Coping With And Relief From Cystitis
Urinary Tract Infections and Cystitis can be the bane of your life...Women, men and even children can suffer from cystitis. Though often a hidden condition it can affect you very much. Find out what you can do to take control of cystitis. Its not just the inconvenience and the pain, UTI's can be serious health risks.
This gives information and explanations about your inner cystitis, my personal experience with cystitis, links for both men and women, some great educational and practical resources how to prevent and deal with UTI's and bladder infections, cystitis prevention self help tips, cystitis remedies and ways you can get back in control.
You owe it to yourself to be as informed and educated as possible about your body and your cystitis. Take the first steps. Be Proactive. Don't be a victim of your inner cystitis any longer!
Your Inner Cystitis:Table of Contents
- Disclaimer
- What Is Cystitis?
- Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infection.
- How Often Have You Had Cystitis?
- Detect Urinary Tract or Bladder Infections
- UTI Home Screening Kits
- My Experience Of Cystitis
- Free From Cystitis!
- Sensible Books On Cystitis By Angela Kilmartin
- Six Basic Self Help Prevention Steps For Urinary Tract Infections
- What To Do If You Get A UTI: First Aid
- Educational Links For UTIs
- The Social Effects Of Cystitis.
- Ten Factors In Preventative Self Help For Cystitis
- Antibiotics
- Men And Cystitis
- What Is Interstitial Cystitis?
- Interstitial Cystitis Association educational video
- Books About Interstitial Cystitis
- Useful Links for Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
- Visit My Other Lenses
- Lets Chat :)
- What's In The News About Cystitis?
- What Are People Blogging About Cystitis?
Disclaimer
I am just a person who has had experience of cystitis and not a medical expert.This lens contains personal opinions that are not intended as medical advice. The contents are not intended to diagnose, treat or give a medical opinion.
The information here is no substitute for medical diagnosis and guidance from your doctor. Consult a physician in all matters relating to health, particularly concerning any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Never disregard medical advice, or delay or change treatment because of something you have read here. For assistance with any medical condition, always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Your health is your responsibility.
What Is Cystitis?
Where the word cystitis comes from.
cyst is a Greek word for pouch or bladder
itis means inflammation
Hence inflammation of the bladder
Cystitis may be caused by an infection where bacteria are found in urine sample or it may be non bacterial.
Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infection.
UTI signs
A twinging or scalding or burning or worse pain when you pass urine.
Needing to go to the loo frequently but passing little or no urine.
Urgent, unstoppable need to "go"
Backache
Lower abdominal pain or pain on the flank.
Urine smells strongly
Raised temperature.
Feeling generally unwell
Bleeding as you pass urine.
DO NOT DELAY IN SEEKING MEDICAL ADVICE IF YOU HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS AND SUSPECT A UTI.
How Often Have You Had Cystitis?
Detect Urinary Tract or Bladder Infections
Detect Urinary Tract or Bladder Infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a very common ailment among women, and infections of the bladder (cystitis) are most common. It is estimated that UTI's account for over 10 million doctor visits in the U.S. each year. What are the Symptoms of a UTI? To learn more, please visit us at http://www.utihometest.com
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UTI Home Screening Kits
Home Testing Kits For Urinary Tract Infection.
I wanted to give you the options available so do consider the different ones here and see whch you tink will suit you .
Consumers Choice Systems UTI Home Screening Test Kit, Test for Urinary Tract Infections at Home - 6 ea
Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $7.49
Used Price:
AZO Urinary Tract Infection Test Strips, 3-Count Boxes (Pack of 2)
Amazon Price: $16.62 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $19.98
Used Price:
Usually ships in 24 hours
UTI Home Scan - Urinary tract infection - 5 Tests
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $7.99
Used Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
UTI Test Sticks (2 count)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price:
Used Price:
EarlyDetect Urinary Tract Infection Test, 1-Count Box (Pack of 2)
Amazon Price: $27.54 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $33.05
Used Price:
Usually ships in 24 hours
My Experience Of Cystitis
My Inner Cystitis
I had already been through it with back problems, I did not want to succumb to be a victim of cystitis!
It all started with a pain in my side/lower abdomen. I had been doing quite a lot of exercise in connection with my back pain so I thought I had maybe pulled a muscle.
Over the next few days it got worse... I experienced a twinging pain that shot right through me. I was walking and recall saying to my husband that I could not go on, the pain was so intense. I was going to the loo and that was painful too. A twinging burning type of pain during and after passing urine. Time to see the doctor!
He immediately sent me off to get a urine sample and quickly determined that I had an infection of the urinary tract or Cystitus. I was put on antibiotics that same day.
Antibiotics were great and cleared it up well. Within 2 days I had no pain during or after urination but still important to finish the course.
The major downside was that antibiotics always make me feel awful,depleted, depressed and I invariably get thrush-great :( However I needed them to get rid of that awful pain.
A few months passed then guess what! I got it again!! This time I noticed the symptoms much earlier and off I went to the doctors again! I was amazed how easily I was getting antibiotics as he didn't normally like to give them out- I guessed there was no alternative but antibiotics for cystitis but that is not always the case.
I started reading about cystitis at this point as I felt I was getting into a cycle of infection-antibiotic-thrush-cystitis and I didn't want to live like that. I also very much wanted to understand what was going on.
I discovered the wonderful books of Angela Kilmartin and started to take responsibility for myself.
What cured me? Well something I came across called "Sweet cures" Waterfall D Mannose. Now that is in constant stock in my medicine cupboard. I intend to bring you more details on Sweet Cures soon.
With that and an increased awareness of the risk factors for cystitis I am now fully in control. Read on to find out more...
Free From Cystitis!
Sensible Books On Cystitis By Angela Kilmartin
Cystitis By Angela Kilmartin
She seemed to speak to me and understood what I was going through...
Angela Kilmartin is a former cystitis sufferer who has certainly been through the mill with her urinary tract infections.
She offers very practical, informative and simply helpful books.
I would urge you to consider getting at least one of her books as the knowledge contained within is worth so much more than the price...
Cystitis Complete Self Help Guide
Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $3.50
Used Price: $0.40
UNDERSTANDING CYSTITIS
Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price:
Used Price: $0.04
Victims of Thrush and Cystitis
Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price:
Used Price: $1.87
CYSTITIS THE COMPLETE SELF-HELP GUIDE
Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price:
Used Price:
Cystitis: How to Prevent Infection and Inflammation (A Thorsons Book)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $10.00
Used Price: $0.38
Six Basic Self Help Prevention Steps For Urinary Tract Infections
Help Yourself Prevent Cystitis:The Basic Steps
According to what I have read on research been done, by far the largest group is the 18-35 year old women but men can get it, as can little children and older people. People with diabetes,and people who have certain other medical conditions or are pregnant may be more susceptible.
Then there are people who never in their whole lives get a UTI...
Some things we have no control over such as the nearness of the back passage opening to the urethral tube-the smaller the difference in distance the easier to get an infection. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes make it easier to get cystitis.
However some things once you are aware of them can help you to take control.
These are basic things everyone can do without disrupting their lives too much to help prevent getting cystitis.
1.Always wipe front to back when going to the toilet-it is especially important if you are a parent to train even little girls to do this too.
2.Pass urine when you need to- dont wait or "hang on "Waiting allows germs to build up.
3.Wash before and after making love which helps to ensure that bacteria are not spread.
4.Shower or bathe or wash with unscented soap if possible after a bowel movement
5.Try not to get constipated. Bacteria builds up in unpassed faeces and when eventually passed there may be a much higher bacterial prescence. Eat a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables. If you know you are prone to constipation at any particular time boost that with natural prune juice or additional fruits. Drink plenty of good quality water ever day.
6.Do not "hover" on the toilet! Your bladder cannot empty completely this way. If in a public loo, before you sit line the seat with toilet paper or those paper seats often provided now.
What To Do If You Get A UTI: First Aid
If you are an adult female and have had UTI's before and you know the first signs there are some steps you can take to help yourself. The following is especially helpful for when you are waiting for an appointment and in pain.
I have read this in many online websites and books but please CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR IT IS SAFE FOR YOU BEFORE CARRYING OUT ANY HOME REMEDY.
Before you do anything take a urine sample.If you do it after you start drinking it will dilute the sample and not give an accurate reading. You will need this if you are seeing a doctor. Do get it to the doctor quickly.
Drink half a pint of water with a teaspoon of bicarb of soda then another half a pint with the soda every 20 mins for 3 hours. The bicarbonate of soda helps to alkaline the urine.(DO NOT DO THIS IF YOU HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OR HEART ISSUES)
Take pain killers if you need to.
Use hot water bottles to ease the pain. You may find one between your legs and one at your back or stomach is helpful.
This should help you enough be able to get out the door and get the treatment you need.
Educational Links For UTIs
- NETDOCTOR ON CYSTITIS
- Informative article on the causes,symptoms and treatments for cystitis.
- NHS DIRECT ABOUT CYSTITIS
- Symptoms,causes,diagnosis,treatment,prevention and diagrams relating to cystitis and UTI's
- BMJ ARTICLE
- BMJ study on which treatments may be good for cystitis.
- Home Health -cystitis
- Causes, symptoms and treatments for cystitis and self help measures.
- Health A-Z Cystitis
- Details of cystitis causes, tests and treatments in Men, Women and Children.
The Social Effects Of Cystitis.
Living with Cystitis
At best you need to know there is a loo handy should you need it and the twinging pain is uncomfortable and annoying.
At worst you can be extremely ill and need medical attention.
Constantly needing the loo the being unable to go is disrupting to any day at work or any day or night out.
If you get more pain then simple tasks or going to work can become difficult or impossible.
Your Love life often suffers as with pain and possibly bleeding and feeling ill that is likely the last thing on your mind. Especially if making love brings on an attack you can become averse to going through it again.
Certain interests like horseriding/swimming can become more difficult if you know they promote an attack.
If you are in the cycle of Cystitis-antibiotics-thrush-cystitis that I was, life seems to revolve around it.
It is time to do anything you can to help yourself.
DO NOT DELAY IN GETTING A DIAGNOSIS.
Ten Factors In Preventative Self Help For Cystitis
Self Help For Preventing Urinary Tract Infections
This is not a definitive list. Please consult your doctor, the links and books to learn more.
Try some or all of these to see if they help you.
1.Use unperfumed soap in your daily shower or bath and no bubble bath or perfumed oils. Do not use perfumed sprays in the area.
2.Wear only cotton underwear.Consider not wearing underwear when at home-allow the fresh air to circulate.
3.Consider changing your washing liquid or powder it may be too harsh for you and setting up chemical irritation.
4.Consider not wearing jeans or tight clothing, they often rub on the delicate areas and can set up irritation.
5.Wash after every bowel movement.Take steps to prevent constipation-see your doctor if you do not have a regular bowel movement.
6.Wash before and after making love and ask your husband or partner to do the same. Review your contraception.
7.Drink plenty of clean water every day. Reduce the amount of sugar in your diet.
8.If you go swimming in chlorinated pools monitor its effect on you-does an attack come on soon afterwards? If so it may be too harsh for you.
9.Try eating blueberries on a regular basis. Do not drink the processed blueberry or cranberry drinks as they have far too much sugar in them to be of use. Personally I find Blueberries much better than cranberries.
10.Consider the stress levels in your life-do attacks coincide with increased stress? If so try to relax more, use relaxation CDs, take some time for you each day if possible.
Antibiotics
However, I was getting worried about the level and amount of antibiotics I was having to take just to get over frequent UTI's. As antibiotics also made me down, depleted and lacklustre as well as then dealing with constant thrush I spent periods of time not feeling like me.
There are also risks to taking too many antibiotics, one of the immediate side effects for me was thrush which was almost as bad as the cystitis!
I also felt that I was not really treating the cause of my inner cystitis, just waiting for another attack then taking antibiotics.
That is why I searched for other more natural or self help methods.
What I have found works best for me is "Sweet Cures". I hope to tell you more about it here very soon.
Men And Cystitis
Can Men Get Cystitis?
Men should ALWAYS see a doctor if they suspect a Urinary Tract Infection.
Please have a look at the links below to learn more.
- Cystitis Men
- Explains how and why men get cystitis and steps to take.
- Urine Infection In Men
- This leaflet covers what is a urine infection, why do men get it, what are the symptoms. What are the tests and treatment.
What Is Interstitial Cystitis?
Other Names:Painful Bladder Syndrome or Chronic Cystitis.
Inter = between
stitial = layers
cyst= bladder
itis=inflammation
Thus inflammation or infection of the layers of the bladder.
Also known as Chronic Cystitis and Painful Bladder Syndrome. This often means long term pain infections and frequency of infections. It is a chronic, painful, inflammatory condition of the bladder wall.
See the video, books and links below for more detail.
Interstitial Cystitis Association educational video
Interstitial Cystitis Association educational video
The Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) educates both patients and healthcare providers to better understand and treat people with IC.
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Books About Interstitial Cystitis
Coping with and relief from Interstitial Cystitis
The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide: Your Guide to the Latest Treatment Options and Coping Strategies
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/26/2008)
A Taste of the Good Life: A Cookbook for an Interstitial Cystitis Diet
Amazon Price: $27.90 (as of 07/26/2008)
Along the Healing Path : Recovering from Interstitial Cystitis
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/26/2008)
Solving the Interstitial Cystitis Puzzle: A Guide to Natural Healing
Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 07/26/2008)
To Wake in Tears: Understanding Interstitial Cystitis
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 07/26/2008)
Useful Links for Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information
- This site covers what is Interstitial Cystitis,and how it is diagnosed. Looks at the possible treatments for IC and research.
- The Cystitis and Overactive Bladder Foundation
- The Cystitis and Overactive Bladder Foundation is a registered UK charity which provides information and support to sufferers of bladder problems. Interstitial Cystitis, Bacterial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder.
- The Interstitial Cystitis Association
- The Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) is an organization offering information and support to people with IC and their families. Also educating the medical community and promoting research.
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Talking about Cystitis
Welcome to "Your Inner Cystitis" new page. Feel free to chat about cystitis, say what helped you and pass on any of your helpful hints.
I do read all comments and appreciate you taking the time.
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chloecavanaugh
Even though you are not a medical professional, your information here is very well researched. The symptoms you have included are most helpful, and could very well help someone avoid prolonged periods of pain. Posted July 11, 2008 |
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jeffwend
Hi, Posted June 12, 2008 |
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bbug
Extremely informative, nice lens. Posted June 01, 2008 |
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Joan4
very informative. and just a word of warning. Do not put off going to the doctor if you have any symptoms at all. I treated "back pain" on my own for too long -- ended up totally dehydrated, IV's going, sick all through Christmas last year. Pay attention and know that your self-diagnosis may not be the right one! I learned the hard way. Great advice on this lens! Follow it! And thank you for its creation! Posted May 31, 2008 |
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rms
Nice work on this informative lens. I had this as a young girl and it's no fun! Posted May 30, 2008 |
What's In The News About Cystitis?
- Cystitis due to the use of ketamine as a recreational drug: a case ...
- So far only nine cases of ketamine-associated ulcerative cystitis have been described. Conclusion: We expect that in the future an increasing number of ...
- Looking Into The "Crystal Bowl" What Your "Pee" Can Foresee
- Larrian Gillespie, retired urologist/urogynecologist and author of the best-selling book, You Don't Have to Live with Cystitis (HarperCollins), ...
- Nocturia and Associated Morbidity in a Danish Population of Men ...
- To evaluate the association between nocturia and medical diseases, medication, urinary incontinence (UI), recurrent cystitis, smoking, alcohol, parity, ...
- 23-year-old flies to San Francisco for suicide
- But she was suffering the bladder condition cystitis. Her heartbroken dad Mark Crowther, 56, and mum Philippa, 53, told how Olivia's death last Tuesday was ...
What Are People Blogging About Cystitis?
- This can be sort of scary
- :hi:I have been told twice by a urologist that I have IC. I am currently waiting for a negative reading on a urine test after it was found positive, requiring antibiotics to clear The test, a uriodynamics test, and ultra sound will be ...
- im so confused..
- I was told by my doctor and tons of other people that exercise is really good for IC and Endo. Today I went to my college to schedule classes and did some walking. I have been feeling worse then normal today. My muscle relaxers didnt ...
- Arsenicum to treat IC anyone??
- Anyhow, I looked it up and it does say that this arsenicum is used for several symptoms including cystitis. Have any of you ever went this route or tried this? I bought some of the arsenicum at the local whole foods by my house. ...
- Not to be gross but my urine smelled like a zoo.
- I've only had this a few times lately but the last one was today at the movies. I thought I had a uti 3 weeks ago but a culture test indicated there was no infection. Since that time I've had occasional burning and cloudy urine (I take ...
