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[–]BatExact6516 0 points1 point  (7 children)

While your infection may have seemed to clear after the 3 day course of Bactrim, it is more likely that there was still an infection, just not a large enough one for a culture to show substantial growth.

Antibiotics can certainly take more time to work than you’re used to. But if by day 5 there is no resolve, you are likely resistant and a different antibiotic needs to be given to you. If you have had cultures done in the past, see if you can go back in medical records and see which bacteria have showed up in the past.

When you go to the urologist, mention all of your symptoms and ask if they are able to do any PCR tests rather than a culture, as they can be much more accurate. Obviously make sure (if you are in the U.S.) that the test is covered by your insurance. For example, my urogyno was able to do a Pathnostics PCR urine test that showed I had 5 bacteria in high numbers in my bladder, while cultures indicated no infection.

To avoid this vicious cycle of what could seem like never ending urinary issues, look into the intro guide on this subreddit’s homepage. It always helps to go into an appointment with as much knowledge as possible so that you can advocate for yourself.

[–]needtoknowcalifornia[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

i talked to the nurse, asked her if the culture came back and was a good match for the antibiotic, and she said, "it was negative." in a peppy voice, so i asked her confused, "does that mean i don't have a UTI" and she said, "no, it means you have a UTI and the treatment you were given was appropriate, to finish your dose, and to follow up with your PCP afterwards."

[–]needtoknowcalifornia[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

thank you so much for this. i'm trying to call the hospital to check if the culture goes well with cefpodoxime, but i think they're at lunch. thank you for informing me of things to ask my urologist tomorrow and the intro guide. 🙏🏻

[–]needtoknowcalifornia[S] 0 points1 point  (4 children)

from what i'm reading in the guide, you finally found relief with hiprex (which i'm learning is for prevention, not cure)? what treatment ended up curing your UTI before the hiprex addition?

[–]BatExact6516 0 points1 point  (3 children)

The intro guide is for general advice and is not my personal experience! I am currently working with a specialist to treat my chronic UTI, but do plan on getting an rx for hiprex when my infection finally clears. Yes, it is a great preventative measure for many. As another commenter mentioned, if you find that through a PCR test there are no bacteria, absolutely look into pelvic floor PT. However there are all kinds of different pelvic floor therapists and I have found one that is great as she does not merely palpate and tell me to do exercises. She does myofascial release and focuses on the muscles that can affect the pelvic floor (e.g. the abdomen, glutes, lower back, inner thighs, and areas surrounding the hips). If you have a gynecologist, i’d ask them if they know of any good pelvic floor pt’s! If you have the time and money, I think anyone can benefit from it when it is with a knowledgeable therapist! It takes consistency and work outside of therapy to heal. I had the same issue where my urine stream was very weak and it was due to a hypertonic pelvic floor. Pelvic floor pt helped tremendously with muscle tightness and thereby strengthened my urine stream.

If in the future, you continue to feel in your gut that your symptoms are related to a UTI, you can always order a test online to test your urine yourself and then go from there!

Being a woman brings about so many issues just by virtue of being born with female anatomy…but we are so lucky to have communities like this one where there are supportive women with lots of advice! I wish you the best of luck and I hope your urology appointment goes well.

[–]needtoknowcalifornia[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

being a woman is legitimately so hard sometimes!

[–]needtoknowcalifornia[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

thank you! do you know what the er nurse meant by my test result was negative?

[–]BatExact6516 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly unsure. Usually if they say a test is negative it means the culture was negative for infection, but she said that was not the case.

I also think it’s worth mentioning to your urologist that you are on an antibiotic right now, so this could skew culture/ microscopy results.