Ouch! I'm pretty sure I have a bladder infection. It's 4:30 in the morning and I'm on the computer b/c I can't sleep. The second I lay down I feel like I have to "go". My throat hurts and I leave for holidays in 3 days!

I'll head up to out patients in the morning.

By Karen~admin on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 07:41 am:

BTDT - too many times. That is *the* most miserable feeling. Hopefully a quick course of antibiotics and some pyridium will get you fixed up in no time. I hope you feel better SOON!!!!

By Ginny~moderator on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 09:46 am:

Get to your doctor immediately, Paula, and pee in a cup so they can run a quick test. Tell whoever makes the appointments that you think you have a UTI (urinary tract infection) and insist on an emergency appointment.

I also have BTDT too many times. Antibiotics will stop the discomfort pretty quickly, so you won't be uncomfortable on your holiday.

Cautionary note - some antibiotics will make your skin very sensitive to sun. If the doctor prescribes antibiotics, be sure to ask about that and be sure the doctor knows you are going on holiday and if you were planning for sun exposure.

In the interim, drink lots and lots of water, no caffiene (coffee, tea, most sodas). I know it sounds contradictory to drink lots of water when you are feeling like you have to go all the time, but the water dilutes your urine (and hence the infection) and will help remove some of the feeling of urgency and the burning sensation and little dribbles every time you go to the bathroom.

By Marcia on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 10:17 am:

I had a UTI last week. I was at Costco when I felt the first sign of urgency, went to the walk in clinic next door, and was back to fill my prescription within about 15 minutes. I took the 2 pills standing at the pharmacy counter, and was able to avoid the worst of it. Bladder infections are THE WORST!!!
I hope you get something quickly and feel way better before you leave!

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 10:33 am:

UTIs are awful, but usually fixed pretty quickly!

By Hol on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 11:26 pm:

Lemonade is good to drink, too, because it has citric acid, which inhibits the growth of more bacteria. It is not a substitute for medical care. You still need to see a doctor and get on antibiotics because it can spread to your kidneys.

There is an over the counter pill called "Azo". You can get it in the pharmacy. It has a local anesthetic property to it, so it decreases the pain and urgency until you can see the doctor. It turns your urine a bright orange colour, so be sure to wear a panty liner.
Hope you feel better soon.

By Mrsheidi on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 11:49 pm:

I agree with the Azo. Get it immediately.

And, in the future, don't forget to pee before and after sex.

My doctor will prescribe me something if I just call in and give my symptoms. I tell them I've had it before and they just ask me what pharmacy and the the phone number to call in the prescription.

I've had 2 OBGYNS do this for me. Hope you feel better!!