My journey, Self-help

Urinary Tract Infections

9. February 2021

It can be difficult to live with lupus. Especially when you feel like you are attracting everything the wind blows you way. Have you also noticed that a certain part of your body gets attacked more often than others? Mine is the urinary tract. It seems to be the most vulnerable.

Let me summarize what antibiotics for urinary tract infections you should avoid at all costs, what alternatives you can try out and foremost how to prevent these common infections.

Antibiotics for urinary tract infections to avoid:

  • Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim cause lupus flares. I was recommended to put it on my list of allergies so that every doctor knows not to prescribe this medicine.
  • Doxycycline also worsens the symptoms of lupus and should be avoided by luppies.
  • In addition, I am allergic to penicillin, i.e. cannot take penicillin, clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, cefixime commonly prescribed to treat UTIs. If you are allergic to a certain active substance you have to avoid all medicines in this group.

What helps me get over the inceptive infection? There are actually several products.

  • First warning signs – very mild but strange feeling when I pee – I use homeopathics made by my doctor. You can disagree with this approach but it helps me in these initial stages.
  • If I overlook the first signs and they become more apparent – the feeling of not completely emptied bladder several times in a row, frequent urge to pee – I alternate between two herbal products – one is a mix of several herbs to help with UTI and the other one is with Tropaeolum majus. These work the charm quite nicely. You can look for products that contain cranberries, Veronica officinalis, Tropaeolum majus. Before you try any of these, it is good to consult with a medical professional whether they are suitable for you.
  • When I ignore the previous signs and the infection spreads – burning sensation when peeing, smelly urine, or swimming in a lake right after my period, I go for my urologist’s recommendation. These drops contain also hyaluronic acid, D-mannose, and extracts from Tropaeolum majus and Epilobium parviflorum.
  • Only when the above-mentioned remedies don’t work, I see my doctor and we set on a journey to find something stronger for me.

However, the most important although I am writing it at the end, is prevention. I try to prevent UTIs at all costs. They are uncomfortable, they hurt, they take forever to heal and I like feeling good, healthy. So, what do I do?

  • I read the signs of my body. It takes time and practice but once you master it, you’ll realize that your bodies tell you everything.
  • I don’t sit on cold surfaces. My grandmother taught me not to sit on the ground in the months that have an -r in them. Not that I follow it to the letter, but I rather stand or sit on a pillow.
  • I keep my feet warm. I wear socks and slippers almost all year round. My feet just get cold easily and it is an easy way for me to get a UTI.
  • I wash myself down there often and keep my underwear dry and clean. Also “dirty” bacteria can cause UTIs.

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