Your Inner Cystitis

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Coping With And Relief From Cystitis

Urinary Tract Infections and Cystitis can be the bane of your life...Here are practical measures you can take to handle cystitis.Includes potential cures for cystitis, UTI's and bladder infections, recommended reading and steps you can take today to help yourself.

Women, men and even children can suffer from cystitis. Though urinary tract infections are often a hidden condition and not something many people want to talk about, 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!

Disclaimer For Your Inner Cystitis 

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

Common Symptoms of cystitis in no particular order. You may not have ALL these symptoms but be aware of them.

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? 

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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.

Home screening kits can be very useful to see if you may have a urinary tract infection. It is wise to have it confirmed by your doctor. I have used one of these and found it very useful as I could then start the self help procedures immediately as I often (especially if it started on a weekend or Bank Holiday or when I was on holiday) could not get to see a doctor straight away.

I wanted to give you the options available so do consider the different ones here and see whch you tink will suit you .

AZO Urinary Tract Infection Test Strips, 3-Count Boxes (Pack of 2)

Amazon Price: $31.00 (as of 11/28/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $19.98
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Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Testmedica - Urinary Tract, 5 Test

Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 11/28/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $7.19
Used Price:

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

UTI Test Sticks (2 count)

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My Experience Of Cystitis 

My Inner Cystitis

I was lucky to know nothing of cystitis until in my thirties. I was also lucky to come across some great helpful and educational books and information on UTI's that helped me tremendously to understand and get in control of this condition.

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. Click on the link below to find out more about Warerfall Mannose Sweet Cures.

With that and an increased awareness of the risk factors for cystitis I am now fully in control. Read on to find out more...

Waterfall Mannose Sweet Cures Try This For Cystitis Relief Now! 

Click On the link to Sweet Cures Below For More Details



100% Natural, 100% Bio-Active Waterfall D-Mannose quickly gets into your urine to help support a healthy bladder and urinary tract. It has developed a great and growing reputation, and is safe and effective.



Waterfall D-Mannose - Helping to Support a Healthy Bladder


From this link you can also visit their very helpful website which has a users forum, frequently asked questions, blog and more information about the products.

Do not miss out on this wonderful product. I would not be telling you about this if I had not personally found it to be the most helpful and fantastic help to me in getting rid of my cystitis quickly and effectively.

What Is Sweet Cures? 

Sweet Cures started over five years ago run by people who know what it is like to have urinary tract infections and cystitis.

Anna Sawkins struggled to find relief from her repeated bladder health problems no matter what she tried. She and her partner John Bremner (a fellow sufferer) decided to do something about it and managed to source an exceptionally good quality version of natural dmannose which worked very well. They decided to share their find and I for one am very happy that they did!

Sweet Cures now supplies to almost every country in the world. My experience of their customer service is that it is second to none.

When you want a product like this you want it quick and in my experience they do deliver as soon as practically possible. Now of course I always keep a supply in so I always have help at hand and never let infections get a grip on me.

Free From Cystitis!

Sensible Books On Cystitis By Angela Kilmartin 

Cystitis By Angela Kilmartin

I have put a whole section here on Angela Kilmartin's books as they made so much sense to me when I had cystitis.

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 11/28/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $3.50
Used Price: $0.19

UNDERSTANDING CYSTITIS

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Used Price: $0.03

Victims of Thrush and Cystitis

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Used Price: $0.60

CYSTITIS THE COMPLETE SELF-HELP GUIDE

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Cystitis: How to Prevent Infection and Inflammation (A Thorsons Book)

Amazon Price: (as of 11/28/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $10.00
Used Price: $1.54

Six Basic Self Help Prevention Steps For Urinary Tract Infections 

Help Yourself Prevent Cystitis:The Basic Steps

All kinds of people get cystitis.

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 suspect you have a UTI and have not had one before, or it is a child who has the symptoms or you are male or pregnant or have another medical condition you must seek diagnosis from a healthcare professional and NOT do this 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

Your inner cystitis can vary from a mild annoyance to a major health problem.

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

If you are prone to cystitis and seem to be getting regular attacks you may need to review your lifestyle a bit and take a few more steps to help yourself deal with your inner cystitis to have less or hopefully no attacks.

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 

I am not knocking antibiotics. They saved me on more than one occasion.

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.

If you want to get off the antibiotic trail and take control of your body and your bladder again you will want to research Waterfall Mannose Sweet Cures.

Support A Healthy Bladder. 

I have found "Sweet Cures Waterfall D Mannose" which Supports Bladder Health works best for me and no more need for antibiotics for me! Do click on the banner below which will give you more information about it now.


Waterfall D-Mannose - Helping to Support a Healthy Bladder

Men And Cystitis 

Can Men Get Cystitis?

When most people think of cystitis they think of it as something women get. However, though it is much more common in women, men should be aware as well.

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

A Taste of the Good Life: A Cookbook for an Interstitial Cystitis Diet

Amazon Price: $28.51 (as of 11/28/2009) Buy Now

Along the Healing Path : Recovering from Interstitial Cystitis

Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 11/28/2009) Buy Now

Solving the Interstitial Cystitis Puzzle: A Guide to Natural Healing

Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 11/28/2009) Buy Now

To Wake in Tears: Understanding Interstitial Cystitis

Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 11/28/2009) Buy Now

Useful Links for Interstitial Cystitis (IC) 

If you suffer from IC then do as much research as possible so you are in control of your care and treatment.
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.

Visit My Other Lenses 

Who Is Jasmine Ann?

Visit my lensography where you will get a glimpse into who I am and can view my other lenses.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Thrush and Candida Infections 

If you have cystitis and thrush or candida you may find this lens useful as well.

Waterfall D Mannose Product 

Find out More About Sweet Cures here

Please click on the link below to learn more and get your Waterfall D mannose.


Waterfall D-Mannose - Helping to Support a Healthy Bladder

Lets Chat :) 

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.

If you liked this lens please social bookmark it and tell your friends.

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  • Reply
    Kate-Phizackerley Kate-Phizackerley Nov 4, 2009 @ 2:58 pm
    A lens that will help many women. Blessed by a Suid Angel.
  • Reply
    spirituality spirituality Apr 14, 2009 @ 11:42 am
    Great lens - you've been blessed by a squidoo angel :)
  • Reply
    rockycha rockycha Nov 6, 2008 @ 8:17 pm
    Great lens with cure aids that are inexpensive and easy to find. I know if I have a fever to get to the doctor and fast! Otherwise, I use home remedies, foremost is DMannose - works like a charm... this lens was blessed by a squid angel today :)
  • Reply
    Fabsamz Fabsamz Oct 31, 2008 @ 9:19 pm
    Wow, this was VERY informational and well thought out. As someone who has had a few UTI's herself, you have it nailed. I am glad the anitbiotics worked for you in such a short time. Unfortunately for me it landed in my kindneys and I ended up in the hospital and was sick for over a month. Thank you for putting this out there for people!
  • Reply
    site-builder site-builder Oct 31, 2008 @ 11:44 am
    Hello Jasmine Ann
    Very informative lens about this affliction. My wife and are are totally convinced through experience that diet (what we eat) is a major cause of illness. Food toxins reside in processed foods and can cause a myriad of diseases. A good internal cleanse is a must. Five***** and you're my fave.
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What's In The News About Cystitis? 

Interstitial cystitis
I have interstitial cystitis and have been in a flare for the last 6 months. I have been unable to take most supplements. I can't take vitamins or minerals. ...
Psychosocial phenotyping in women with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder ...
We characterized and compared psychosocial phenotypes in a female interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome cohort and an age matched cohort without ...
Risk factors for poor sleep quality among patients with interstitial cystitis ...
Previous research has suggested that patients with interstitial cystitis have more sleep disturbances and higher levels of depression. ...
The 'prostate problems' that could actually turn out to be male cystitis
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Jasmine ann started writing as a recovering backpain sufferer. Here you will find an electic mix of lenses reflecting her life, interests and her love... (more)

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