bladder infections

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blossomtime
blossomtime Member Posts: 98
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Since August of last year I have had a UTI every month except one. Always different organism. I have had a cysto and all checked out. I finished treatment one yr ago. My white count has stayed low all this time but this is the only type of infection I have had. I even started taking vinegar tablets (that was the time I actually skipped a month). This is getting quite tiresome. Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

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  • blossomtime
    blossomtime Member Posts: 98
    #2
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    Sorry didnt mean to post twice. Just changed to DSL and am experiencing some problems. Please bare with me.
  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #3
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    Hi blossom. I had problems with my white count also. In fact, I spent a weekend in the hospital following my last chemo because the bad bacteria in my own body actually went on the attach and there was no immune system left to fight. Three days on IV antibiotics and fluids fixed the problem. I also received neulasta shots, following each checo treatment, to boost white blood cell production. You didn't mention if you had. Some people are more prone to UTIs than others. If you white count remaind low, it's possible this is where your system is most vulnerable. Have you discussed the possibility of a relationship between constant infections and consistently low white cell count with your oncologist? Personal experience has taught me there is treatment for the low cell count problem.
  • inkblot
    inkblot Member Posts: 698 Member
    #4
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    Hi blossom:

    Sorry to hear about all those UTI's. Has to be
    tough to deal with.

    I suggest discussing this in detail with your doctor to determine any correlation between your low white count and the chronic infections, as tlmac suggested. Could be the culprit but could also be something else. Either way it is not normal to be having so many infections.

    You may want to check out acidophilus. Buy the best you can find. Primadophilus" is a very good brand (remember to keep it refrigerated in order to better preserve the organisms). An OTC product, it is in capsule form and you may take whatever you (and/or your doctor) feel is an appropriate amount/daily. Typically one to two/day for healthy maintenance. The lactobacillus helps to re-populate the "good" flora in your system, in an action similar to yogurt, yet has far superior cultures, without all the hassel. It contains billions more "good for you" cultures than yogurt. I've taken this product for years and it was particularly good to have in my arsenal during chemo. You can find it at almost any health food store or co-op...also at pharmacies which carry a selection of quality dietary supplements.

    Good luck and hoping you find an answer soon.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink
  • DeeNY711
    DeeNY711 Member Posts: 476 Member
    #5
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    There is a component of cranberry juice that keeps bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. Oncologists always asked about bladder infections because Adriamycin can irritate the lining of the bladder and set up conditions for chronic bladder infections. Flush, flush, flush by drinking water. Hope it all goes away like POOF.
    Love,
    Denise
  • lynne40
    lynne40 Member Posts: 87
    #6
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    Hi Blossom,
    I had a UTI for about 8 weeks. Like you always a different organism. I had the neulasta shots and my white count was high, yet I kept having the infections. I took the cranberry capsules, helped some. They wanted me to see a urologist but I believed it was from the chemo. I think i* was right because I no longer have a UTI and everything is back to normal, I agree though it is uncomfortable and one more thing to deal with when it is cronic. When I look back I realizeI probably had one even longer than was diagnosed, because I said my bladder was irritated and was told that was nornal by the oncologist. I finally went to my family doc for a culture and they couldn't believe how bad it was!! Hang in there, mine did clear up and I finished chemo in Sept.Hugs,
    Lynne
  • jhope
    jhope Member Posts: 58
    #7
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    It is important to note that WHITE blood cell count going higher than NORMAL is indication of infection. I am only 3 months out from chemo & radiation. I have had a back pain on left side for about a month but was afraid of being paranoid. My doc, once I told him just today because my results of first CAT scan indicated a cyst on my kidney, said I probally have a UTI infection, my white cell count is normal also. I can relate to cruddy experience - but somewhat comforting to know that I'm not alone. I had been told Tuesday I was in remission so I was so relieved my cancer had not metastized to my kidneys I cried!!! lol
  • wingingit
    wingingit Member Posts: 48
    #8
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    DeeNY711 said:

    There is a component of cranberry juice that keeps bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. Oncologists always asked about bladder infections because Adriamycin can irritate the lining of the bladder and set up conditions for chronic bladder infections. Flush, flush, flush by drinking water. Hope it all goes away like POOF.
    Love,
    Denise

    It really is amazing what you can learn from others here. I had my first UTI a few months ago, just a little over a year after my last chemo. I never associated it with Adriamycin affecting the bladder. I just figured it had to do with me being postmenopausal now and the subsequent effects of lower estrogen levels. My oncologist never asked about bladder infections, but maybe because I never had one while on chemo. I do admit he seemed more interested than I had expected him to be when I mentioned it to him at my last visit (PCP treated me for the UTI). Hmmmm . . . Krista

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