Bladder infection?

[Nicol@]

Think I have a bladder infection.

I haven't been to the doctors as they will not see me because I am in transit between doctors (to a new surgery).

After looking up symptoms on the internet, antibiotics are mentioned.
Is ok to wait for the infection to pass without the drugs?

[CaptainAhab]

What are your symptoms?

[Nicol@]

During the night urine was just blood colour and painful and frequent.

At the moment I just have lower tummy discomfort and not so much blood or pain (tolerable) and not going to the loo as often.

Edited by Nicol@ on Tuesday 29th June 18:14

[motco]

Take it seriously. Telephone NHS Direct - I know they get bad press but you've nothing to lose by trying and I know a girl who has damaged kidneys from rampant urinary tract infections. Meanwhile drink cranberry juice - there's apochryphal evidence that it helps with UTIs.

[Nicol@]

motco said:

Take it seriously. Telephone NHS Direct - I know they get bad press but you've nothing to lose by trying and I know a girl who has damaged kidneys from rampant urinary tract infections. Meanwhile drink cranberry juice - there's apochryphal evidence that it helps with UTIs.

I expect they will tell me to go to my GP (as their website did).

[motco]

Maybe but you really must take it seriously - now! A&E if necessary but don't ignore it.

[Lois]

Is there a walk in centre near you? They should be able to dip your wee and most can prescribe ABx

[Nicol@]

motco, thanks.

Lois, I didn't think of a walk in centre. I just had a look at NHS website and there is not one in my county.
Do you think abx are required?

[NathanJones]

Go see Pharmacist, they are damn knowledgeable, if not get to A&E, they will see you.

[Nicol@]

I don't think it warrants a trip to A&E and I don't have the 'window' at the moment for a drive to the closest pharmacy.

p.s. I think my posts have not been worded well, judging by A&E suggestions.

Edited by Nicol@ on Tuesday 29th June 18:47

Edited by Nicol@ on Tuesday 29th June 19:00

[Lois]

I think A+E would laugh at you tbh.

A GP should be able to see you. During a change over you shouldn't be left without cover.

[Nicol@]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

That is what I thought, thanks for confirming.

So could I get through this without abx?

[Lois]

Some infections will clear on their own, plenty of water and cranberry juice.
Others can track to your kidneys and cause damage.

You're best ringing your new and old surgeries and try and see a doc. A urine sample is the best way forward.

[Nicol@]

New doc said no, will try old docs in the morning but think they will say no as it has been nearly 3 weeks since I applied to change doctors.

[CaptainAhab]

Ok sounds like cystitis.
Drink 3 litres of fluid/cranberry juice and/or cranberry extract tablets (have been shown to work).
If it doesn't clear, and as long as you don't have a fever or uncontrolled shakes or loin pain, GP should prescribe some antibiotics. If fever/shakes/loin pain or very poorly may need A&E.

HTH

K (doc)

Edited by CaptainAhab on Tuesday 29th June 20:45

[Nicol@]

Thanks captain

[mrsshpub]

Nicol@ said:

I just had a look at NHS website and there is not one in my county.

There's a walk in centre next to Milton Keynes General Hospital — not that far from Northampton.

[Lost soul]

Thanks for sharing

[motco]

I hope you're feeling better today...

[Nicol@]

motco said:

I hope you're feeling better today...

Yes thank you.
Still in some discomfort, but bearable enough to be at work (which is local fortunately). It feels like my temp has gone down and I have less blood.

Mrsshpub, I couldn't do MK as it is too far (the infection and extra fluid makes you go to the loo very frequently).
I think I can get through it without abx, just lots of water.