UTI Gram Negative Bacteria

@815 welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. UTI’s are miserable and it sounds like you have had plenty. Is it possible that you have developed a resistance to traditional antibiotics? Have you worked with the same provider each time you’ve had this issue? Perhaps it is time to look into your history of infections and the ensuing treatments to better understand what is going on with you and what to do about it.

I have had an indwelling catheter for 40 years and have had many many bladder infections over the years that have been treated with antibiotics. I too struggle with E. coli and bacteria that is resistant to many of the common antibiotics. I spoke with an infection control specialist, and he recommended that I only seek out treatment if my symptoms are bad. I’m sure you’re aware that if you have an indwelling catheter, you will always have bacteria that would indicate treatment when compared to a normal person. But our bladder environment is definitely different and having a bacteria count that would normally be considered within the realm of treatment for others, should be something we don’t treat unless we have multiple symptoms. I made the mistake of seeking out treatment earlier than I should have, and my local general practitioner would treat me with antibiotics not understanding the bladder environment of someone with a catheter.

I have finally gone a full year without a UTI. Things that I am doing differently are drinking, drinking and drinking more. I recently got an electric leg bag emptier, so I can drink as much as I want without needing assistance with emptying my urinary bag. I have also increased sanitation around the catheter site by not sharing any cleanser or cleansing cloths that have been used in other areas around my catheter site. Even your own hands can carry tons of bacteria, so nobody’s hands should be near that catheter site without being washed and gloved. I have reduced the risk of the year and in my bladder reflux and back into the kidneys, which could cause them to be infected. I am now receiving Botox injections in my bladder, so it is much less spastic. I also irrigate with saline solution daily, so that any bacteria building up inside the catheter will be loosened and then flushed out with my urine and the saline solution.

Why is this important? Because I have been informed that if I were to become septic with E. coli, or other bacteria that I am antibiotic resistant to, there is a very high chance that there will not be an antibiotic to treat me and the sepsis could be fatal. I finally retired after 34 years of full-time work, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let a bladder infection occur that could potentially stop me from enjoying my retirement! Please check out more preventative measures. Good luck!

@lacy2 Yes, I always have symptoms. The symptoms that I have are the reason I head to the doctor for a urine culture. My problem is recently when I get a UTI. It’s a gram negative. That’s almost impossible to get rid of. That’s a great idea to do the samples at home and take them in yourself. I’m going to ask about that. I really hate using public restrooms. Especially at a medical facility where only sick/contagious people are using them. I have an appointment with my urologist next week. I’m going to ask her about bringing home cups for samples. Thanks for the great idea.

Denise64. I hope you threw a party after going a year without a UTI. That is wonderful. It sounds like you have certainly had your share of UTIs. Thank you for taking the time to respond and for all your input it’s greatly appreciated.

They always send my urine to hospital lab for a culture. A lot of the time the dip stick will not show bacteria. But the culture will come back with bacteria. Can you read the test strips that you use at home or do you have to send them out to be read?

Oh wow..thank you! I’m going to get some test strips! You are absolutely right about healthcare. I’ve always trusted and depended on doctors. But .. today.. not so much! You have to be your own advocate! No one cares more about me than me! We know our bodies, especially when something is not right!

Where do you buy the test strip? Thank you!

@dks, I'm tagging @lacy2 to make sure she sees your post about where to purchase the test strips.

@815, how are you doing?

Thank you, Colleen! ♡

Just finished antibiotics yesterday. I see urologist on 10/6. I’m sure she will do another culture. This infection started on 9/4 I’m hoping to get a break before the next one! Thanks for asking.