'I Lived With a UTI for Thirty Years After Doctors Failed to Help' | This Morning

[@PaulaRoman12724]

THANK YOU for highlighting this issue and for hope for patients like me!

[@HPLL23]

Dr Anderson is my doctor she literally gave me my life back hiprex is an amazing drug! It's really helped me 😊

[@allytee3427]

I had chronic UTI for the past 4 years and it has ruined my life! I miss my life before. If only we had more awareness and medical help, so many women are left to suffer in no hope for years and decades.

[@elaineboyernjjjklklpoy838]

Hi did you wee a large amount, iv had mine for over a year no pain just wee over 4 litres a day thank you.

[@michellethompson1415]

Roughly how much would you drink per day? If you could, over a 24 hr period measure how much you drink and how much you wee. Do an input and output and if your output is a little less or near the same as your input it would sound about right, but if there is a substantial amount of difference between the two, then i would say it doesnt sound right. This is just my own personal experience talking so please if you are in the slightest amount unsure, worried or concerned see your GP or practice nurse lovely.​@elaineboyernjjjklklpoy838

[@lizziebee0001]

Excellent. So useful to know. Such a great doctor to be working towards better medical understanding and highlighting the inadequacies of current medical tests and general knowledge. She reminds me of Dr Louise Newson and her campaign to bring HRT into the 21st century and who just today was attacked in a BBC article which showed total ignorance of the importance of HRT and the reason why some women do truly need high doses (these "high doses" are not dangerous in the slightest" and in fact bring great health benefits to those who need them). The medical profession needs an overhaul - they need to review their antiquated understanding of so many things. I'm so glad this women found the right doctor and is getting her life back.

[@DrDre999]

Completely agree. The problem is, a lot of what we know and do now in medicine is based on years of a society and system that is/was male dominated. The includes funding and research into men's health issues. This means we're at a stage now where women's health just hasn't had the same attention as men's. It's great that in recent years there's a much better level of attention on women's health, all the way from the young years of identifying endometriosis and contraception, to the issues faced when growing older such as recurrent UTIs and the menopause.

[@lizziebee0001]

@@DrDre999 Absolutely !! Just hope things continue to change in the right direction.

[@kimthom5793]

Agree. Someone obviously feels threatened about her work.

[@MissCBwasadancer3]

As someone who’s suffered from urosepsis several times and tests often don’t show anything until it hits that point this is amazing to hear . Thank you so much for airing this issue!

[@ekabalighosh3667]

The medical establishment does not like listening to women's experiences. Chronic UTIs are today where endometriosis was a decade ago. We need more conversations, research, funding and better treatments that don't give us horrid side effects.

[@daynacullimore1936]

I'm grateful to know there are charities that can help. I'm in my mid twenties and have suffered recurrent UTIs since I was eighteen. getting infections every month and been admitted to hospital 5 times so far this year for them. I'm so glad Lisa that you've found a treatment that has helped you.

[@jokel8894]

What an amazing doctor

[@susmateja]

Thank you so much for addressing this horrible condition!!

[@joannegreenway872]

I had UTIS off and on since I was 7 years old I am now 49 years old I then got kidney stones constantly and now unfortunately I now have stage 4 kidney failure

[@Tsalenchuk]

Great video! UTIs are more complex than they seem. Here are some hidden insights: Gut Health Connection: UTIs aren’t just about bacteria in the bladder. Research shows that an imbalanced gut microbiome can increase the risk of infections like UTIs, as harmful bacteria (E. coli) can migrate. Antibiotic Resistance: Frequent antibiotic use can lead to resistance. Consider alternatives like D-mannose or probiotics, which help support your body's natural defenses. Hydration: Drinking water is crucial to flush out bacteria. But avoid sugary drinks-they irritate the bladder. And cranberry juice? It’s not as effective as people think-you’d need to drink liters for any real benefit. By focusing on gut health, immune support, and simple lifestyle changes, you can greatly reduce UTI risks!

[@lauranneheres]

Been suffering with chronic UTI for two years and it took months of long term antibiotics and Hiprex to get things to calm down. I also took two rounds of the new vaccine being trialled and that finally sorted it. Still on hiprex though and always have antibiotics with me on holidays

[@MM-lx4zh]

Which vaccine please?

[@lauranneheres]

@@MM-lx4zh Urommune. It’s in phase 3 trials but you can buy it privately

[@sarahbrazenor4959]

What vaccine were you given?

[@lauranneheres]

@@sarahbrazenor4959 urommune. It’s in phase 3 trials but you can pay to get it

[@lesleyshears4066]

I've lived with UTIs for almost 60 years. Thankfully I now have a referral to a specialist urologist and am hopeful she can help.

[@CharlotteEastwood-i6s]

I wish there was more awareness of this because 14 years ago I had an infection that lasted eight weeks and since then I get cystitis at every inopportune moment. If I need the loo I have to go immediately because if I'm on a bus and have to hold it, I'm gonna have to take cystitis sachet relief to calm it down but yet every test the doctor has done isn't picking up anything. CT scans, a bladder consultant at the hospital, cameras, nothing is picking anything up and let's not even mention when I'm coming up to my period because that is horrific and I'm only in my early 30s and it's embarrassing to need the loo at least once or twice within an hour

[@seasonsofella1882]

That subs very similar to my experience, I was eventually diagnosed with autoimmune cystitis and the treatment they offered was bladder saline flushes. I decided not to go ahead with that as as long as I drink enough water every day and take Uva Ursi tablets when I feel a twinge it’s okay - I would highly recommend trying them they’re the only thing that has worked for me, but might be worth trying to push your doctor to look at an auto immune cystitis diagnosis ❤❤

[@kellymcgrath8179]

This is also my story, starting in 20s and continuing on into menopause. I eventually convinced my GP to write a referral for a specialist even though she just thought I wasn't practicing proper hygiene in the bathroom. That was crushing. High dose courses, then low dose antibiotics for up to 2 months, now only oestrogen twice a week. Hyprex was a game changer for maintenance. For me the problem was eating cold or reheated meats, like deli meat or meals at cafes that reheat foods. My last attack I pleaded with doctors at emergency to knock me out or give me a green whistle. I hope research into this condition continues because as Dr Cat said, many of the tests were developed decades ago and the pain is very real though you can't tell just by looking at someone who is suffering.

[@Starscreamf15]

I'm playing this video for my urogynologist at me next appointment. She's refusing to treat me regardless of my symptoms because that useless 3day culture nonsense shows negative. Central Florida is still in the 1700s when it comes to treating UTIs.

[@shelleysanders9666]

There is a further complication which is there is also a non-bacterial cystitis which of course does not show up in tests - ‘interstitial cystitis’ (an inflammation). (Drug used which rebuilds bladder wall ‘Pentosan Polysulfate’)’ Often the bacterial form recurs (as she describes)

[@elizabethannegrey6285]

What an informative video. Thank you.

[@juliaw3413]

Hiprex may have worked for this lady but for many it makes it so much worse if you have Interstitial Cystitis . Many have changed to D Mannoes I totally natural treatment. E.Coli hook onto the bladder wall, this is why it is so difficult to stop bladder infections. However E.Coli love D Mannoes which is a natural sugar in the body. They hook onto that natural sugar and can be flushed out . Taking D Mannoes ever day has been a game changer for me.

[@lisaf7909]

It's because GPS only prescribe a 3 day course of antibiotics. My sister is a pharmacist and prescribed oestrogen pessaries for mum after 13 recurrent infections and shes never had any problems since.

[@lph7369]

This is why I got mine. I can’t get oestrogen cream because I’m under 50

[@nancystewart5370]

I live in Australia was going back to the uk for a holiday last year . Had a uti before I left think it was stress but I have to say the uk doctors were amazing . Coming back to Australia I had a cystoscope and was put on hiprex and vitamin c and fingers crossed I’ve been ok 😊

[@bobblebec12]

I suffered horrendous as a youngster and menopause. Diet is huge too, no caffeine, no sugar, careful with washing powder and shower gels.

[@andix3944]

Poor woman, sounds horrendous. Glad she finally got the help she needed.

[@commanderbarbie2550]

Imagine how this would be before we had medicine to fix this. I guess this would just have to be something you’d have to live with. So glad I live in a time with modern medicine.

[@lalaausten9072]

For many people the treatment doesnt work, we need better treatment for this god awful illness

[@TheJZab]

So so important!

[@maryc9084]

Thank you.

[@alexandrarohla1531]

I have to say I'm a fellow sufferer I have UTI's at the drop of a hat I have showers everyday to keep "keep down there " spotless

[@chasingpunctuation]

If only the NHS would adopt the Harley street way of treatment. I spend hundreds and hundreds every year even though I can’t afford it just to be able to go to work.

[@GenevieveJenevieve]

Hopefully you can be referred to LUTS at the Whittington hospital. That’s NHS

[@DrCatrionaAnderson-rk8nc]

EQUC testing when a patient is symptomatic and not taking antibiotics/ antimicrobials is backed with good evidence. We find it directs the choice of prescribing. Most patients begin to respond within weeks, if not we have a big rethink, retest etc. Over 80% start improving within weeks, not months. Every infection, every case is different and deserves a personalised approach.

[@chasingpunctuation]

@@DrCatrionaAnderson-rk8nc sorry I didn’t mean that this is the only thing the NHS should offer, just that I’d love to be able to access the treatment without spending thousands

[@chasingpunctuation]

@@GenevieveJenevieve would my GP do that? I just have 0 faith in GP after all this. I don’t trust them to listen to me

[@GenevieveJenevieve]

@@chasingpunctuation yes you have to go back to your gp and say you are being treated for a chronic uti privately and want to be switched to LUTS

[@lemmyandbrookie]

Finally someone caring about how debilitating chronic UTIS are 😢

[@sarahclowes3155]

I wish they'd realised about her jingly bracelets. I was trying to listen but got so distracted by the noise! What a horrible thing to go thru, UTIs are yuck! Glad she got a doctor that listened and is sorted. Great awareness raising.

[@kimthom5793]

Wish someone would come up with a solution for gut issues that have gone on for over 30years.

[@jessayo2754]

I had chronic utis too . Had it every single week it was debilitating

[@susanstricker5416]

Take d-mannose it’s life changing. A natural sugar that takes the e.coli out of the bladder. As you feel it coming on start taking it 3 times a day for 3-5 days. It initially feels worse then gets better over next few days. It’s a lifesaver and no need for antibiotics

[@MM-lx4zh]

This was great❤

[@rhi6798]

Taking Hiprex (mentioned in the video) was slso a complete game changer for me!

[@SB-mm9zh]

What I don't understand is the fact that women are now prescribed antibiotics for only 3 days if they have a UTI whereas men are prescribed 7 days worth. Yet it is well known that women suffer from them twice as much as men. The excuse is that supposedly men can have more severe complications from a UTI infection - like what I ask???!!!!!

[@baxterbunch]

Because men have a longer urethra UTI’s are a lot less common but when they occur it can be life threatening, because the urethra is so much longer when a UTI is detected in men there is a chance it’s already turned into a bladder or kidney infection which doesn’t happen with women. I was always prescribed 7 days of antibiotics for the 17 UTI’s I had in my pregnancies

[@kellymcgrath8179]

@@baxterbunch Kidney infections from UTIs can happen in women, I've had several over the last 30 years and they're not nice.

[@Gracie1788]

This is also my life story last year it got so bad i developed sepsis and almost died. I suffer monthly with UTIs i take 50mgs of antibiotics every night then have to increase to 100mg twice daily for 3 days, i have to switch the antibiotics every 3 months! I am now 59 so almost 40yrs of this! I have made a doctors appointment for thursday to see if i can try the hiprex. 🤞🤞🤞

[@lph7369]

I got mine from a 3 day antibiotic. Desperately trying to not have it chronic but it’s recurrent now.,3 times in 4 months. :(

[@laadeedah]

I used to have around 5 a year, it was only after trying a new type of antibiotic that finally killed the recurrent uti off. I got a single uti again after around 4 years, went to the dr and told them only one antibiotic worked for me and gave them the name. The dr ignored me and still prescribed me the one that didnt work as that was a first line for utis. After a week of pain still i went back and only then was put on the antibiotic i said i needed. Very disappointing experience but i am glad i have found what works

[@laadeedah]

In case it helps anyone, my antibiotic that works is Pivmecillinam

[@jodypurdy1995]

I had reoccurring utis for years starting when i was 18. Doctors never seemed to take me seriously, denying i had one, saying it wasnt that bad so giving me 3 days of antibiotics 🥲, saying it was stds and making me take tests, which were always negative. They make you feel like youre mad. There was days i couldnt even sit down it was so painful and sweating with a fever and theyd act like i was delusional

[@seasonsofella1882]

Anyone in the comments looking for advice I take UVA Ursi tablets (not the liquid) from i-herb and they’ve been a game changer, the only thing that has helped keep my chronic utis at bay - it’s now been 2 years since my last infection 🥰 I also was diagnosed with auto immune cystitis so would recommend exploring that with your doctor if you have chronic uti symptoms 🧡

[@marymutyaba6322]

I've had it maybe 3 times in my life. It's been years now

[@xBoringPerfectionx]

Had this for 2 straight years. Just got with a new partner and it seems to be happening again. Drs refuse to do anything properly

[@jemmaclark3540]

I found low sugar diet fixed mine as I also suffered for years from a young age plus de worming regularly

[@LouiseIngram-hd5yc]

MicrogenDX PCR and NGS is where it’s at.

[@Nutt-h2d]

Cranberry juice hope everything is ok now

[@littlehami7278]

Yup. Been living with eczema for 10 years turns out i had parasites. (Did a private stool test and herbal detox and enemas)

[@meganrodgers4131]

WFPB/vegan diet and intermittent fasting resolved this🎉

[@zxresa]

What about methylene blue?

[@PaulaRoman12724]

Uribel has methylene blue and hipprex in it

[@zxresa]

@@PaulaRoman12724 OK thanks I started taking methylene blue for UTI hopefully it will work 👍

[@MollyODonoghue]

Crazy that the dip stick research is that OLD!!! And unbelievable that we’re not just listening to women and there symptoms

[@sherimillman53]

I took it long term it hasn't worked

[@GenevieveJenevieve]

Look into fulguration with Dr Sevinc in Istanbul

[@Emily18997]

This is an unhelpful and clickbaiting headline. Hundreds of doctors must have helped her and have clearly given her antibiotics for these UTIs over the years. Please stop shaming medical professionals

[@marshalally9110]

You are misunderstanding...Doctors gave her antibiotics short term...not the answer

[@DMAC1301]

It is so frustrating to take antibiotics and still be uncomfortable. It gets so bad I second guess myself because I can be tested one day and told no uti and tested 2 days later and have one. I wait until I am certain be I’m not believed. Even the urologist just says this happens to women as they age., it’s not a good thing.

[@AmandaJ__]

@@marshalally9110yeah, and I don’t think it’s advised to be on antibiotics so much. I wish a doctor would’ve gotten to the bottom of it earlier

[@VerityGromniak]

I am afraid you are not right. This is true and not click bate. Thousands and thousands of women go to the doctors with symptoms of a UTI, for the doctor to refuse to treat them because the tests show negative for the infection, despite the patient having full symptoms.They tell women (and men but mainly women) that it is in their head, and offer them antidepressants. Leaving the patient with a raging infection untreated which leads to many complications. The points being made are that women need to be listened too not dismissed, a persons symptoms should be listened too and not ignored, and that testing needs to become better to detect all off the offending bugs causing the infection, not just some of them, because this leaves those who's bugs are not picked up not getting any treatment. The tests are unbelievably old and inaccurate and have never been updated. NICE guidelines need to change to allow for the correct dosage of antibiotics, long term (certainly more than 3 days) is needed to stop the infection properly a the beginning. It is certainly needed for those who's infections are chronic because they were left untreated for many, many years and have now an infected bladder wall. Resistance occurs when short courses are given here and there that don't clear infection. If you are a medical professional I hope you are one that listens to your patients. If you are a patient, I hope you have been one of the lucky ones who show infection and get treatment. If you would like more information on the medical workings of chronic UTI and the impact to patients health and life, I would be happy to help you further. For you to believe this is click bate I can only hope it means you have never suffered and will never do if you ever get a UTI.

[@allytee3427]

Normal drs don’t help with chronic uti. I was left for years with pain and suffering because standard medical practice doesn’t recognise or treat it. The medical system is failing women with chronic uti.