Well, it looks like I may have my first UTI since being diagnosed with MS. I'm on Tysabri and have had 4 doses. I have had UTI's over the years off and on, before the MS diagnosis, when I sometimes had sex (common for some women). But I have some questions:

Is anyone out there on Tysabri who gets UTI's after their infusions? I know it is listed as a side effect.

I ignored it for awhile because I haven't had one in over a year and for some bizarre reason I just thought it was the MS causing urinary hesitancy, and urinating many times a day since I hadn't had sex. I thought maybe I had a new symptom of MS. But then it occured to me that it might be a UTI since my urine was cloudy and I had pain coming and going. Anyhow, I have Nitrofurantoin that my primary care doc. had given me a year plus ago to take after having intercourse to prevent UTIs. I have started taking it now. I've been on it for 2 days. The UTI doesn't seem to be clearing up as fast as it did in the past. It does seem some what better but it is still not really gone. I am urinating normally but the pain/pressure is still there.

Should I wait a few more days to see if it completely clears up?
Could this be because my immune system is lowered from the Tysabri?
Is this antibiotic too mild for the kind of UTI's that people with MS get?

I called the neuro and they said come in and give a urine specimen. I'm worried, though, since I've been on antibiotics that the bacteria may not pick up in the sample. I guess I should just go give the urine sample, right? And then see what it says? It's just annoying because I have to drive a ways to get to the lab.

Natalie, there are various UTI's, caused by a number of different bacteria. If they suspect a UTI (and even without confirmation), they will give a "one size fits all" type of med. ... BUT they should always send it away for proper culture to find out what type of bacteria it is so they can treat you with the BEST med for that type.

YES, get yourself into the doc, and get a culture done. Never leave infection when you have MS.

Cherie

Natalie,

I've only had ONE UTI as an adult - and it happened after I had Tysabri! But I also know that people with MS sometimes have higher rate of UTIs, regardless of med they are on.

I was able to go right to my docs office and they did a quick urine dip and confirmed it was a UTI.

I also found out that pharmacies sell an at-home test that you can use to test your urine...I had done that first and it came up positive, which prompted me to go the doctor.

I don't know what that antibiotic is that you mentioned...but usually bactrim or cipro are prescribed for UTIs.

Good luck...and get to a doc if you need to!!

~Keri

1) Yes, I have used Tysabri when dealing with a UTI, but only when the neurologist approved the procedure at the infusion center.

2) Using Cirpo, my UTI's have lasted just a few days.

3) Yes, UTI's are more common when using Tysabri because of the limitations Tysabri places on your immune system. That is why you need to talk to the doc in advance of your next infusion and why it needs to be treated ASAP.

4) For UTI's, I am a huuuge fan of Cipro. If the Nitrofurantoin does not work, then maybe you can change to Cipro.

Let us know how it goes.

-Vic

I used to get UTIs in my 1st 5 years of MS, most sex related (I am married so this happens) but not all, I take Nitrofurn right after Activity, then 2x/day for 2 days, When I have a UTI, PCP does quick in office test strip, sends urine to a lab and sometimes Anti-biotic prescription (she calls) needs changing to be bacteria specific. One size (Or antibiotic) does NOT fit all.

Never let a UTI go without being treated. I have no idea if it's because of TY but please get it looked at. One size does not fit all but your doc may prescribe a broad spectrum antibiotic until the cultures come in. Jim ended up in kidney failure from a UTI that wasn't treated. Don't wait.

He has UTI's all the time but he's back on Macrobid/Nitrofurantoin and doing pretty good. He does have ecoli in his urine but it's colonized and not affecting him.

Natalie

Go to the doc. UTIs are nothing to mess around with. If left untreated, they can cause other more damaging problems!!! Go pee in that cup and get it cultured and treated. Self treating is NOT a good idea! *smack*

Other than that, how are you doing? Haven't heard much from you lately....

Natalie, when you pee in that cup, make sure you wear a latex glove. Saves a lot of frustration/clean-up if your aim isn't that accurate.

How are you doing, Natalie? Did you get into the doc?

Cherie

i agree with the above advice nat.

my nursing advice is to not use a med that's that old.
it's possible that you have a bacteria that this particular med doesn't kill. or partially kills and that's why you still feel symptomatic.

it's also a good idea to keep your dr in the loop about what's happening with you so he can do a good assessment and make the best intervention for you.

sorry about the time involved but it's the best thing to do.
please keep us posted.