TMI question: UTI

[RoxMonster]

I'm pretty positive I have a UTI. I have never actually had one before. I feel a slight burning when I pee and have some pain coming up from my pelvic region. I also feel kind of "full" in my lower abdomen and feel like I have to "go" frequently.

Anyway, do those OTC treatments like AZO actually work? I am not able to get into a doctor until at least Saturday, and that's if I go to the walk-in clinic. I realized today I have not been drinking nearly enough water lately, which probably didn't help with this, so I am trying to drink as much as possible, but am wondering what else I can do on my own besides go to the doctor. At the very least, I'd like something to manage the symptoms until I can go in.

[spitforspat]

AZO will do wonders until you can get in. But in my experience these progress quickly.

[gerberdaisy]

I haven't taken it, but doesn't AZO interfere with the test the doctor does to determine if you have a UTI?

[rodeored]

You can take Azo Standard to help with the symptoms but you should still get to the doctor asap, UTIs can turn into kidney infections fast. Also tell the doctor you took azo if you decide to because it can screw up the dip test.

[lpcats]

Yes, you need to go to the doctor to get rid of the infection but Azo is something like 95% of the strength of the pain meds you'll get at the doctor, so it will definitely help.

[katiescarlett]

I would make your best effort to get to a clinic ASAP. Azo treats the symptoms, not the UTI. You may be miserable by morning.

[CurlyQ284]

Azo helps with the pain but will not cure it. Ouch ouch ouch I hope you can get to the doctor soon.

[RoxMonster]

Well shit I hope it is still bearable tomorrow (right now, it's more of an uncomfortable feeling, but totally bearable). Then I will try to go to urgent care after work tomorrow evening.

Another stupid question--they just do a urine test to diagnose, right? Is it something where the results come back quickly while you wait, or would I have to go home and have them call me another day to verify? Walk-in clinics would be able to do this, correct?

[kristie]

You can go to the doctor, but I can usually ward them off in the early stages by drinking water like it's my job, taking some alka seltzer and azo, and drinking even more water. I used to get them pretty regularly and I am one of those antibiotics only if absolutely positively necessary. The only time I have taken antibiotics for a UTI in the last five years was when I was pregnant and I couldn't kick it.

[whiterascal]

Yes, the results come back in just a few minutes while you wait.

[rodeored]

Feb 20, 2014 20:09:28 GMT -5 RoxMonster said:

Well shit I hope it is still bearable tomorrow (right now, it's more of an uncomfortable feeling, but totally bearable). Then I will try to go to urgent care after work tomorrow evening.

Another stupid question--they just do a urine test to diagnose, right? Is it something where the results come back quickly while you wait, or would I have to go home and have them call me another day to verify? Walk-in clinics would be able to do this, correct?

 Yes, they do a urine test and usually that will tell you right then. They also usually send it to be cultured as well to make sure the antibiotic they gave you was appropriate and that takes a day or two. If the urine test is negative sometimes it will show up in the culture as well.

[Deleted]

Get some antibiotics ASAP. If you don't get it treated, it will turn into a kidney infection and those hurt like hell.

[RoxMonster]

Thanks, all. I think I will dramatically up my water intake and maybe have H pick me up some cranberry juice for tonight. Hopefully I can make it through work tomorrow and then go to the urgent care clinic right after.

[nursewife]

 Not familiar with azo, but you should see a doc. Get on an antibiotic and drink lots of fluids. 

[Birdie]

Just as a heads up I think AZO turns your pee red. I know the stuff my doc gives me to help with the pain does.

You can also buy a home test to see if you have a UTI. I've been able to take these before and then speak with a nurse at my doc to go over my symptoms and tell her the results of the home test. They've called in meds for me before without needing me to come in.

[firedancer49]

I remember hearing cranberry juice helps too.

[VillainV]

Water and cranberry juice. Actual cranberry juice is best (not cran-apple and not cranberry juice cocktail). It might flush out of your system on its own. If not, then you'll need antibiotics.

[adhdfashion]

Gallons of water and cranberry pills. The pills are super concentrated work way better than just the juice.

[livinitup]

An UTI is serious and needs immediate medical attention. Fuck extra water and cranberries. Get an antibiotic NOW. Call your GP or go to the ER now. Stop pretending this can be managed any other way.

[VillainV]

Feb 21, 2014 0:32:51 GMT -5 livinitup said:

An UTI is serious and needs immediate medical attention. Fuck extra water and cranberries. Get an antibiotic NOW. Call your GP or go to the ER now. Stop pretending this can be managed any other way.

Our bodies are pretty good at fighting off infection. As long as she's not in agony or in the bathroom every five minutes, I'd recommend she give her immune system a chance to do its job. Not every infection needs medical intervention. And there's always urgent care if it gets worse quickly before she can get in to see the doctor.

[Deleted]

I hope you feel better, UTIs are the worse.

Yes, definitely drink a lot of water as that will often help. Azo will help with the pain, so if you can't make it to the doctors yet, pop some of those.

But getting anti-biotics will be your best bet.