11 year old with UTI again

[Tewfiddy]

My daughter has just turned 11 years old. For at least two months now, we have been battling a UTI. Only a couple of times has she tested negative in between her antibiotic therapy. She was first on Bactrim, then Amox. then cephalexin and now Amox. again. She needs to have an ultrasound done of her renal system and a VCUG (test where they catheter her and use dye to see how everything flows). The problem is that they can not do the test until she tests negative and is off her antibiotics. I feel like this constant infection can not be good for her at all. I wish we could find the problem out right now and try to fix it and maybe that will get rid of the infection. I called and spoke to the nurse and she said the infection was caused by Proteus, which is less common than e. coli infections and harder to treat. Does anyone else out there have an opinion on this, or have heard anything about proteus and how she could get that type of an infection? Ive done some research for a couple of days but can not find anything real useful. Thanks.

[valleygurl]

Originally Posted by Tewfiddy

My daughter has just turned 11 years old. For at least two months now, we have been battling a UTI. Only a couple of times has she tested negative in between her antibiotic therapy. She was first on Bactrim, then Amox. then cephalexin and now Amox. again. She needs to have an ultrasound done of her renal system and a VCUG (test where they catheter her and use dye to see how everything flows). The problem is that they can not do the test until she tests negative and is off her antibiotics. I feel like this constant infection can not be good for her at all. I wish we could find the problem out right now and try to fix it and maybe that will get rid of the infection. I called and spoke to the nurse and she said the infection was caused by Proteus, which is less common than e. coli infections and harder to treat. Does anyone else out there have an opinion on this, or have heard anything about proteus and how she could get that type of an infection? Ive done some research for a couple of days but can not find anything real useful. Thanks.

Tewfiddy, Sorry to hear about your daughter. Maybe i can give you some helpful information.

Proteus is more commonly found in boys rather than girls, however, when found in girls it most commonly effects the 7-11 year old age range.

Proteus is usually detected in recurrent infections, especially in association with stones, obstruction, urologic manipulation and nosocomial catheter - associated infections.
Possible causes of this type of bacteria in girls can be due to wiping back to front, instead of front to back.
Also, infrequent emptying of the bladder. Infrequent emptying of the bladder leads to bladder overdistention, with subsequent incomplete emptying; residual urine then interferes with bladder defenses by allowing bacterial colonization of bladder urine to occur more readily.

It could be a good possibility that the reason your daughter is unable to be rid of this bacteria due to the antibiotics being used to treat it, as Proteus is resistant to Vancomycin, Cloxacillin, Amoxycillin and Cephalothin.
Proteus is usually treated with Chloramphenical, Nalidixic Acid, and some Aminoglycosides such as Tobramycin, Gentamicin, Rocephin,Ampicillin and Amikacin as it is sensitive to these antibiotics.

I would talk to the Pediatrician to see if there is a possibility of changing her Antibiotic to one of those listed above that were found to be effective in treating the Proteus so as she can get this bacteria cleared up so she can have the recommended testing done as soon as possible to get to the root of the problem.

I hope this information is helpful and that she gets better soon!

ValleyGurl

[KSAS]

I was going to say pretty much the same thing that valley girl said. I personally had a kidney infection that wasnt caused by ecoli and have had recurrences for the past two years. My first break inbetween infections came after I did a weeks worth of gentamicin IV treatments. Oh and I had that same test your daughter is going to have... tell her I feel sorry for her... it sucked

[Tewfiddy]

Thankyou, Valleygurl and KSAS for your responses.
Valleygurl, yes the information you gave was very helpful. Especially the part about the correct antibiotics. I will call her dr. tomorrow. I dont think she has been wiping back to front. I am not with her all the time, but I keep stressing not to. We use baby wash for her to wash herself in.
KSAS... at what age did you have your testing? What sucked about it the most? I was worried about her getting a catheter, does the dye burn? I want to prepare her somewhat but not scare her. I have her appointment on Nov. 2, as long as the infection is cleared up by then.

She has missed 10 days of school so far this year, her fifth grade year. It has been mostly due to her stomach hurting, and her being afraid of having to go to the bathroom so often, or having an accident. At first, I thought she was having a problem with school and I got so frustrated with her. Now I feel bad, wondering if its been this infection all along. Anyhow, thanks again for all your help.

[KSAS]

I did that test when I was 9. The catheter hurt... the pain of distension because your bladder is so full also really stinks ... the dye burns quite a bit.. and she should expect to have burning when she pees for a couple days after. She may also notice some blood in her urine when the catheter is removed it more freaks you out than anything. Just tell her that it is normal for her to be uncomfortable.. also ask if they can use some freezing jelly when they put the catheter in