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How to Endure and Possibly Triumph Over the Adorable Tyrant
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Tuesday
Oct232007

More than you wanted to know about the last 48 hours.

DateOctober 23, 2007 Comment65 Comments

Well, the child recovered from his fever in time to spend the weekend at my in-laws, as we had planned. Scott and I had a great weekend, and because of this, on Sunday night, the Lord chose to strike me down with yet another bladder infection. Yea, he didst render me insensible with pain, such was his wrath, that we should dare enjoy each other's company without a child mewling and tugging at our belt loops.

It began at midnight on Sunday, when I thought, hmm, what's that mild twinge in my lower abdomen? I then made the mistake of going to the bathroom, instead of throwing myself out the window. The less said about what happened in the bathroom, the better, but I will say that I have never experienced pain like that; I would rather have given birth through my urethra, and I'm sorry I just wrote that but there it is. Do you want me to delete it? Too late! Already published!

We spent much of Sunday-into-Monday in the emergency room—and it was the cutest little emergency room you ever did see. So wee! So not spattered with blood and fear! Until I showed up! Although there was only one other guy there, some guy with a cough, CRY ME A RIVER, the ER staff still decided to make us wait for hours, or what seemed like hours. I think I heard music coming from the triage room. They couldn't hear my moaning and weeping over the music and the clog dancing—I bet there was clog dancing—or maybe they could, and it amused them. If they could have siphoned my tears into their cocktails, they probably would have. The devils!

Finally the doctor took a break from his carousing to see me, and declared that instead of giving me the medication that works for bladder infections, he would give me the medication that does not work. I thought this was an interesting strategy, but maybe one that would result in pain, instead of not-pain. He didn't seem to mind that idea. I tried to argue my point, but he had already had enough of me. He was done the moment he entered the room and asked me what was wrong, and I had the temerity to observe that I had a bladder infection. How dare I diagnose myself!

I wasn't even going to write about this. I sat down this morning and thought, "Don't write about your stupid bladder, Alice, no one wants to hear about it." But my hands keep on typing it out. I can't stop them. Anyway, the drugs didn't work, I wept and clawed at myself, the pain, oh the pain, I went to my doctor, he gave me the drugs that worked, I slept the rest of the day, my son came home and I kissed him all over his sweet head, and here I am. The sun is shining, and I have the ability to stand upright. It's a good day.

 

Reader Comments (65)

I got a sever bladder infection two weeks before my wedding. It's easily worse than anything I've ever experienced. I'm so glad you're feeling better.
October 24, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterJennie
If you are still reading by now. Vit C time-released works by keeping the urine acid and helps ward off bacteria. Also the above OTC help the pain.
October 24, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterBeverly
I have nothing to offer when it comes to advice regarding when you should pee. (Before? After? During?) I just want to say that the idea of the ER staff clogging in the next room totally did me in. Because I picture them all with their hands (holding syringes and whatnot) at their sides all Riverdance style.
October 25, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterAngela
Poor Alice! I too feel your pain, having been prone to the bladder infections as well. Everyone else's advice is great, and I would definitely find yourself a sympathetic doctor (would your ob/gyn be the right one to ask?) to give you an emergency prescription of the Drug That Works.
October 25, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterMauigirl
I'm a dolt. I read the post and then all the comments/advice about peeing "before and after," and I'm thinking, "before and after what--the weekend?" Obviously, I've never had a bladder infection or a UTI. Feeling very lucky about that. Sounds terrible!!
October 25, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterKaren G
I also have the chronic UTI's and have spent way too many nights in the ER or urgent care, or trying to find an all-night pharmacy while on vacation and it's Xmas Eve... ugh. Every time it happens I think about what women must have done before antiobiotics were invented (did they just die?). Yes, get a "just in case" prescription filled - esp. when going on vacation. If you remember to bring it, you'll never need it.

My doctor prescribed a prophylatic antibiotic - take 1 pill right after sex. I did that for a while with good results - even cut back to 1/2 a pill which worked fine too - until I got freaked out about taking that many antibiotics (though really, compared to how many you have to take when you get UTI's every month or so, it's a wash)

What I do now, also doctor's recommendation, is pee TWICE after sex. Once right after, then drink a big glass of water and stay awake until you have to pee again. It's a drag when it's late and all you want to do is go to sleep, but it does work.

My doctor also told me that it's the vitamin C in cranberry juice that helps keep the bacteria from clinging to the urethral walls (great image), so she said take a Vitamin C pill once (or maybe twice?) a day and it will have the same effect.
October 25, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterAKD
I diagnosed my 9 month-old's bladder infection a few years back, after the overly-schooled doctors couldn't figure out the cause of his fever. I set out to figure it out myself, and after an Entire WEEK we, meaning I, finally figured out what was wrong with him. I was relieved and felt awful at the same time when my suspicion was confirmed. Poor Baby! I was paranoid about it each and every time he had a fever afterwards.

Your doctor was just power tripping! How dare you know more than he/her, especially about your own body.
October 25, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterNoMasNinos
Bladder infection veteran here. As previous commenters said, uristat is good for pain relief until you get to the doctor, and usually an infection is bad enough that it does not interfere with tests that much. I have taken large quantities of uristat in attempt to prevent suicide or stabbing of self in the bladder area, and ALWAYS with food to prevent nausea. Also, peeing after sex is a must. And spermicide can be the cause of a UTI - it is Bad with a capital B.

Antibiotics: I've found that Levaquin works best and Cipro doesn't work so well. You can get your doc to prescribe Microdantin, but I do not recommend taking antibiotics for any period of time longer than 10 days. I take the Microdantin only when there are UTI risk factors present, such as immediately after having sex.

The person who mentioned the pill being the cause of UTIs - yes, that can be true because it does alter the PH level of one's tender bits. The solution to this: have a daily dose of acidophilus, through supplements or yogurt.
October 26, 2007 | Unregistered Commentermegabeth
Oh I know, I know, I was actually peeing blood awhile back. So amazingly painful isn't it. Glad you're on the mend.
October 27, 2007 | Unregistered Commentercce
I was actually peeing blood awhile back, so I know what you speak of. Astonishingly painful, isn't it?
October 27, 2007 | Unregistered Commentercce
Sorry for the double comment, thought I'd screwed up the first time around.
October 27, 2007 | Unregistered Commentercce
Sorry for the double comment, thought I'd screwed up the first time around.
October 27, 2007 | Unregistered Commentercce
Dumb patients never know what is wrong with themselves...'cause they've never spent time with their very own bodies???? Doctors!
October 27, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterBitsy Parker
Next time you go in with a bladder infection, insist that a broken ankle is causing your discomfort. The doctor will be all too happy to pat you on the head and tell you no, dearie, this is a bladder infection. Settle for antibiotics, but still act kind of pissed that he refused you x-rays.
October 29, 2007 | Unregistered Commenterorooni
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