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Suggest Treatment For Lower Back Pain, Discomfort Around Vagina And Exhaustion?
Question: I'm a 69 woman. I've been taking lithium carbonate for a mood disorder since 1985. In recent years, I've been experiencing bladder infections much more frequently. I'm having one now & recent new features include pronounced lower back pain, more discomfort in the vulval area & more exhaustion. This past bout has lasted over 5 days, I'm losing time at my internship position.. Cephalexin has done nothing for it; I've just started on Cipro, which used to work well in the past. Because of the long years of lithium, I am worried about kidney damage. My last 2 post-visit medical reports noted "mild kidney disease" - something new. Because of a shake up at my medical clinic, I've lost my primary care doctor & it seems I can't get anybody interested ... I'm supposed to see a urologist who comes in 2x monthly; no appointment yet. At the very least, I'd like relief from this current UTI.
Brief Answer:
cipro and urine culture needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
The most typical antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections are cipro, septra, and nitrofurantoin. However, especially in cases like yours where you have repeated infections, the antibiotic choice needs to be determined by a urine culture. Your doctor can send your urine for a culture and sensitivity test to determine the best antibiotic for your infection.
Occasionally vaginal estrogens can decrease the recurrent infections that you are having.
Regarding your kidney dysfunction, I am glad that you have an appointment with a urologist. It is known that lithium can cause problems with kidney function. You may need to talk to your doctor that prescribes the lithium and consider changing that to another medication.
I hope you are feeling better soon,
Dr.Robinson
cipro and urine culture needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
The most typical antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections are cipro, septra, and nitrofurantoin. However, especially in cases like yours where you have repeated infections, the antibiotic choice needs to be determined by a urine culture. Your doctor can send your urine for a culture and sensitivity test to determine the best antibiotic for your infection.
Occasionally vaginal estrogens can decrease the recurrent infections that you are having.
Regarding your kidney dysfunction, I am glad that you have an appointment with a urologist. It is known that lithium can cause problems with kidney function. You may need to talk to your doctor that prescribes the lithium and consider changing that to another medication.
I hope you are feeling better soon,
Dr.Robinson
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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