One major problem with self-medicating that I haven't seen anyone address is the possibility that by taking an antibiotic that doesn't attack a bacteria sufficiently could result in sepsis or a superbug. It's important to have the urine tested, especially if the antibiotic doesn't seem to be working after a few days.
I myself am taking a broad spectrum (Cipro) right now because of an infection that I think I got because my catheter started turning gray and appeared to be getting too old. I'm calling in Monday to make sure that the infection I have is susceptible to the Cipro which I am now taking. Laura used to talk about using the urinalysis strips in order to determine when the white blood cells were elevated in the urine. I purchased some and this has helped me know when to go and get tested. Whenever I'm having some symptoms, but my white blood cells are not too elevated I try increasing my fluid intake slightly, more cranberry, more vitamin C, and I even go to the effort of using the silver (can't remember the name for it now). It works quite a bit of the time, but there are those few that slipped through. Good luck on whatever you try. You know your body the best, but it's still important to notify the doctor, like you did, so even if he doesn't like it he is aware of it. Quadius On Mon, May 31, 2010 at 1:02 PM, Dan <[email protected]> wrote: > How many of you guys self medicate for UTIs? Last week I had the classic > symptoms of a UTI - foul smelling cloudy urine and a fever of 102.1. I had > some Keflex on hand (one of only two antibiotics I'm not allergic to, the > other being Biaxin) so I started taking a one week dose - 500mg 4Xday. Well, > when I talked to my PP - though his nurse - I was told he was not pleased. > I'm thinking I had no choice. So, what do you guys think? > > Also, when I call my doctor I always have to talk to his nurse and she > decides if I should make an appointment to see the doctor or go to the > emergency room, those are my only options. Is this standard procedure these > days? > > Dan >
