[buckcrazy]

how often do you guys that cath yourselves get infections? I was getting one weekly. Doc put me on macrobid once daily and it worked pretty good. I havent had on for a while but I think one is coming on. i can usually tell when I'm getting one and double up on my antibiotic. Also every time I make love to my wife I feel like I have one the next day. any precautions I can take to keep from getting one after sex ?

[Hikkakaru]

buckcrazy, on Feb 11 2009, 07:11 PM, said:

how often do you guys that cath yourselves get infections? I was getting one weekly. Doc put me on macrobid once daily and it worked pretty good. I havent had on for a while but I think one is coming on. i can usually tell when I'm getting one and double up on my antibiotic. Also every time I make love to my wife I feel like I have one the next day. any precautions I can take to keep from getting one after sex ?

I have somewhat chronic UTI's. Heres a few tips. For one, a prophylactic dosage of an antibiotic will show manifesting negative side-effects eventually, even small dosages. Whenever possible try to reduce infections where they start instead of using antibiotics as a preventative measure. Secondly, never try to rush cathing. Make sure you use a good amount of an appropriate lubricant. If you have reduced sensation due to your injury you need to be doubly aware and conscious of the resistance that is meeting the catheter as you're inserting it, as it could be a sign of a problematic cath. Thirdly cleanliness is key. Make sure that you are using a good sterile technique with all of your cathing. This can sometimes be hard as it adds time to your bathroom visits, but is certainly vital. If you're unsure about the usage of sterile technique, ask a nurse or your doctor and explain to them what you are doing, so that they may be able to tell you of any mistakes. Also, a mistake I used to make, don't take shortcuts and try to weasel everything around without appropriately unbuttoning/zipping your pants , it's a surefire way to ruin a sterile field. If you are wearing shorts without a fly take them down an appropriate amount so that there is no physical way for them to ruin the sterile field you're working in. If you're uncircumcised make sure to sterilize the surrounding skin that might fold-up and make contact with the catheter during insertion, as that is a definite portal for infection. Treat it as any doctor would treat it, and be absolutely sterile. Fourth, if at all possible, try using a disposable intermittent catheter system instead of the older style ones. They are packaged in a completely clean environment and are medically sterile until you open them. Finally, think about changing your diet around if you haven't already. Caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks(just about anything that's tasty) have notoriously been seen as sure-fire ways to increase the amount of UTI's one gets. Make sure to drink lots of water before ,after, and during a UTI. Also try to read up on homeopathic ways to reduce UTIs and their duration. Cranberry juice and cranberry capsules have been noted to reduce UTI duration , as well as support a healthy urological system as a natural diruetic.

As for your observation about the increase in UTIs with sex, I have read a study that indicates an increase in the frequency of UTIs with retrograde ejaculation. The technique for those whom were affected that seemed to help them was to cath immediately before sex, and immediately after sex. Hopefully this info helps you, and hopefully there aren't too many typos. Friends and I drank far too much tonight and i'm paying for it now

-Sam

This post has been edited by Hikkakaru: 12 February 2009 - 08:58 AM

[youwhat]

Well Hikkakaru covered pretty much all of it! All I will add is.... Cake! No actually but hey ho! I used to suffer from infections quite a bit aswell but thankfully it's sort of died down now. All i suggest and whats worked for me at least is: 1. Drink plenty! and 2. I take Cranberry tablets (because I can't stand drinking cranberry juice!) and Vitamin C tablets (which help strengthen your immune system) and both since I actually started doing them have helped. Always drink water when you can, I love my coke and tea etc. But I always make sure I drink plenty of water inbetween. Again as Hikkakaru said, if you know you have an infection water is the best medicine, flush the bugger out! As for the sex part, can't help you there lol sorry bud! Good Luck ;)

[oldwheelz]

Don't know if I should tell anyone how to avoid uti as I don't get them. Been in the chair for over 5 years with no problems and I don't do most of the things I should. I use a tube for a week- don't drink a lot- my methods are far from sterile- have my morning coffee daily.
My answer is diet. I avoid sugar and processed foods. About 30 years ago I read the eating raw almonds boosts the imunne system so I tried it. Can't remember when I had a cold or flu. I'm not saying you should do the same but this works for me,

[lil jo]

Hey, I have been in my chair for 8 years now and for the first few years i got several uti's a year. As already mentioned, i take 4000 mg vitamin c a day and 3000 mg in a cranberry capsule. I have been uti free for the last 4 years w/o changin my diet though I do cath intermittenly and keep all as sterile as possible. I hope you find somethin to work for you...uti's suck. Wish the best for ya. Take care!