Any natural remedies for UTI's?

Hi

I've just been through a non-stop and agonizing month of being given the run-around and bounced from doctor to doctor for a recurrent urinary tract infection (prostitus, epididymitis, bladder pain, sexual problems, etc). I was sent to see various specialists and had gobs of tests done. I am exhausted and getting absolutely nowhere with these uncaring, unsympathetic health care "professionals". Initially, I was put on Cipro for 20 days which cured the infection but caused some pretty horrific side effects which I am still suffering from. To make a long story short, I have just about run out of options. After this "saga", I am now absolutely TERRIFIED of any health care persons and no longer trust them.

I won't bore you with any more details because I've already told my story here before. The reason I am posting now is to try and find out if there are any EFFECTIVE natural remedies for treating recurrent UTI's. I've already begun eating lots of yogurt, blueberries and cranberry juice but these things just keep your uro-genital system "healthy" (which is good) but I'm actually looking for somthing that will get rid of the infection/problem itself and do it in an effective way with few (if any) side effects. Some of the products you hear about are a lot of hocus pocus and just another sales pitch to make a quick buck. I want something that REALLY works and will get rid of this thing (or at least make it go away for awhile) so I can get what's left of my life back again.

This whole "saga" started when I noticed a small, itchy tube-like projection of soft tissue high up on my left spermatic cord (which I've been told by various doctors could be from inflammation, a vericocele or a lipoma). The next thing I know I have an aching left testicle, then a few days later an aching right testicle and am finally diagnosed with epididymitis. A day later my prostate felt really "full" and when I'd sit on a hard chair it actually felt like I was sitting on my prostate so I would have to sort of lean to one sie in order to get comfortable. When I would ejaculate, it felt like the contractions were "off" and it just would'nt feel right. Sometimes it would be painful or there would be some slight burning sensation if I urinated right after ejaculating. No bacteria was present in my urine but they did find some white blood cells. The doctors have told me that these things can be difficult to treat. I am at my wit's end with this whole thing and don't know where to turn so I leave myself to all of you in the hope that someone can steer me in the right direction and much thanks and appreciation for all the help you have already provided.

Thank you

[This message has been edited by jimbrown (edited 05-02-2003).]

[kalleycat]

Hi,

Sorry to hear about your pain, I know how painful a UTI can be. I don't know about anyone else but what worked for me was NO POP, lots of water and two glasses of pure cranberry juice, not cocktail, JUICE. I also took two vitamin C pills daily.

Good luck. Let us know how it works for you.

I am far from an expert about vitamins but maybe someone else can tell you the best remedies.

It worked for me.

[Janette*]

The only thing that worked for me was drinking LOTS of water; as much as I could...
It seems to help "flush" out the infection.

[mlgable]

There is nothing that will actually get rid of a UTI as this is caused by bacteria and if left untreated it will lead to urosepsis ***** is essentially a bloodstream infection from a UTI. If you don't feel like the cipro worked go back to the doc and have another urinalysis done as well as a culture and sensitivity if the urinalysis is positive. Make sure they do a C&S if the urine is positive. This will tell them what bacteria is causing your infection and the sensitivity will tell them what drugs your bacteria is sensitive to and which ones it is resistant too. To help prevent UTI's you can either drink plenty of cranberry juice or take cranberry capsules, Vitamin C is also good for helping with UTI's. You also need to drink plenty of water to keep the urine diluted so bacteria has less of a chance to build up in the bladder. If you think you still have a UTI get it checked before it turns septic and lands you in the hospital.

[Sarah68]

Cranberry juice and lots of water to flush out any infection is good. Also, I would consider going to conult an ND and they can help you using natural techniques. Homeopathy and herbal medicine are extremely good for the treatment of recurrent UTI's.

You should be able to find an ND in your area in the phone book or by looking on the internet.

Good luck