Bladder Infection....1 1/2 post op

It has been 1 1/2 years since my TAH. I have never had a problem with urinary tract infections or even yeast infections until here recently. I had such a bad kidney infection that I was double dosing anitbiotics and pian medication. Ive also been getting yeast infections more often also. I have noticed if I forget to change my HRT (patch) within a day or two its seems like I will get an infection!! YUCK! Im also noticing a smell sometimes more than others! IS ANYONE ELSE HAVING THIS TROUBLE?

I have a question for you

Were you doubleing up on the meds per doctors orders?

If the doctor didn't tell you to you need to let him know that you have. Taking more than what the doctor perscribed will not really help.

Also depending on the antibiotics that "could be" what is causing your yeast infection. Sad but true.

After my last surgery I required a stay in the castle for kidney infection and they really filled me up with antibiotics. (levequine, gentamycian and macrobid) (I think that is right) for at least 2 and 1/2 days. I got home with a MAJOR yeast infection.

The "normal flora" (bacteria that we normally have) in the vagina keeps yeast infections at bay. When we are given large amounts of antibiotics that kills the "normal flora" in our bodies and allows the yeast to have free reign.

Hi rugrats & known2b

I'm reading your posts with some feeling of relief - I'm not the only one. I'm 3 years post-op and have been suffering from recurring UTI's since about 4 months after my surgery. I can't tell you how many infections I've had. . . at least 6 /year. I'm into my second infection in 3 weeks right now after enjoying about 3 months infection-free.

Until my surgery, I think I had had only 2 UTIs in my life! Now it's a normal course. I have sex, I get a UTI. It's infuriating talking to the doctors because they keep lecturing me on how to wipe myself properly!!!! (Yeah, I'm 43 years old and I don't know how to do that!) and to void after sex. (I do, and it doesn't seem to make a difference.)

I've had a cystoscopy (sp?) and ultrasound, and visited a Urologist who just asked me questions (no exam). All say that everything looks normal. I just don't understand it. How can it all be normal when this had not been an issue pre-surgery? Is there something that happens after hysters that put some kind of undue pressure on the bladder? Any ideas what I could do to deal with this in a healthy way? I hate living on macrobid.

I can't say what I've done that makes a difference, because I'm not sure what worked and what was just coincidence. I've gotten to the point where I think it's all just futile. Some things that I've noticed include: it seems like when I'm stressed out I have more UTIs; if I drink too much water I tend towards UTIs (my doctor says it's because the ph in the urine is not acidic enough); if I get dehydrated from exercise or working in the yard I tend to "flare up"; drinking sweetened beverages (like iced tea or pop/soda) seems to make things worse.

Aside from all this, I'm actually clueless when it comes right down to it. It would be great to hear how others have dealt with this issue. I'm getting so tired of these darn infections.

Beth

So, again I am not alone, thank God for this sight! I am 15 months post and all of a sudden I started getting UTI's. I'm just over one and another has started. I'm on pain meds and antibiotics and I feel like crap!!! My back pain is terrible and my DH says I'm kinda grumpy!!!! It was interesting what you said about them popping up when you went a couple of days over from normally changing your patch. I was thinking the same thing. Another thing I noticed, is my joints are SO sore and stiff if I miss the change date. I'm on a combi patch (estrogen/progesterone) and I also use Progesterone cream. I feel bloated and I don't want to wear jeans, pj's would be nice! Thanks for letting me whine!