a camera into my bladder via my urethra. The procedure sounds quite unpleasant but I’ve been assured they use a local anaesthetic gel which makes the whole thing completely painless.
If it’s any consolation, two weeks ago I was convinced I had the big C (especially as I had experienced some weight loss) but now, after much support from the people on this website, I’m pretty sure my recurring UTI is down to poor control of my diabetes. If I can learn to better manage my diabetes I think my UTI problems will be history.
I am currently on a 10-day course of Amoxicillin 250mg (one capsule to be taken three times a day), which my GP prescribed last Tuesday and I must say I’m feeling much better. Basically I just want to feel well enough to have my hospital tests on the 28th and the 1st, but I think my top priority is getting to grips with this diabetes and controlling it rather than letting it control me.
Matt, for what it’s worth I think this is the best site on the Internet. It’s not filled with people who think they know it all, there are a lot of doctors and nurses here who really can offer sound advice. I’m the worst person in the world when it comes to fearing the worst but the people here have (probably without even knowing it) offered me reassurance and guidance.
Finally, before I forget… Last Tuesday my GP increased my Metformin 500mg from two tablets a day to three tablets per day. He also increased my Ramipril (for High Blood Pressure) 2.5mg to 5mg per day. I don’t know whether this is just coincidence but I’ve noticed that since then my urine seems to be coming out slower than usual. I will mention this when I go to the hospital next week. They never got around to performing a flow test on me so maybe it’s just as well in the light of this latest problem.
I do hope you manage to get your frequent urination problem sorted out. If it persists I would definitely insist that your doctor refers you to a Urologist, if I were you. In the meantime I would do as Sue advises and drink plenty of water to help flush out your bladder and any infection that may be lurking there. I know drinking lots of water might seem to add to your problem of frequent urination but believe me, it’s worth it. While I’m on antibiotics for my UTI I have to drink lots of water and I seem to be getting out of bed every fifteen minutes to urinate, but it truly is worth the temporary inconvenience.
Dave
