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Anyone else experiencing "Purple urine bag syndrome"?

Posted by gordy6898p @gordy6898p, Dec 9, 2023

Anybody else having this problem?....

Myy urine collection leg bag is turning purple again. Last time was over a year ago.

The VA prescribed antibiotics then. So, I'll be getting back in touch with them. In the meantime, I'll attach a new leg bag.

I'm being treated for bladder cancer, Chemo infusion #4 was completed on Wednesday, December 6. I've had an indwelling Foley catheter for over a year.

I'm experiencing a slight burning sensation at times, which may or may not be related to a possible bacterial infection.

https://www.greatbearhealthcare.co.uk/news/why-is-my-catheter-bag-purple/

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 13, 2023

Hi @gordy6898p, I rather like purple, but I don't think I'd want to see my urine bag turn that color. That must've been alarming to see. Did the antibiotics help clear the possible infection? Are things back to their "normal" color again?

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gordy6898p | @gordy6898p | Dec 13, 2023

I just returned from the VA hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

They are testing urine for possible infection. If found, they'll mail the necessary antibiotics on Friday.

Several months ago I had the "Purple bag syndrome," and antibiotics worked.

According to the VA nurse at today's session, a purple bag doesn't always indicate an infection. That's the first I'd heard that.

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gordy6898p | @gordy6898p | Dec 30, 2023
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @gordy6898p, I rather like purple, but I don't think I'd want to see my urine..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Hi @gordy6898p, I rather like purple, but I don't think I'd want to see my urine bag turn that color. That must've been alarming to see. Did the antibiotics help clear the possible infection? Are things back to their "normal" color again?

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Yes, the anti-biotics did their job.

However, according to the surgeon at the VA hospital in Madison, WI, the "Purple Bag Syndrome" does not usually indicate an actual infection.

It's a common, but weird, mix of bacteria that chemically react with the bag, although urine itself is clear.

At the moment my bag is purple again, with no symptoms.

Here's an informative link.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22476-urostomy
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