HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Bed Ridden Taking Antibiotics For UTI. For How Long Should I Continue The Treatment?

default
Posted on Wed, 18 Dec 2013
Question: my father is in a NH, he is almost 91, he is bed ridden, suffers one uti after another and anti-biotics seem to keep things at bay but as soon as they cease another happened each one leaving him weaker and weaker. He only has one kidney due to cancer, he has non h lymphoma and 12 months ago when hospitalized they thought there was an issue with his prostate. My question is when does this 'treatment' stop and palliative care begin ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (7 hours later)
Brief Answer: Please find detailed answer below Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing in. Sorry to hear that your father is suffering from non hodgkins lymphoma which is a cancer of lymphatic system. At age 91 the body gets weak in many people and geriatric concerns develop. Since your father is having repeated urinary infections, it needs to be controlled by giving antibiotics. This is important to prevent life threatening conditions that might affect him. Taking about definitive cure and palliative treatment, cancer staging is the first step before deciding the treatment protocol. If the cancer has spread beyond control then patient is put on palliative care. Treatment response in cancer is based on 5 year survival and this is concluded from several research data. In your father's situation the cancer might still be in the treatable stage. Other problems like urinary infections are known to occur during cancer treatment in all age groups due to immune suppression hence the antibiotics are being given to treat him. Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Regards, Dr.Vivek
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6873 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask an Oncologist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Bed Ridden Taking Antibiotics For UTI. For How Long Should I Continue The Treatment?

Brief Answer: Please find detailed answer below Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing in. Sorry to hear that your father is suffering from non hodgkins lymphoma which is a cancer of lymphatic system. At age 91 the body gets weak in many people and geriatric concerns develop. Since your father is having repeated urinary infections, it needs to be controlled by giving antibiotics. This is important to prevent life threatening conditions that might affect him. Taking about definitive cure and palliative treatment, cancer staging is the first step before deciding the treatment protocol. If the cancer has spread beyond control then patient is put on palliative care. Treatment response in cancer is based on 5 year survival and this is concluded from several research data. In your father's situation the cancer might still be in the treatable stage. Other problems like urinary infections are known to occur during cancer treatment in all age groups due to immune suppression hence the antibiotics are being given to treat him. Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Regards, Dr.Vivek