Hello everyone, I’m new here. Nice to meet you all.
I have a disease called Anti-Mog which is closely related to MS. I also take Azathioprine to keep the antibodies in check.
I have been self cathing for the past 3 years due to bladder retention but I have a serious problem with recurrent UTIs. I do everything possible to keep the procedure clean and sterile but the bacterial keep finding there way in the bladder somehow. I’m at my wits end as I have multiple UTIs EVERY month. Before the course end of an antibiotic I get a new infection and I don’t know how to handle the situation. My urologist says I should just wash my hands well but that’s clearly not enough. Anyone has any tips that can help me?
Sorry you’re having these problems. I had regular UTIs too when I did ISC, and was a massive pain as it made MS symptoms worse. Eventually though, I decided to get a suprapubic catheter fitted. I’ve had it a few years now, and it’s made things loads better. I still get the occasional UTI, but far fewer than I used to. And it’s much easier to manage - no more faffing round with a catheter a few times a day. So I reckon speak to the urologist about it - and feel free to ask me any questions about it too.
Does prostate add to the problem of retention?, in which case Rezum treatment might help. Also there is something called colloidal silver which some have claimed to be beneficial against chronic UTI s but may just be annecdotal and would need to consider side effects.
Bacteria gets in from food and inside your body. Some are good bacteria, least in other parts of your body. They just don’t do well sitting in a build up of urine.
Not just about keeping you hands or anyting else clean. Could be down to not drinking enough or not catherterising enough. Drink plenty of fluids as the more in will help push any bacteria building up in side that can develop into a UTI out. Had issues with catheter supplies over Dec/Jan so I cut down my catheterising to just once a day, didn’t get on with alternate samples sent out.
I had 2 UTI’s in that time. Nothing changed besides the reduction in times cathing. Also remove them gradually to empty the bottom of the bladder. I’ve always had a habit of inserting them an inch, maybe more, too far. Pulling them out quickly I wouldn’t empty urine at the bottom resulting in the bacteria growing into a UTI so now I make sure to remove slowly so I spot any further flows start if I inserted a little too far.
Could also enquire about the type of UTI’s you’ve been gettting. If the same type of UTI is common, research on causes. For example some can be caused by food. Poorly washed fresh veg like prewashed and the ready to eat kind you’ll find in stores. Not to blame the supplier as veg like Lettuce and Spinach leaves are difficult to wash thoroughly as there are plenty of hiding spots for the bacteria. After my first E. Coli UTI I narrowed it down to Spinach. Started washing the pre washed Spinach msyelf after that and still got E. Coli at a later date.
My issue is mainly neurological and the bladder retains around 200ml of urine. I checked out colloidal silver but it seems very sketchy to be honest, claims it treats Covid and HIV
Thank you for your reply!
I went to my urologist today and he told me I could visit a specialist to show me the best way to perform ISC. I will also keep in mind to slowly remove the catheter to make sure that the bladder is empty.
He also prescribed me fosfomycin for 6 months to clear the bladder surface from persistent bacteria. Hopefully that will do the trick.
