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    UTis

    Hello, all. I'm new here. DX in 2005, been on Copaxone since. Looks like I may have to quit. My assistance has been halved, and with the constant increase in med. I can't afford it.

    Enough about that.

    Anyone out there had an UTI they were unaware of? Symptoms? I'm suspicious, but don't have the 'usual' symptoms.

    #2
    Originally posted by FLUID PAINTER View Post
    Anyone out there had an UTI they were unaware of? Symptoms? I'm suspicious, but don't have the 'usual' symptoms.
    Hello FLUID PAINTER and welcome to MSWorld.

    To answer your question:

    Yes, I have had a few UTIs in which I didn't have the usual symptoms. It took a couple of months before I even considered a UTI as the problem for more leg weakness, bladder control problems and fatigue.
    Diagnosed 1984
    “Lightworkers aren’t here to avoid the darkness…they are here to transform the darkness through the illuminating power of love.” Muses from a mystic

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      #3
      Thanks, Snoopy! You mentioned exactly what I've been experiencing; leg weakness. I'm going to the local clinic and twist their arms to check me. I've had Dr. who's reluctant to take specimen (why? I don't know, it's a simple test).

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        #4
        You can test yourself. Drugstores sell test strips just like the quick test the doctors use. My urologist discourages the use of them because he says they show some false positives. Knowing that, I use them to rule out UTI's, figuring that if they're negative and I don't have the usual symptoms, I'm OK.

        The brand I use is AZO. Drugstores generally keep them in the feminine hygiene area.

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          #5
          Originally posted by kmallory1 View Post
          You can test yourself. Drugstores sell test strips just like the quick test the doctors use. My urologist discourages the use of them because he says they show some false positives.
          Your Urologist is correct.

          I have used the test strips and have found them to be inconsistant to the urine test at my PCPs office. I no longer waste my money on the test strips.

          FLUID PAINTER, you are welcome
          Diagnosed 1984
          “Lightworkers aren’t here to avoid the darkness…they are here to transform the darkness through the illuminating power of love.” Muses from a mystic

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            #6
            I get pretty frequent UTIs (maybe one every couple of months)...and the maddening part is I never get the usual symptoms. So by the time it dawns on me I have one, it's full blown.

            I notice extra spasticity, maybe some increased frequency, and hesitancy, but mostly it is my legs that it seems to affect the most. If left untreated it does play havoc with my MS symptoms. In fact, I have a baclofen pump, and if I go to my pump doctor and tell them I need them to turn it up due to increased spasticity, they will do a test for a UTI to make sure that that's not the cause of the increased spasticity.

            I keep those test strips on hand (you can buy Azo strips in the drug store and they're expensive, about 10 bucks for 3, or you can go on amazon and order 100 for around 16 dollars...the brand is Rapid Response just make sure you get the 10 parameter ones, they test for leukocytes and nitrites, just like the drug store ones.) That way, I test at home, and know what's happening and whether I need to take antibiotics.

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              #7
              Thanks kmallory1 & rdmc! I didn't know about the test strips, I may consider them.

              rdmc, aside from my legs being weak, I'v noticed some increased spasticity too.

              Have an appt. with onsite clinic tomorrow where my husband works. Will know soon!

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                #8
                you definitely want to get it checked out, if it is a UTI and it goes untreated, it can spread to your kidneys and cause bigger problems. This just happened to me, ended up needing IV fluids with a 105 degree fever...not a good situation. Always check it out if you aren't sure!
                diagnosed: 4.18.08
                avonex: 8.18.08
                rebif: 2.5.09

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                  #9
                  Hi!, I have very little feeling from my waist down due to this MonSter,so when I get a UTI I kinda know how my pee changes. As I've had MS for 11yrs my Dr. knows when I call & ask for an Rx for a UTI she just calls my pharm.
                  Just flood your bladder w/ lots of water, that really helps.
                  Keep us posted God Bless Nona Judy

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                    #10
                    I got tested for one a few weeks ago. I've had some urgency and frequency issues for a long time but there was a period of 4-5 days where I suddenly had to go every 10-30 minutes. I didn't have pain or discomfort or anything. I called the MS Center since I'm in the middle of a relapse and they sent me to my ob/gyn (since the ms center is 70 miles away) to get tested. The urinalysis and urine culture were both completely negative so presumably it was MS-related. The symptoms got mostly better after about 5 days.
                    I didn't know UTIs could cause leg weakness; interesting! I've never had one before that I know of.
                    2001: 1st 2 relapses, "probable MS." 2007: 3rd relapse. Dx of RRMS confirmed by MS specialist. Started Cpx. (Off Cpx Feb 08-Mar 09 to start a family; twins!) Dec '09: Started Beta. Oct '13: Started Tecfidera. May '15: Considering Gilenya.

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