Solumedrol...

[steph74]

Day two of three days--infusion at home went fine this morning.  I felt just as bad as ever yesterday, and still weak in my left leg when I got up this morning, but I actually think I'm starting to feel better.  I do have more energy (though that could just be the side effects of the meds) and I'm walking straight up and down (or very nearly) instead of leaning to the right because of the weakness on my left leg.  Also the tightness in my muscles in my left leg feels significantly better.  Numbess is the same, but the dizziness also seems to be improving so far.  I hope it lasts.  :-)

So quick question:  I know steroids can make you susceptible to infections, but has anyone developed a UTI on solumedrol?  I had the unmistakable first inklings of one a bit ago.  I rushed out for cranberry juice and a blueberry smoothie (blueberries are supposed to have the same effect as cranberries, and it's a good excuse for a fruit smoothie!!) and I'm hoping I can keep it at bay this way, but I guess I'll know in a few hours.  These things tend to come on fast for me.  Has anyone else had this happen or is it just coincidence?

Stephanie

[Khiba]

Hi All,

Cranberry juice is good to help prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. After getting rid of a UTI, with whatver your doctor prescribes. Try making a Cranberry smoothie using fresh (fall) or frozen (rest of year) cranberries and blueberries.  Its pretty sour/bitter so for a sweetener try using Xylitol (antimicrobial in the mouth and safe for diabetics) or stevia. This way you get the benefit of both cranberries and blueberries as whole fruits, without loading up on sugar, bacterias favorite food. ;)

Cranberries are a good source of Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) and Vitamin K, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C and Manganese.

Blueberries also a good source of Dietary Fiber, and a very good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Manganese.

Both are low glycemic fruits.

I make a prophylactic "BlueCran" smoothie once a week especially if my bladder is on the fritz! And I take probiotics daily. I got a uti for the first time in my life after surgery last year and never want one again.

Cheers!

Jessica

[essdipity]

Buy some cranberry extract pills or capsules. Wal-Mart carries them at a reasonable price (their brand).

However, cranberries are not likely to end a UTI once it sets in firmly. They're more of a preventative. You need to see a doc about that infection, so go to a walk-in center if need be.

I doubt if the steroids could *cause* this infection, but they certainly can leave you vulnerable to one, or any other kind of opportunistic infection, for that matter.

Let us know how this goes.

ess

[steph74]

Yes, you're right about avoiding the drinks with added sugar!  I'm at work so wasn't able to get to whole foods to pick up the straight cranberry juice (I have a stash at home) but was able to find some with only other juices mixed in.  Still a lot of sugar, but better than HF corn syrup...!

If I don't get in touch with my dr soon I'll just go to the urgent care clinic.  No fun, but better than the alternative.

[Karen99]

Hi.  You probably had some bacteria lurking around awaiting the opportunity.    You may want to consider calling your doctor because you don't want an untreated infection, particularly now,  which can bring on further exacerbation. Not treating this UTI ASAP could leave you vulnerable to further infection.

Commercial cranberry juice is full of sugar and very little juice.  Sugar feeds UTI's. Health food stores carry  concentrated pure cranberry juice.  No sugar and a whole lot of cranberry juice.  It's bitter but it works.  Water has to be added.

Take care.  I've had a 5-day course a couple of years ago and did well.  

[steph74]

Grrr...  I just had my post go away.

Anyway, yes, I'll have to get checked, though at this point it could be done through visual inspection alone.  :-(

I'm desperately trying to finish something for work that needs to be done today and I'm feeling worse and worse.

[opie74]

I had a 5 day treatment in Feb.  About 3 days after I completed treatment I began to get one.  The infusions make you more subseptable to opportune bacteria.  Go pee in a cup and find out.