Other than antibiotics. I'm desperate. I have been on and off antibiotics since last November, and as soon as I stop taking them the infection comes back. I have taken every antibiotic imaginable, been tested for every STD imaginable, and I am not having sex... I am desperate for some relief, this is ruining my life
Urinary Tract Infection - I have an antibiotic resistant UTI, anyone tried anything thats worked?
Question posted by Benecio on 26 Aug 2012
Last updated on 26 July 2020 by Dragsterwomen9
15 Answers
Dragsterwomen9
26 July 2020
Try linezolid. I had a culture come back with strep and this is what he put me on. It's absolutely the best antibiotics I have been on for a UTI. And I'm allergic to everything
mamiebrowning
21 June 2020
My gynecologist prescribed a compound ointment that worked for me. It's Estradiol .01% Vaginal cream.
jesterre
5 April 2018
One thing I don't understand is why are so many people recommending staying away from caffeine? I am a male with quadriplegic spinal cord injury and keep getting repetitive UTIs. It's true you should have a culture and sensitivity reports before treating. It is also true that d-mannose is only effective against E. coli (which is not a bacteria that I frequently get). I do frequently get Klebsiella pneumoniae… In fact, for the past six months I have had it over and over and over again! It is sensitive to Keflex and Amoxi-clav, but I'm sure that will soon run out and it will become resistant. We have tried many things, including being on IV antibiotics for six weeks! (Ertapenem) nothing has worked. I recently had surgery for a suprapubic catheter, the urologist's hope is that this may provide some success in reducing or eliminating my bladder infections.
Anyhow, I drink one cup of coffee every morning followed by about 2 L of water in about an hour and a half. Now I'm wondering why so many people have said to cut out caffeine? Strangely, you would think a diuretic would improve urine flow through the bladder which would help to flesh out bacteria. Very curious about this.
sandyb1232000
19 Feb 2020
The ertapenam isn’t broad enough. I personally was given this IV and it never worked. I eventually had to take 2 weeks of iV vancomycin. That finally kicked a post surgical kidney infection.
With a case as complex as yours, I would request vancomycin and then work on prevention. You are probably colonized pretty well with the klebsiella. That will kick it. Rebuild with probiotics and other good preventive practices.
Diuretics will disrupt your mineral balance and could cause other issues. The vitamin C and olive leaf are good for your whole system. Keeping bowels moving will help too. A full colon will obstruct emptying of bladder fully, even with a catheter. You can get pockets of urine left.
Sacheverelle
4 April 2018
I know this is an old question on here but I have a recommendation: a supplement called Olive Leaf Extract. It's good stuff. It eliminated UTI symptoms I'd had for over a month like some kind of magic, hand to God, I was amazed. I had the same thing going on that you describe, a stubborn UTI that the antibiotics helped kind of, but a whole month later still weren't completely cured and the antibiotics were getting progressively stronger and hurting my stomach. I felt some relief yes, but none of them cured it 100% completely. I started with the go-to sulpha UTI antibiotic first-still had symptoms. So went to another stronger one, I forget the name, which also didn't cure it, and a month later I was at Target picking up antibiotic #3, Levaquin and the Target pharmacist randomly suggested I try Olive Leaf Extract.
He seemed pretty confident about its benefits and its effectiveness and I was desperate at that point so I went from there and picked up a bottle at a Vitamin Shop store, I believe. and took 3 or 4 OLE caps that night before bed. The next morning all UTI symptoms were GONE, I peed and it felt normal, I was totally amazed. So now I recommend OLE to anyone with a UTI, give it a shot, it can't hurt. It's a nutraceutical, literally, a food medicine. It's basically the good stuff contained in olive oil that has curative and anti-oxidant properties. It's totally safe to take with other meds including antibiotics, has zero side effects. The active ingredient is a compound called oleuropein, it's found in green olives and their oil, and the leaves from the olive tree. You can buy it at a vitamin store like GNC, Vitamin Shop, etc, any place that has a good variety of supplements; typically not drug store chains like CVS but I've seen it at a Walmart Superstore tho. Or you can get it online, just Google it. I really don't think the brand really matters but the standardization is what you want to pay attention to. Make sure you're getting a high %age of that good stuff, the active ingredient, oleuropein. The one I took was 500 mg capsules standardized to contain 150 mg of of oleuropein (15%). I just got another bottle of a stronger formulation, 750 mg caps standardized to 200 mg (20%) oleuropein. Anyway, I highly, highly recommend giving it a try, it can't hurt and if it works for you, you will be as startled as I was at how effectively and quickly it gets rid of a UTI. Good luck and get well.
SarahHampton98
3 Feb 2018
Go to a urologist is my best advice. I had a UTI that lead to a kidney infection, I went to the emergency room and found out that I had what they call a UPJ obstruction that was taking care of with surgery.
hismetalpixie
29 Sep 2017
Try 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar in an 8 oz glass of water SEVERAL times a day. Also stay away from caffeine, alcohol, and sugar. Do not smoke.
Good luck.
sueblacklock
8 July 2017
Have you had a distended cystoscopy? Interstitial cystitis can mimic UTIs. The lining of the bladder becomes irritated and the irritated places can leak blood and cause pain. A different drug regimen (not antibiotics) and a diet change can help. I am now resistant to many antibiotics that were unnecessary. IC can only be detected with a cystoscopy that is performed after the bladder is distended with water. A regular procedure can't display any irritated areas that are in the folds of the lining. Find a good urologist and don't take any antibiotics unless s culture specifies one.
Mhutchinson
20 June 2017
I currently am having a similar issue, taken 2 different types of antibiotics including macrobid and I made the mistake of eating sugar one day, then the symptoms came back. I have recently purchased Curcumin, Olive Leaf and a strong d-mannose that I've been taking in conjunction with acidophilus. These all seem to be helping, although the detox from the olive leaf made me feel awful this morning. Apparently the flu-like symptoms mean it is working :p I also cut out all sugar, started eating clean, drink tons of water, and take a multivitamin. Vitamin C also helps. If you look up UTI on YouTube you will find lots of videos with women sharing the types of herbal supplements they have been using. Goldenseal and Oregano oil also help! Good luck!
Rabeya
2 Oct 2016
Who needs pills for A UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) when there are natural drinks you can drink for it
Freakincat
27 Dec 2016
Because sometimes drinks alone don't fix the problem.
Hairmaker01
25 April 2018
Like?
Kungfu Momma
11 Aug 2016
D-mannose is a life saver!! Take daily as a preventative. Take a teaspoon after sex and if you already have a uti take every 3-4 hours for a few days until symptoms are gone.
wearediamonds
13 Dec 2016
D-mannose has only been shown to be effective if the infection is caused by e.coli. It's quite expensive right? So you probably want to know that's what your issue is before taking it daily as a preventative.
Wildsage-331
11 Jan 2017
Order through Amazon & not expensive. I heard best brand is called NOW. But it is 2:30 & I'm up dying with burning & on Keflex too!
mamakim577
23 March 2017
For the past 8 weeks I have had pain urinating, pelvic pain, leg pain and back pain. Was given 10 days of bactrim. E. coli infection didn't go away. Next I was prescribed Macrobid. Infection didn't go away. Then I went back on bactrim. Infection didn't clear up. Yesterday my urologist prescribed Penicillin. I had a ultrasound of kidneys and bladder. Was scheduled for cystoscopy today but, the infection was still present so the doctor canceled the cystoscopy. Now the cystoscopy is rescheduled for next week. I've drank my weight in cranberry juice. I used 4 boxes of cranberry pills AND Azo tablets. My job requires I be on my feet for 8 hours. No sitting. This truly has been a challenge and I've had pain to the point I've considered calling in sick. But, at my job it's considered a incident. Even though I have 3 weeks personal time off saved up. I'm at a loss for why this has occurred and has been so difficult to clear up.
I can honestly say that sex isn't the problem. I've been celibate for over 10 years for reasons I won't go in to. This is really frustrating. I just hope the cystoscopy next week give me some answers and relief. And yes, I am aware of how to properly wipe and clean myself. I'm in the healthcare field. I'm just frustrated and suffering.
Headtohealth
6 June 2017
Most, 90 % of all it is are caused by E. Coli. So, Cranberry, and D- mannose as well as Olive leaf Extract (kills e -coli).
If your uti is antibiotic resistant you must make these items sumultaneously for 10 days to 2 weeks.
cdpamike
30 Dec 2013
You can try cranberry juice but the cranberry pills over the counter for a few dollars on the bottle it says how to take and says it is for UTI's I have used them before and it def does help and for me it helped I didn't go to the doctor. I hope this helps
socal
1 Sep 2012
Hi Benecio,
My anwer is ALWAYS the same. I went through what you are going through. I switched health care providers and visited a urogynecologist who prescribed Methenamine Hipp (common brands: Hiprex, Mandelamine, Urex) I take one pill twice a day accompanied each time by 1,000 mg of vitamin C. I have been almost infection free for two years now. It has been a miracle in my life. But, you MUST be infection free when you start the program because it is preventive. Please ask your doctor about this treatment plan and see what she/he has to say. I have no information about this preventive approach with males. Please do your homework and I wish you the very best as what you are going through is very miserable. Trust me, I know.
socal
Benecio
1 Sep 2012
Thank you, I never heard of that treatment. Thank you to all of you, I have gotten a lot of great information.
Christine34
12 Sep 2012
I have had UTI's for years. I have been on all kinds of antibiotics and it works for a few days and then the uti comes right back. This weekend I spent Friday through Sunday in the hospitol. They did numorous tests and the UTI had gotten into my blood stream and my white blood cell count waqs at 15. After being on an IV all weekend, they released me with Keflex. My stomach began hurting again and my head feels like it is spinning. My heart is beating so fast unless I sit and do nothing (yeah right with 5 kids) and I keep "seeing things". I looked up Keflex on this site and low and behold these are the side effects. So I have two questions. First, is it ok to stop taking them as I have an appt with a new GYN in the morning and second can my boyfriend and I be giving this back and forth to each other?
Tolan08
24 April 2014
DO NOT TAKE METHENAMINE!!! It causes cancer! Do your research... You get rid of an infection with a medication that has been proven to cause bladder cancer! It's underlying ingredient is formaldehyde!
maryjaneville
4 Oct 2014
Did you ever clear this up? I think I can help
bunnyo38
8 July 2017
how can u help maryjaneville?
Morgan918
4 April 2018
Mandelamine converts to formaldehyde in the system which has been proven to cause bladder cancer. You are preventing your infections but gambling never the less. I would not suggest this at any cost.
Inactive
1 Sep 2012
There is a very bad strain of E Coli infection going around women through UTI's, caused by chickens that are given antibiotics for growth, and keeping them healthy. It is resistant to antibiotics, as it is caused by antibiotics. Patti is right to keep up with the vitamin C, and other supplements that build up your immune system, but you also might want to have your new doctor check and see if the UTI you carry is the one that is caused by the chickens. They have to treat that differently. Best of luck to you!!
See also: https://www.drugs.com/article/antibiotic-resistance.html
Benecio
1 Sep 2012
Wow, I had no idea. I will definitely mention this to my doctor. Thank you.
ken31gin
11 Feb 2013
I have been fighting a UTI for months with Cipro, sick feeling and shoulder pain and Ceftin, had to quit that in one day and others. What would they use if it is the E Coli infection from chickens? I read an article about this also.
Inactive
26 Aug 2012
Dear Benecio, I had what I thought was chronic UTI, it actually wasn't, although the tendency to have UTIs runs in my family and I have had my share of legitimate ones. 2 things that were causing them or the symptoms in me, we're taking tylenol and Advil everyday, and also my hormones were very messed up. Urinary tract burning, is listed way way down on the list of side effects for Tylenol and Advil, as I responded to hormone replacement therapy, they subsided as well. My dr said that there a basically 4 germs that cause UTI'S, 3 of the germs respond to things like Bactrim or nitrofurantoin, and the 4th will need Cipro. My dr had only ordered a check for white cells in the urine, it neededto be cultured for the specific type of bacteria causing it, and I needed the cipro one time when one wouldn't clear up. I also had to cut out ALL caffeine to get rid of that one. Patti
Benecio
26 Aug 2012
They culture it every time. This last round of antibiotics was 10 days of cipro followed by 10 days of bactrim, and now its back. I will ask my doctor if I just stay on an antibiotic long term. Thanks everyone for the suggestions.
Inactive
26 Aug 2012
I am glad they are culturing it. Some people do have interstitial cystitis, and that sounds like what you may have. Cutting back on caffeine, drinking more water and cranberry juice and maybe switching to a laundry detergent that has NO colors or Dyes, may help somewhat with the burning. Have you had any blood work, such as a hormone panel and have they checked your kidneys for stones. Thank you very much for adding the additional info.patti
Benecio
26 Aug 2012
I've had multiple cystoscopy's, and other tests. Docs don't think it's IC.
I got this infection after sex with my boyfriend and I didn't urinate afterwards like I usually do. When I am on antibiotics I feel fine, it just seems like when I finish the prescription, a few days later its back. And the doc does culture my urine and it is an infection. I have a new doctor now, hopefully she will work with me. I had two previous male doctors who could of cared less that I was in misery. Finally found a female doctor. I'm going to try the mass doses of Vitamin C until my next appointment.
Inactive
26 Aug 2012
Good Luck and good for you for seeking another dr. In my case, I also have had multiple UTI'S, some clear right up, some have lasted a while. Even OTC meds have colored dyes in them, vitamin supplements can too and my suspicion is my symptoms were worse when I took OTC meds and vitamins, so i suspect at least in my case, there is some dye or other substance in those pills making the burning worse. It's miserable, and I hope you get some relief soon. They do make those over the counter pills for the burning and some have cranberry in them too. Azo standard is a brand of that, there are store brands too, that have the cranberry added, think the one I used is called Uricalm or something like that. If the burning is really bad, try that if you haven't already.
Benecio
29 Aug 2012
After 2 days of massive vitamin C dosing I have no symptoms! YEAH!!! For the first time in a long time I did not need pyridium or uristat today. I am going to stick with it for the 5 days as suggested and then stay on vitamin C as maintenance. I really hope this is the solution. Thank you to the person who posted this in a previous comment/answer session... it has really helped.
Inactive
29 Aug 2012
Yay! Hope you stay symptom free
Inactive
29 Aug 2012
Hi pattishan - I have IC and my Urologist said no way! To cranberry juice (in juice form or in capsules). No citrus fruits or juices at all. I also fight UTIs all the time, so miss the cranberry juice in that regard. Sometimes hard to figure it all out with different recommendations from different people. Thanks for your comments! - ElizaJane
ken31gin
19 Jan 2013
Thanks for that tip, I didn't know about the caffeine. I've been on antibiotics since last June and hope it's cured now.
milkystars
18 March 2014
I am the same like you i have had a utis for 9 years now on and off. A few years ago doctors where better. Mine started 2006 i had a sever infection the pain was out of this world i nearly died. I spent 9months on high does of antibiotics which then it went. But i got another one in 2008 spent 4 months on high dose antibiotic but also i try to flush it out at the sametime by drinking ridiculus amounts of fluid but that was easy to do i would sit and non stop drink litres of fluid for about 4 hours a day before going bed after i finished work. Then it cleared then i got another one in 2009 untill now.
But the doctors wont help me they wont give me enough antibiotics to get better again they will only give me low dose not high dose and i need high dose of at least a 1000mg a day for ayear sounds crazy but that i think is how long i would need em for but the doctors are stricter now in the last couple of years i cant get enough to cure me the doctors wont only give me one packet which does nothing im to resistant now thats why i need so many its the only thing that works for me but now doctors wont do it. I think my chronic insomnia and cronic depression has also made my immune system supressed to low. Now i feel i will be in pain for ever its destroying my life too. I have no sex life in constant pain. It effects work being able to go on holiday abroad cos the heat makes it terrible lucky i live in cold country but i miss and love abroad often feel desparate to go abroad to Turkiye and get antibiotics from there had em before there good but got asmall child now dont know when i will go bk the amount i need i would be worried if they stopped me at customes 52 packets sounds crazy but i think thats how much i would need. If the doctors gave me my continous supply of antibiotics. I know i would evenually get better again but they wont it should be my choice not there there condeming me to a life of pain so unfair scared i will be in pain for ever its horrible i know how you feel. People think its only a bladder infection but when you cant get rid of it feels more like a terminal illness its hell for me i feel your pain
Conie
20 Jan 2015
My research has suggested that there may be some bacteria, hiding in the bladder, that the antibiotic doesn't touch. The supplement Forskolin was suggested and now I find that it is dangerous to combine this with blood pressure medication. My bladder is prolapsed and has been for many years. Thus a better chance of bacteria getting in the folds where an antibiotic cannot find it. I suspect that is my case, but have no way to really know.
ssoul818
4 Dec 2017
Look up Black Seed Nigella Sativa for Uti ..it should shift it for good according to what I have been told ..
kaismama
26 Aug 2012
You are probably not on the antibiotic long enough. Have you had a culture and sensitivity of your urine done? I would find another doctor, preferably a urologist if the doc you have hasn't managed to figure it out in all this time. All that is happening is your killing off enough bacteria to lessen the symptoms, then you're done with the antibiotic and the bacteria can grow again.
Adeline
26 Aug 2012
I agree with kaismama, as i wrote earlier today on another post, i went through 3 years of constant UTI's. i went to doctors all over, even two infection disease Dr.'s. Untill a Dr put me on antibitics for a long period, and knock on wood so far so good. The antibiotics were killing my stomach, but i stuck it out. A long dose of Cipro is what helped me.
Headtohealth
20 June 2017
I would go to the health food store and get D-mannose. And follow the directions carefully. If you take this you will get rid of the UTI. D -manner makes the bacteria causing the UTI to clump together and pull away from the walls of the bladder so you can excrete it.
I would buy the powder of the capsules.
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urinary tract infection, infections, antibiotics
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