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UTI's - bladder infections and p-meds???

Posted by dove on June 20, 2002, at 15:02:56

About 6 or 7 months ago, when my Prozac was upped to 40 mgs per day I started to have, on average, one bladder infection or UTI per month. I wasn't sure if the increased Prozac was increasing the availability of my Amitriptyline dosage or if something else was taking place. I talked to every p-doc and regular doc I knew (and who had the time to "reassure" me) and was told that none of my meds could possibly cause reoccurring UTI problems.

Well, I've been cheating on my meds--one of the reasons I haven't been very active on the board lately. I cut my Amitriptyline cold-turkey, bad idea, but lost 10 pounds within 10 days and cut a very resistant and persistent UTI off within days.

However, the UTI's weren't/aren't done with me yet, and yes, I went to the clinic a million times, had all the normal labs done and then some. They did the whole growing thing, couldn't find anything, couldn't tell me if it was bacterial, viral, gram positive or negative, nada!!! I've gone through a plethora of antibiotics of every sort, dosage, time-length, and strength; they are always a mere temporary fix. I've been taking loads of cranberry capsules--doc prescribed and recommended, with no "real" or measurable results.

So, I cut my Neurontin out completely--on gut-instinct (no logic whatsoever)--along with lowering my Prozac back down to 20 mgs p/day, Klonopin @ 2 mgs p/day, Serzone @ 300 mgs p/day, and Adderall @ 30 mgs p/day. No Amitriptyline or Neurontin, and I feel not "normal", not necessarily "well", but not suicidal either. I can *feel* more, my physical being is still having some trouble adapting to the extreme med change, but I'm managing, except for the UTIs!!!

However, the UTIs have lessened in frequency, length, pain, and kidney involvement. Not enough water consumption during the day results in irritable symptoms the next morning. Too much liquid also results in irritation and pain the following day. Too much liquid also results in fatigue, apathy, and very noticeable and uncomfortable bloating, but I was told that diuretics would only worsen the situation. I've also been experiencing lower blood pressure readings and higher heart-rates, especially resting heart-rates.

Any thoughts or ideas would be very welcome at this point, and I apologize for rambling on so.

dove

BTW, I did confess to my p-doc regarding my strike on meds, he was pleased I didn't end up going into seizures or committed to in-patient, he was also proud of me for taking such big-steps but would rather do things a little more gradual from now on. He's told me to go back to 50 mgs of Amitriptyline p/day and back to 40 mgs of Prozac p/day (I haven't done so yet due to the UTI problems). He's an old 1960's p-doc, who prefers the combo of meds and talk therapy approach, but says that 'they' won't allow him to practice that way anymore without charging the most outrageous fees imaginable. He skimps on my billing record every other time I see him.

The normal psyche routine is the 10 minute med refill update appointment; the 15 minute med refill, review and update appointment; the 45 minute record review with possible med overhaul; or the 60-90 minute complete overview or initial psyche intake. He schedules me for the 10 minute and gives me 20, and he'll schedule me for 15 and give me 35, so I can't complain :o) Especially since he actually listens to me and treats me like someone with a brain!!!


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poster:dove thread:110343
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020617/msgs/110343.html