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. That must have been difficult to deal with and I urge you to write a letter to the hospital administrator expressing your dissatisfaction in that situation. There is no excuse for a patient to have to lie is bed covered in urine for two days.

Now to your symptoms. I believe there are two things going on here: first a urinary tract infection or vaginal inflammation and second, skin irritation.

Your symptoms of frequent urination and vaginal irritation suggest to me that you have an infection. Whether it is vaginal or urinary isn’t clear. I suggest you return to your physician and request testing. I recommend a culture and sensitivity to check for urinary infection. If that is negative he or she can either test for vaginal infection or refer you to a gynecologist for testing. Treatment is often easy and involves a course or two of antibiotics. It is always important to have repeat testing after treatment to ensure the infection has cleared.

In the meantime you can try drinking cranberry juice several times a day. Many women have experienced relief from symptoms using this simple remedy. If you do not like cranberry juice, try cranberry extract pills which can be purchased at most pharmacies.

Your inner thigh irritation may be related to your vaginal problems but based on your description that is fades during the night, leads me to believe that it is simply irritation. This could be the result of your clothing but is more likely due to your thighs rubbing together. You do not say if you are overweight or if your thighs touch. When walking or moving, as the skin from both legs comes in contact, its rubs together causing friction that can create a rash. For some this can become raised, red, itchy, or painful. In some cases, it may simply be red. The irritation often disappears or reduces during the night when there is little or no movement.

If this is the cause, losing weight or wearing pants, shorts or stockings on a regular basis may help. Creams or lotions may help. If it is due to your vaginal irritation, relief should be found when the infection is cured.

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

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. They are generally caused by E. coli bacteria.

Initial symptoms can be urgency, burning, a strong odor, and blood in the urine.

Because of the structure of their anatomies, women — particularly those that are sexually active and/or post-menopausal — are more prone to infection than are men.

Drinking more water than usual, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and citrus juices is recommended until any infection has cleared.

Yeast infections are quite common and occur when too many yeast cells grow in the vagina. The most common form is called candida albicans. Other causes are high estrogen levels during pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, certain health problems such as diabetes, and the use of antibiotics.

Over-the-counter anti-fungal creams and suppositories, as well as anti-fungal tablets taken orally, are available for control of symptoms which can include a cottage cheese-like discharge.

As a general rule, if an individual experiences more than four infections within a year, an appointment should be made with a gynecologist or primary care physician for testing. The reason for this is to verify that symptoms are actually being caused by yeast and not diabetes or another medical condition.

Prevention of yeast infection can include avoiding douching, feminine sprays, scented toilet paper, and deodorant tampons. Women should wear cotton underwear instead of silk or synthetic fabrics and they should avoid tight-fitting clothing.

You have a vicious cycle going on here with medication given for a UTI that causes a yeast infection, which causes the problem all over again. Nothing is consistently eradicated. The next time a UTI occurs, have your primary care physician or gynecologist settle on one prescription medication. Include one or two jars of yogurt or acidophilus tablets in your daily diet while on the drug. Drink a glass or two of 100% cranberry juice daily, also. If this doesn’t deter infection, obtain a second opinion to find the real source for the problem. Get tested for diabetes and both you and your husband should be screened for sexually transmitted diseases and infections.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Vaginal Infections and Disorders”. 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.

I have been to my doctor several times. He has done a few urine tests, all of which are normal. He then recommended I lose weight. I am 5’ 3” and now weigh 135 pounds. My BMI is still within the normal range and I don’t think I am fat. I did the diet thing but did not lose any weight.

I would like to know what is causing the swelling and pain. I am not pregnant and don’t want to look like I am. Please help.

DEAR READER:
I don’t believe your problem is simple overweight. Your BMI is normal meaning you are not overweight for your height. Women tend toward and increase in waist circumference as they age and after having children. Again, though, I do not believe this is your problem.

Pain and swelling of the abdomen is not normal. I believe your problem is coming from your uterus or another part of the female reproductive tract. You need to be examined by a gynecologist. He or she can do a physical evaluation and order tests. You may have ovarian cysts, fibroid tumors or other benign growths. These can generally be removed while leaving the uterus and ovaries in working order. However, in severe cases a hysterectomy may be necessary. The specialist also needs to rule out cancer.

See a gynecologist for an exam, testing and treatment. Let me know how this turns out.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Vaginal Infections and Disorders”. 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.