UTI/Bladder infection help

[KimR]

Does anyone know of anything OTC to alleviate the symptoms of a bladder infection? I've looked on the internet and the only thing I can find (pyridium) is by prescription only. I could not get an appt until tomorrow at 11:00. I've left several messages to try to see if they could call in a prescription I could take in the interim for the pain but no one bothered to return my call. I tried calling back just before 5 when the offices close but apparently the phones close down at 4:30! I'm steaming mad because this HURTS and now I've got to put up with it until tomorrow afternoon!

At any rate, does anyone know of anything besides pyridium that can help?

Kim

 

[swanmom]

Lots and lots of fluids if you can stand it. Also, I've had some success with cranberry juice.........apparently the Ph balance of the juice (or something like that) helps to keep the infection from progressing as much. I wish you all the best. It's a horrible thing to deal with!
Also, try sitting in a warm bath for a good long time. Sometimes that relieves some of the discomfort.
P.S. Maybe if you call your doctor you can get a 'one-day' prescription for pyridium to hold you over. Since it's a pain reducer, not an antibiotic, it shouldn't interfere with your test results tomorros.

 

[swanmom]

Sorry, just saw that the doctors phone is closed. I'd make them put a call through to his service and have him call something in for you. None of the other remedies I've suggested will alleviate the pain of a significant infection - only pyridium will do that.

 

[ahutton]

Call your regular pharmacy and ask for any suggestions - they are a great resource - I remember Pyridium (or something like it) being released as an OTC - maybe it is not anymore? I also know I found all kinds of stuff for Cystitis which has many similar symptoms, and I'm sure there are some herbal remedies. I know for sure cranberry juice helps, as do blueberries, but that can take a while to get through your system. For the pain try an anti-inflamitory like Advil. Drink twice as much as you usually would, as that can also help flush things through. PD to you - hope you feel better soon!

 

[RitaZ.]

I found this for you at Drugstore.com. Check out the link; drugstore.com

I hope you find relief soon.

 

[HauntedMansionGeek]

Ahhhhhhhh having just got over a BIG one myself a few weeks ago I can tell you what I did.

We no longer have health insurance and I've had UTI's before, so I was familiar with the symptoms. I bought an over the counter med called Azo Standard....it's the same stuff that makes ya piddle a nice bright color.....

had to use it for a few days longer than recommended and I drank plenty of fluids as well.
Also, at my doctors suggestion (yes, I did call, but didn't have to see him) I doubled up for a few days on my daily dose of antibiotic that I take for rosacea.

Feel better soon. They can really be quite uncomfortable at times. I feel for ya.

 

[audflash]

I take Azo Standard, too. It's available over the counter but it doesn't cure the infection. It's more of a pain reliever. Most doctors would not want you to take it before diagnosis because it can interfere with the test. I get recurrent UTI's so I know what it is and start the pain meds right away. It really does help - that is such unbearable pain. Cranberry juice helps, too.

 

[damo]

You can buy cranberry in pills as well from the vitamin area of your pharmacy. Definitely recommended.

 

[HauntedMansionGeek]

Originally posted by audflash
I take Azo Standard, too. It's available over the counter but it doesn't cure the infection. It's more of a pain reliever. Most doctors would not want you to take it before diagnosis because it can interfere with the test. I get recurrent UTI's so I know what it is and start the pain meds right away. It really does help - that is such unbearable pain. Cranberry juice helps, too.

Yes, you're right, the Azo Standard is for the discomfort/pain of the UTI and I wouldn't recommend using it if you weren't sure that you did have an UTI. Azo is an analgesic, not a cure.

 

[Harley Chick]

Cranberry juice works great. Also, I read a couple of weeks ago that Alka Seltzer is like a miracle cure for UTI, even though it's not marketed for it.

 

[audflash]

Originally posted by Harley Chick
Cranberry juice works great. Also, I read a couple of weeks ago that Alka Seltzer is like a miracle cure for UTI, even though it's not marketed for it.

Alka Seltzer - No kidding! I would seriously try almost anything if I was feeling a UTI coming on... I assume you take it orally...

When I was having recurrent UTIs after surgery, I took the cranberry pills everyday as a preventative. It did seem to help me.