I have been suffering with what I thought was a bladder infection since May however I have had numerous tests from the gp and cultures and each time it comes back negative.
I purchased a private test from medi checks and it came back positive and the anti biotics to try.
my gp begrudgingly gave ,me 5 days amoxicillin however it never cleared the problem. gp will.not give anti biotic again as he tested em and was still negative
would I need a course longer Than 5 days or Is it possible the private test was wrong? Anyone had any experience as I'm really stuck !!!! Help !!!
5 days is usually enough Amoxicillin to treat an infection. I find it very strange that a private test should be different to an NHS test but perhaps it was more specialised.
I think the comment about antibiotics is a dangerous piece of advice. I have nursed patients who have made an informed decision not to take antibiotics and they were very ill. An infection needs antibiotics but a virus doesn't.
Yes that's what I thought I called the online company and they did say they culture it longer Than the NHS and my result showed fairly significant E. coli in It along with another Bacteria. So can't understand the NHS results ! I'm stumped having a laparoscopy fri as my gp thinks I have gynae issue,!!
If someone has a UTI it is essential to drink plenty of fluids but not taking an antibiotic is likely to cause problems because the infection doesn't stay in the bladder, it quickly is absorbed into the bloodstream so not taking the prescribed medication or not seeking medical advice can lead to a secondary infection or infections.
It could be that cutbacks in the NHS could mean their equipment is not the most up to date or the test was rushed.....who knows. Private hospitals do often use NHS services but if you are using a private service as you did they may have much more modern equipment. How long did it take for you to get the results? At least you are having some further tests wendy on Friday so hopefully you'll find out what if there are any problems.
I have suffered from EXACTLY the same thing. EXACTLY. It has taken 5 months, 3 urologists to get me sorted.
Every test I did with the GP came back negative but I had a full blown UTI (after suffering with this for years I know). The GP would not give me antibiotics.
I went to medichecks and they confirmed numerous bacteria, infections and ABs over the course of 3 months. The reason why the NHS come back negative is that they only report if the infection is over 100,000. Anything less they say no infection. I also think (I dont know) that they only test for ecoli but I may be wrong.
I noticed that there are not many posts of people getting better, I never thought i would. The AB's would get me a bit better but I've had almost 6 months of feeling like a UTI. Could you let me know what bacteria medichecks reported on and I'll let you know what I think may work. Hang on in there.
Just to clarify suzy the NHS test for lots of different bacteria not just Ecoli. I know that from personal and professional experience because that's the only way to determine which antibiotic is needed. The other thing (and I've just rang a GP friend of mine) they do report on bacteria under 100,000 he said it would be negligent not to do so.
Thank you for the info, its really helpful. So, why do you think medichecks identify bacteria and NHS doesnt? As a patient you know when you have a UTI so they must be more thorough than the NHS? When I took the antibiotic for the infection diagnosed by medichecks I felt better within hours, it didnt cure it but I was definately better
I'm as puzzled as you are and I've been thinking about it since I read a post yesterday about it. The only thing I can think of is that some NHS Trusts are using old equipment for what they consider "minor infections" and using the modern up to date equipment for hospital inpatient tests. Another thought was that because they are expected to get results out quickly (otherwise the GP practices are ringing for results) they don't leave the specimen long enough to give a true reading. How long did it take for Medichecks to give you the result?
The first test with medicheck came back postive was about 4/5 days. They said the infection was shown after 24-48 hours and then they cultured. The 3rd infection I had though was extended for longer - 5 days - before they found the infection as I begged them. It was then cultured. That showed 10,000 - 100,000, 2 separate bacterias. I had read that some infections may take 20 days to show?
I don't think I would ever trust an NHS test again for urine cultures now though.
I've given up with GP he won't have it its a uti. Medichecks said its ecoli more than 100.000 and enterirocus 10.000-100.000. GP gave me 5 days amoxicillin. It seemed bit better but never cleared.
How did u get sorted in end did urologist provide anti biotic? Are u better now? I'm worried could go to my kidneys if not sorted! I'll prob have to pay private for urologist x
Hi Wendy! Great to hear from you too. I saw a private urologist as my gp also said it wasn't a uti. He gave me the antibiotics I needed but it still didn't clear for months. I've just had my 4th day of feeling ok. For the ecoli infection take dmannose. For the other infection you do need antibiotics - medi checks can also supply these. You won't need antibiotics for the ecoli if you take the dmannose as it says - every 2/3 hours for 3 days. Also take grapefruit seed extract as its a natural antibiotic. I prefer to eat a grapefruit and seeds instead of tablets. I'm here for you - I've had a horrible time with it xx
Did you mention the company again which tested your urine specimen? Sometimes if a company is mentioned a few times it doesn't meet the terms and conditions. I'm not saying that's definitely the reason but just a thought.
Hi, I tried to send my email address - I'd be more than happy to talk to you as I've just been through this and it's been awful. I had 4 good days but it's come back a little. I can tell you everything I've done, the awful urologists I've seen and a very good one who has been amazing. How can I contact you?