Audley
Hello. I am a 49 year old woman and have had bladder infections since I was five years old. I have been diagnosed with Cystitis, Pylonephritis, Urethritis, Nephritis, and almost every other "itis" you can think of. I don't know if ANY of these diagnoses were accurate. I had one surgery to enlarge the urethra (called a Urethrotomy)which seemed to help somewhat but not enough. Several years ago, I had an hysterectomy and at the time also had a bladder suspension. When my urologist did several tests prior to surgery, he discovered that my bladder was sitting at an angle that caused it to retain urine even after voiding. After the surgery, I did notice that I had less UTI'S but recently started having them again. I still don't know the cause of these infections, but do know that what seems to help lately is to drink a lot of water. In the past doctors told me to do that and I did, but it never helped. Now it does seem to help. Another thing that helps is a drug that my urologist prescribed. He believes that one of the problems I may be having is that my bladder goes into "spasms" for no apparent reason. He prescribed DETROL, which is an anti-spasmodic and works like a dream for me. The only side effect I've had has been dry mouth. It makes you very thirsty but doesn't last too long, and the extra water helps anyway. Another thing that I do as a preventative is drinking cranberry juice regularly. You've probably heard all these suggestions, I have heard it ALL through all these years, but I'm always willing to try anything because the pain can be very intense. I'll tell you this, please continue to be patient with your precious daughter. My mother was not patient with me, and it caused some emotional scars. (I was also a bedwetter til the age of 14), and that is hard to live with from the patients viewpoint and I'm sure from a parents as well. It is very frustrating to have a child with a health problem and not be able to do anything about it. But keep trying to find the cause. Don't get frustrated if you can help it. She needs YOU to be her advocate. Good luck, Mom. I'll keep her (and you) in my prayers. Audley