Daily Column

March 31, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I want to tell you about my experience with vitamin C tablets to stop urinary tract infections. My urologist suggested two vitamin C tablets (1000 mg each) daily. I have been free of UTIs for many years with this remedy. My urologist said it is more difficult for an infection to take hold in acidic urine.

DEAR READER:
Your urologist is right on the money. Vitamin C helps to increase the amount of acid in urine. As a result, the bladder is not an appealing environment for harmful bacteria. You have found a remedy that works for you and may help other readers. Thank you for writing.

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December 2, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I read your column about the woman with treatment resistant UTIs with interest. I, too, was having this condition. When I asked my doctor why, he said he wasn’t certain about the cause but it could be bacterial. I figured if the cause was bacteria, perhaps betadine would help.

I simply started washing “down there” with the betadine and the infection was gone! Now if I feel a UTI starting, I immediately wash or add a few drops to a bottle of prepared douche. It immediately resolves the problem. I hope this helps some of your other readers.

DEAR READER:
Urinary tract infections can be difficult to treat, especially in women who have recurring or frequent infections. Typical treatment usually consists of a course of oral antibiotics but for individuals such as you, finding a simple home treatment to prevent them can be vital. [Read more...]

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November 29, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am 97-year-old lady and have a pacemaker. I had two or three seizures but have not had anymore since the pacemaker was put in. I am now doing fine except that I have an irritated vagina and inner thighs.

While in the hospital, a nurse spilled urine all down my back and I was not given a bath for two days before leaving. I now have to urinate every two hours during the night and have a very odd dark red, half circle on my both of my inner thighs. It does not itch and fades during the night. What should I do?

DEAR READER:
First, I don’t believe that your symptoms have anything to do with the nurse who spilt the urine or the fact that you were not allowed to bathe afterward. I can say that I am truly appalled by the situation and disappointed in the staff for not immediately helping you wash up. [Read more...]

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August 5, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 47-year-old pre-menopausal woman who has had countless urinary tract infections that have been treated with many types of antibiotics. The UTIs are followed by yeast infections treated with countless over-the-counter and prescription medications.

I’ve even taken my husband to the gynecologist with me and we’ve both been treated with Fluconazole, the generic equivalent of Diflucan.

I take 500 mg of cranberry extract daily that helps prevent UTIs, am on a multiple vitamin, iron, calcium, and Metamucil or Benefiber to prevent constipation. I use an allergy-fighter detergent without perfumes or dyes and wash in hot water, but no matter what I do, the infections continue. Do you have any suggestions?

DEAR READER:
Most urinary tract infections affect the urethra and bladder but may involve any aspect of the urinary system. [Read more...]

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June 7, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
A letter was published in our local newspaper from a lady who had numerous bladder infections. I, like her, was also in that state. I had numerous tests and was finally told my kidneys and bladder were okay, but there was one problem. I was not a water drinker, nor did I drink much liquid, period. My urologist said I must drink at least four 8 oz. glasses of water a day. I’m now free of bladder infections.

DEAR READER:
Water and other fluids are a vital part of everyone’s daily diet. I often receive letters from people who drink at least eight glasses of water a day, in addition to other fluids, because they have read they should do so for good health. My response is to drink when you are thirsty. However, in your case, your body apparently doesn’t signal you as it does others. Therefore, remembering to drink 32 ounces of water a day appears appropriate.

Another excellent means of combating UTIs is to drink 100% cranberry juice or taking cranberry extract gel caps at the first signs of an infection.

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May 20, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I used to have frequent, painful urinary tract infections.
It was suggested in the Cleveland Ostomy News from the Cleveland Ostomy Association that drinking a small amount of vinegar daily could prevent urinary tract infections. I have been drinking about a tablespoon mixed with water every day for about a year and have not had a single infection. I prefer wine vinegar over apple cider vinegar because it has a milder flavor. I have also heard that Alka-Seltzer can cure a urinary infection but have not had to try this thanks to the vinegar. I hope this helps some of your readers.

DEAR READER:
I have received several letters indicating vinegar as a good urinary tract infection (UTI) preventive. This is most likely due to its acidity.

You do not say if you have had appropriate testing to find out why you are having so many infections. However, I assume since you are receiving the Cleveland Ostomy News pamphlet that you have a colostomy (artificial opening in which urine and feces leave the body). If this is the case, UTIs are common and particularly difficult to treat.

I have not heard of the Alka-Seltzer remedy and cannot imagine how it could cure an infection. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria and require antibiotics for treatment. Alka-Seltzer is an over-the-counter medication for stomach upset. If any of my readers have had experience using this remedy please let me know whether it was success or not.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Bladder and Urinary Tract Infections”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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May 1, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I often read about people with urinary tract infections. I want them (and you) to know about my mother’s experience.

More than 30 years ago my mother had one UTI after another. Antibiotics would help her for a while but the infections always came back.

After many years of this, she went to Mayo Clinic. They told her that the inside of her bladder was acting like chapped hands. When it would crack open, the bacteria would enter and cause an infection. The told her to follow a low acid diet (no dairy, corn or citrus fruits). She rarely had a problem once she was on the diet. She lived to be 100. They also encouraged her to drink cranberry juice.

I hope this helps some of your readers the way it helped my dear mother.

DEAR READER:
The approach your mother took in response to chronic bladder infections was miraculous. I am, therefore, sharing it with my readers. Thank you for writing.

Readers, if any of you have had success using this method or wish to try it, please let me know what happens.

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March 31, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 64-year-old female. I would like your opinion on my current urinary problem. For the last two years I have had recurring bladder infections. My primary physician sent me to a urologist who has done every available test. I have had X-rays, MRIs, scrapings and bladder emptying tests. They found that I have a kidney stone but it doesn’t appear to be bothering anything so it was left alone.

When these infections first started, there were several antibiotics that seemed to work. Now there is only one, Macrobid 100 mg. I take it two times a day for a full course immediately followed by Bactrim 400/80 mg once every night. My urologist said the Bactrim is supposed to “clean” my urine while I sleep.

I have followed these instructions for more than a year now. This therapy does not work. Three to five days after I finish the Macrobid, I have another infection! I am very worried about my kidneys. Will they eventually get infected too? What will happen when the Macrobid stops being effective? I have asked these questions of my urologist and the response is that only time will tell. Please help.

DEAR READER:
You appear to have a resistant chronic infection. This means that the infection is not being completely eradicated after finishing the course of Macrobid. This may be happening for several reasons. The most likely cause is that you are not being given the medication long enough. This could also explain why the infection is not responding to as many medications as it previously was. (If an antibiotic repeatedly fails to kill all the bacteria, they will eventually build up a resistance to it, making the medication ineffective.) Another possibility is that the infection is already in your kidneys. Kidney infections can be very difficult to treat because antibiotics do not readily penetrate the outer layers. A final option is that you have a combination infection. For example, the bacteria were not eliminated properly, built up a resistance to every antibiotic but Macrobid, moved into your kidneys and are persisting. In either case, I believe that you should take an extended course of antibiotics. Rather than the standard 10-day course (which I assume you receive on a regular basis), your urologist should try a one or two month course followed by testing to ensure the infection has been eliminated.

As an aside, the Bactrim does not appear to have any effect on your infection, if symptoms return after the Macrobid is stopped. Speak to your urologist about discontinuing the medication.

If your urologist is unwilling to listen to your concerns and make some appropriate changes to your current treatment, you should find someone else. A new physician will also bring a new perspective to the situation and may have other suggestions or treatments. If you decide to make the change, I recommend you seek out someone who is well-versed in chronic or recurring bladder infections in women.

This situation is not best handled by a wait-and-see format. Without proper treatment, the infection will only worsen. You need a physician willing to try different options.

Good luck and let me know how this turns out.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Bladder and Urinary Tract Infections”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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