Strep b infection

what can be done for interstitial cystitis, sometimes my culture shows bacteria, and my bladder feels full and tender to touch

The first time I saw him (urologist) a couple months ago said that he thinks I have an over active bladder and told me to cut out anything that has caffiene, which I have, I feel little to no difference.  I just feel like it is a mild case of cystitis.  I see him next month as he will have gathered enough from my cultures to let me know what is happening, it all started back in August of this year I was totally not having any symtoms before that.  I wondered from what I have been reading if it is Interstitial cystitis, but because I get on and off again strep b in urine, I wondered if it was the low count bacteria causing it.  The major issue I feel is occasional slight urge to urinate shortly after I have gone, and crazy burning in and around urethra and vaginal area.  I have been trying to combat and relieve symptoms natually, and I did feel good for about a month and a half, but now it is back...... The only time I have ever heard of strep b was when I was tested 9 years ago when I was pregnant and I was negative back then, somehow it made it's way into my body aand I have no idea how.

I am not sure there is a cure for it, but doctors can give medications to relieve the symptoms from what I have read.  Does your doctor treat you for the bacteria?  Because mine are low in numbers and I am not producing any WBC in my urine he is not treating me with antibiotics.  From what I have read about strep b, it is sometimes hard to treat as it returns and then becomes resistant.  That is probably why he is not treating me unless it turns into a full blown infection, which I hope it doesn't.

It's more of a lifestyle change, learning to do without the trigger foods (even if they're your favorites).  Once you learn the foods that can cause a flare up and stay away from them until you feel better, oftentimes you can add some back into your diet, slowly and carefully as tolerated.

Caffeine isn't good for the bladder (or for the kidneys if you're diabetic since it overworks the kidneys) because it stimulates the bladder to "go" and is also an irritant.

How long is your urologist cuturing your urine samples?  When there is a strange mix of results, such as you've described, the culture should be allowed to grow for at least 10 days.

Interstitial Cystitis can be caused by several things, including having a cluster of UTI's. 

We have been doing cultures since October, but I had several before that (since August) because I was having symptoms, out of 10 cultures three have shown low numbers of strep b. No white blood count, nitrates, blood..etc....when I saw the urologist he says they only treat high numbers or if there is wbc.  The strep has not shown up every month it seems to be every other month.  I was not a caffiene drinker as I can not stomach coffee, so I only had to remove my one cup of tea and dark chocolate.  I have been drinking a lot of water to flush out the little bacteria to keep it at bay.  Since this I have eliminated a lot of sugars from my diet, drink water, incorporated supplements to improve my immune system.  I just want to feel normal again and not have this terrible burning.

 

Try AZO over-the-counter tablets for the burning.

i have low bicarbonate am wondering if this is making me more acidic and causing utis x

I am not sure.  From what I understand when your PH is left in balance that is a good thing, if you are too high it is alkaline meaning you are in danger of getting a UTI, I have heard the best PH level is at a 6, anything lower would be acidic...not good for IC, and too high is not good to ward off infections.  I still question if I have an over colonization of strep b in the lady area and it is slowly making it's way in the urethra causing inflamation.  The problem is doctors feel this bacteria is harmless unless you are pregnant it is dangerous to unborn child when going into delivery, or for the elderly who have a weaker immune system.  It is said that there is no symptoms in strep b...which is true if it is kept at bay, but when there is an overgrowth it wrecks havoc.  I have come across a foram on this very thing and all the women share the same symptoms I have.  Problem is finding a doctor to believe this and provide treatment.......I have been getting ozone treatments and I did have two months relief, but now it is back so I am going to try it again.  I have been taking probiotics, cranberry, d-mannose, increasing my iron as I have very low and drinking a lot of water to keep the bacteria under control.  I believe a lot of this is brought on by perimenopause, I am in my early forties, and never had issues with UTI's or vag infections other than an occasional yeast infection once a year......this has been close to a nightmare as there doesn't seem to be a resolution.

what is ozone treatment linda, i am 10 post menopause (early menopause) my ph on urine sample was 5 now sure if that means low ? do you think taking bicarbonate might help me if its low x

hi Jazzyanne, my response is not going through about the ozone, I would love to tell you about it.  What I have done to relieve my bladder is a teaspoon of baking soda in water.

check out ozone bladder instillation for cystitis.

Taking baking soda on a regular basis can be dangerous. Bicarbonate lowers potassium in your body and can cause confusion, fatigue, weakness, faintness, numb or tingling sensations, muscle cramps, constipation, vomiting and a rapid heartbeat.

hi linda so is it ok for bicarbonate to be low, i remember when i had low potassium in the past i was given meds to take do they not do the same with bicarbonate x?

ps my potassium is just within range always been on the low side but within range x

yes thats why i think getting bicarbonate meds might help me if my bicarbonate is low x

Baking soda in water (tsp) will help make the body more alkaline it helps balance out PH.  I am not recommending using it long term.  I use it when I get a bladder flare up from this low count of bacteria, it tends to soothe the irritation/inflamation.  It will not help cure an infection, but settle down the symptoms.  My microscopic urinalyisis is not showing an infection, however the low count bacteria of streb b is causing me cystitis symptoms, so when it flares I drink water only, but will add 1 tsp in a cup of water that seems to sooth it.  I find the irritation gets worse at night time so I have a cup in the evening.  If your potasium levels are low, what you need to do is eat a banana a day or celery, or potatoes.....this will help bring levels up.  

Being more acidic means less chance of a UTI.

Yes that's right!  I am only suggesting it for a bladder flare to provide relief.  Usually with IC or cystitis a bladder becomes inflamed and irritated from acidic urine, the baking soda provides some relief, I am not recommending it on a daily basis.

hi sandra am confused  if i have low bicarbonate does that not mean i have acidic blood, plus i get alot of utis?

Bicarbonate decreases the acidity in your body.  Bicarbonate is, in actuality, carbon dioxide (or, a blood gas).  Your kidneys help maintain healthy bicarbonate levels.