Prevention of UTI's -- doses of supplements?

[Mamabug]

I've been taking daily:

• one 500 mg capsule of D-Mannose
• one capsule of Cranberry Concentrate (2 capsles = 1400 mg)

However, I still, recently, ended up with another UTI. I noticed symptoms in the middle of the night, and then, to treat what I suspected was a UTI, took 3 doses of three 500 capsules of D-Mannose in between 2:00 am and noon the next day, while I waited for lab results. I was able to start on anti-biotics around noon, after the UTI was confirmed and rx was called in and available to pick up.

This is the first UTI that I've had, ever, that has not triggered an MS flare.

There could be two possible explanations for that:

1. the early "treatment" with D-Mannose, while waiting to begin on anti-biotics
2. I requested a low (Dr. rx-ed a 20 mg dose) dose of prednisone, as a possible "preventative", due to my hx. My Dr. (my local PCP) agreed that he'd try that, but, wasn't sure that it would work.. I don't expect that my MS Specialist (in Kansas City) would've been willing prescribe steroids as a preventative.

But, here's my question. I was taking both D-Mannose and Cranberry supplements for prevention, and, I still got a UTI. Was my dose too low? Should I be taking more? Does anybody here have much knowledge or experience related to that?

The two supplements I currently have are running low. I ordered another over the internet (because it was less expensive), but, one capsule only contains 100 mg cranberry juice extract and 450 mg d-mannose.

I'm not finding consistent dosing suggestions, either on the products I own, or, online.

~ Faith

[rdmc]

Hi Faith,

I use the D-Mannose powder, and I take a teaspoon dissolved in water in the AM, and the same before bed. I've had good success with it (knock on wood....)

I think a teaspoon of the powder is equal to 2000 mgs.

If you're going to buy the powder, I've found the cheapest price on amazon.

[Mamabug]

Had trouble finding this thread. Guess it got moved from the General Board. Hadn't thought that this was a question specifically for Tara.

Thanks, rdmc. I certainly could go with the powder next time. Is there a brand you prefer?

~ Faith

[rdmc]

I use the NOW brand, it comes in 3 oz size. Usually about 15 or 16 bucks on Amazon.com...in health food stores it runs 25-30.

I just checked, somebody's selling it for 14 something on there now. Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Now-Foods-D-ma...4152179&sr=1-1

[Mamabug]

NOW is also the brand of capsules I originally purchased from my health food store. Will try ordering online.

Do you also use a cranberry supplement (in addition to D-Mannose)?

~ Faith

[Tapdancer]

I read somewhere that you need a minimum of 1500 mg daily of cranberry in three divided doses. Sorry, but I don't remember where I read that. I also take a teaspoon of D-Mannose in water morning and night. Doesn't work as well if you take it with coffee. Acid?
This regimen helps, but I still get them. Just not as often.
I think Swanson's is cheapest for cranberry and Amazon (Now brand) is cheapest for D-Mannose.
Hope this helps.

[Mamabug]

Thanks, Nance.

I currently have an almost full bottle of NOW capsules, but, I read somewhere that the powder is more effective.

Interesting to hear you say that, although you take both D-Mannose and Cranberry supplements, you still get UTI's. D-Mannose info that I've found online makes it appear that it will stop them from occuring. Guess I won't skimp on either (I wondered if I took the d-Mannose, if I could get by without the cranberry), but take them both to increase my chance at effectiveness.

Will try ordering the powder when I start to run low on the capsules.

~ Faith

[chrisinpa]

you need to try to figure out what is causing the UTI's. a urologist and testing is a good start.

if you are retaining urine in your bladder, that creates a major breeding ground for bacteria. in this case, you can drink all the cranberry juice and d-mannose you want and it won't do squat.

it is a pain, but get checked out.

[Tapdancer]

I agree that urodynamic testing is important. Good if you can go to a uro-gynecologist or some a urologist who has a big practice in women with MS. Maybe part of an MS Center? In my case, there is just no good answer to the retention. I have learned a great deal though about managing the UTIs. Self cath is an option for some.

[Mamabug]

Sigh. I hate the idea of adding another doctor to my list. But, I'll mention the UTI's to my MS Specialist when I go see her later this month. Could also talk with her regarding frequent urination problem. (Could those two things be related to each other?)

(Have to drive 3 hours, once every 6 months, to Kansas City, to see my MS Specialist. I still keep in contact with my former neurologist, in Wichita -- 25 miles -- about a few things, for instance -- he prescribes my copaxone. I also see my primary care provider right here in my home town twice a year + for whatever else comes up. He prescribes my anti-biotics for UTI's and steroids for flares.)

~ Faith

[newme]

As soon as I feel any kind of pressure or discomfort, I drink 4 oz of water with a tsp of baking soda in it. It makes me burp but usually does the job of stopping things from getting worse. If I still feel pressure I start the cranberry juice and if still after that make a trip to the doc.

[nutritiontara]

Sounds like your system is reinfecting itself. If your lymphatic system is full of "junk" fungus, yeast, etc...it will continue to reinfect the entire system. SOLVE? castor packs. Will eliminate infection out of the lymph system. Also sea salt; this will change the pH and assist the kidneys.

[Mamabug]

Thanks, Tara.

I purchased some castor oil last week, but, haven't done a castor pack yet.

Both of your remedies (castor oil and sea salts) -- are they for prevention (rather than treatment)? I go to the doctor, right away, for treatment, when I know I have a UTI, because my hx is that they trigger an MS flare. I'm looking for something to prevent them.

Will try your suggestions.

~ Faith

[nutritiontara]

prevention and an everyday thing

[robyn55]

Apart from the urogynecologist thing - best advice I ever got (from my PCP) was use one piece of toilet paper to wipe the front (from back to front) - another to wipe the back (from front to back) . You will use a lot of TP - but TP is cheaper than doctors and drugs. I do use a lot of TP - but have never had a UTI (only had 1) since I started to do this. Robyn