AWOL

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Sun Aug 03, 2014 10:34 pm

Sorry guys, I have been very distracted by events in Israel, trying to deal with another UTI, having things burned off my skin, some of which have become infected, in spite of all my efforts, and so on and so forth.
Yesterday was D day, and the first for a very long time when I didn't make it home in time.
It's been difficult.

I just finished the course of abx prescribed for this one. Nitrofurantoin. The tests showed that this infection was resistant to Cipro, which I took for the last one.

My uro-gynie wants to see me back on Wednesday to take a sterile sample straight from my bladder to see if there is any residual infection (at which point it will be resistant to Nitro! Sick of arguing!)
Then to discuss going on a regime of Nitro everyday. I SO don't want to, but I don't know what to do.

Taking D-Mannose once I have an infection has not helped. Usually it helps with the pain if not with the infection, but with this last one it didn't help at all.

Do those of you that have UTIs and take D-Mannose - do you take it every day as a preventative measure? What dose do you take?
Has anyone gone on an abx protocol?

Polly/Tex - what do you think?

Welcome to all newcomers. This place is a life saver.

Happy birthday to all those whose birthdays I missed.

TXBrenda · Post by **TXBrenda** » Sun Aug 03, 2014 11:34 pm

Lesley,

(((((hugs)))))

Post by **tex** » Mon Aug 04, 2014 9:02 am

Hi Lesley,

I'm sorry you're having these problems. It always seems that the old saying, "when it rains it pours" is so true.

Chris Kresser has a long article about D-mannose. This is the gist of his recommendation:

The typical dose of D-mannose for UTI treatment is 500 mg, in capsule or powder form, taken in a glass of water or juice every two to three hours for five days. (5) It is a good practice to continue taking the supplement even after symptoms have diminished to ensure complete elimination of the bacteria in the urinary tract. This dose can also be taken as a preventative, or prophylactic, method.

Note that he also points this out:

D-Mannose is by far the most effective supplement for both treatment and prevention of UTIs. Similar to glucose in structure, D-mannose is a naturally occurring sugar that is found in a number of fruits, including apples, blueberries, and cranberries. (3) This sugar is the reason that cranberry juice has been commonly recommended as a UTI treatment, though it is far easier to get the recommended dosage from a supplement. D-mannose is effective because it attaches to E. coli bacteria, causing them to stick to each other and preventing them from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. (4) The bacteria can then easily be eliminated from the body during urination.

D-mannose, even in large quantities, does not cause any adverse side effects, and cannot be metabolized the way other sugars can, meaning this supplement is safe for diabetics and others who are avoiding sugar for any reason. This treatment is also safe for children and the elderly. Symptom relief can be seen as quickly as the following day, and most symptoms are generally resolved after 48 hours of treatment. Additionally, taking D-mannose during a time where you feel you are most prone to UTIs, such as prior to intercourse or during prolonged antibiotic treatment, can help prevent a UTI from ever developing in the first place. This is especially helpful for those who are prone to chronic UTIs and want to be able to engage in normal life activities without fear of infection.

Treat and Prevent UTIs Without Drugs

Chris wrote that article in 2012. In April of this year the treatment was apparently validated by the publishing of a clinical trial. If you happen to be a Dr. Mercola fan, here's his blog about this:

D-Mannose for UTI Prevention Validated in a Clinical Trial

Tex

MBombardier · Post by **MBombardier** » Mon Aug 04, 2014 9:17 am

Oh, Lesley, I'm so sorry you're going through all this.

{{{hugs}}}

Grahm · Post by **Grahm** » Mon Aug 04, 2014 9:51 am

Can D-mannose be bought otc?
Thanks

Post by **tex** » Mon Aug 04, 2014 10:57 am

Grahm wrote:Can D-mannose be bought otc?
Thanks

Yes it can.

Tex

Grahm · Post by **Grahm** » Mon Aug 04, 2014 11:41 am

Thanks Tex, I haven't had one in years. I have always been soooo healthy until this came down the pike

It just seems like once you are diagnosed with LC that so many other problems follow it. Is it this way for most or am I worrying too much

Connie

Post by **tex** » Mon Aug 04, 2014 11:52 am

Connie wrote:It just seems like once you are diagnosed with LC that so many other problems follow it. Is it this way for most or am I worrying too much

I believe that it's fairly common for many of us to develop more symptoms than you can shake a stick at when MC really gets going. I could have been diagnosed with probably close to half a dozen AI diseases when my symptoms were at their peak (if I had pursued those diagnoses), but fortunately changing my diet and allowing my gut to heal eliminated all of that stuff, and looking back now, it all seems like a bad dream (it sure was miserable at the time, though

).

Tex

Grahm · Post by **Grahm** » Mon Aug 04, 2014 1:33 pm

So as long as I'm a good girl and don't go testing the waters too much and keep all my triggers at bay I should live a healthy life?

Connie

Post by **tex** » Mon Aug 04, 2014 3:08 pm

Sure. Chronic inflammation appears to be the root cause of virtually all chronic disease, and the source of that inflammation is almost always found in the diet.

Remember to keep your vitamin D level high enough, because my research shows that to be the key to preventing the development of autoimmune disease and cancer.

Tex

C.U.B. girl · Post by **C.U.B. girl** » Mon Aug 04, 2014 6:35 pm

Just wondering if D-mannose can be taken by those on coumadin. Mom has chronic UTI issues due to a prolapsed uterus, but she's also on coumadin, having had a couple of small strokes. She was told that cranberries are off limits, which has made it difficult to manage her UTIs with anything other than antibiotics. Since D-mannose is the "active ingredient" in cranberries that helps with the UTI issue, can I assume that she should stay away from it?

And this is for you, Lesley:
:bigbighug:

Post by **tex** » Mon Aug 04, 2014 9:30 pm

Hi Cindy,

The data seem to be mixed on cranberry juice and coumadin interaction. Here's what the University of Maryland Medical Center says about it:

Warfarin (Coumadin) -- Cranberry may raise the risk of bleeding, especially if you already take medications to thin the blood such as warfarin. The evidence is mixed and not completely clear, so it’s best to ask your doctor before you take cranberry or drink a lot of juice.

Here's a link to the article, though it doesn't say much else about an interaction risk:

Cranberry

It's the volume that may be most important. Here's what Medscape says about it:

Abstract

Warfarin is extensively used for anticoagulation to a target international normalized ratio of 2.0-3.0 for most indications or 2.5-3.5 for high-risk indications; however, many drugs and dietary supplements induce fluctuations in the international normalized ratio. Such fluctuations may lead to therapeutic failure or bleeding complications. Cranberry juice is increasingly used for the prevention and adjunctive treatment of urinary tract infections. The United Kingdom's Committee on Safety of Medicines has alerted clinicians to a potential interaction between warfarin and cranberry juice and has advised that patients avoid their concurrent use. Review and analysis of the literature revealed that ingestion of large volumes of cranberry juice destabilize warfarin therapy. Small amounts of juice are not expected to cause such an interaction. Clinicians should be aware of this potential interaction and monitor and counsel patients accordingly.

Here's a link to the entire 5-page article (if you are not already a member, you will have to register and log in, in order to read their articles):

Interaction Between Warfarin and Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice is loaded with fructose. D-mannose is a different form of a sugar, related to glucose. I'm not sure that D-mannose can be lumped into the same category as cranberry juice, as far as interactions are concerned.

I suggest that you ask your pharmacist, and be sure to mention the stroke risk. Pharmacists are usually the best source of reliable information for questions about medications and especially interactions. They will catch most interactions that doctors miss (and believe me, doctors miss many). They seem to know far more about the real-life interaction risks (and how patients respond to various treatments) than almost any doctor.

Tex

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Tue Aug 05, 2014 5:08 am

Morning Lesley,

Sure hope you feel better soon and it seems if it is not one thing it is another. Dealing with sinus infection again and have had to go the antibiotics route. Taking probiotics with it but not all a good result.

Please hang in there and YES - this board is a life saver.

Love, Maggie

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Tue Aug 05, 2014 11:57 pm

Thank you guys, for all your help and support.

Tex - Tomorrow I go to the doc, and I think I am going to nix the abx. I will try the prophylactic D-Mannose treatment. I can't face the risk of abx all the time. If it doesn't help I might have to.

Maggie - I hope your infection clears up soon.

Cindy - I had surgery for a prolapsed bladder. Didn't work. In fact I had 3 surgeries in short order - hiatal hernia, microdiskectomy, and the bladder netting. None of them worked. I am not likely to let them near me with a knife any time soon.

At least there is a ceasefire in Israel right now. Maybe I will get a ceasefire in my body! Could be worse, couldn't it?

Hugs to all!

Post by **tex** » Wed Aug 06, 2014 9:12 am

Lesley,

Good luck with the treatment. Less stress should certainly help.

Hugs,
Tex