Seeking Assistance for UTI with Candida Krusei
Age: 20 years, Female Assigned at Birth, Weight: 165 lbs Current Medications: - Cymbalta 60 mg - Ivabradine 5 mg twice daily - Vitamin D at 2000 IU - Lo Loestrin - Topamax 25 mg taken twice a day - Linzess 145 mg Medical Conditions: - POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) - Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia - Vasovagal Syncope On March 3rd, I visited the emergency room due to severe abdominal and back discomfort. They conducted several tests, including urinalysis and blood work. The results of the urine test revealed: - Presence of Calcium Oxalate Crystals - Yeast - Bacterial infection - Elevated Specific Gravity (> 1.030) - Trace amounts of Leukocyte Esterase - Small quantities of Proteins (30 mg/dL) - Trace levels of Ketones - Minor traces of Blood The medical staff mentioned that the Calcium Oxalate crystals were something that could occur spontaneously, which I found perplexing, but I was too fatigued and in pain to pursue explanations. They offered me a CT scan because of my concerns regarding constipation, and I agreed. The scan showed thickening of the bladder wall, which they attributed to Yeast Cystitis, and administered a single dose of Diflucan. Initially, I felt some relief, although it lasted only a day or two. On March 12th, I had a follow-up appointment with my primary care physician for a routine check-up. She questioned why the ER did not culture my urine sample. I was uncertain, so I provided a fresh sample for her to send for culture analysis. Results returned on March 14th, and they were concerning: there were 50,000-100,000 CFU/mL of Candida Krusei present. Since this fell on a Friday, no one was able to review the findings immediately. I continued to experience sporadic symptoms and discomfort. By March 17th, my doctor reached out to inform me that she planned to refer me to a urology specialist since she felt underqualified to manage my case. She noted that the Candida levels were not high enough to strictly classify as an infection needing treatment. However, she mentioned that the only potential therapy would be long-term intravenous medication, all while my symptoms were not subsiding. It had now been over three months of coping with urinary tract infection-like symptoms. On March 18th, I received a call from the urology department, but the earliest available appointment was not until May 28th. They suggested I could be put on a waiting list for cancellations. I honestly feel overwhelmed and trapped in this situation. It’s incredibly disheartening to know that I have what seems to be an active infection but am left waiting for months for a potential consultation. I'm not immunocompromised and do not have a catheter or any condition that typically makes one more susceptible to such infections. While I have my share of medical issues, I maintain good hygiene and have minimal sexual activity. I have always been advised to address UTI symptoms promptly, which adds to my confusion and frustration. I feel at a loss. I desperately seek guidance or support from anyone who can help navigate this troubling scenario.
Answers (1)
3/18/2025, 11:30:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you're feeling overwhelmed and disheartened by your situation regarding persistent symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), especially with the findings of Candida Krusei in your urine. Let's break down the key points and explore some actionable steps you can take to help manage your symptoms while waiting for specialist care.
Key Points:
- You have a confirmed presence of Candida Krusei, which is concerning, but not necessarily classified as a typical infection needing immediate treatment at your current levels.
- You’ve been experiencing UTI-like symptoms for over three months, and it’s understandable that you're feeling frustrated given the timelines for specialist appointments.
Explanation:
Candida Krusei is a type of yeast that can exist in the urinary tract and may contribute to symptoms, especially if you’re already experiencing discomfort. While your doctor noted that treatment may require long-term intravenous medication, this typically applies to more severe cases. The presence of calcium oxalate crystals and your medical history adds more complexity to your condition but doesn’t necessarily require urgent intervention in the absence of severe symptoms.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Management:
- Stay Hydrated: Aim for clear urine by drinking plenty of water. Hydration can help flush your urinary system and may alleviate some symptoms.
- Avoid Irritants: Reduce or eliminate caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, which can irritate the bladder.
- Pain Relief: Consider using over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for discomfort, adhering to proper dosing instructions.
- Heat Application: Use a heating pad on your abdomen or lower back to help soothe pain.
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Monitoring Symptoms:
- Keep a daily log of your symptoms, noting any changes or patterns. This documentation can be helpful when you finally meet with the urologist, providing them with a clearer picture of your condition over time.
- Watch for worsening symptoms, such as increased pain, fever, nausea, or changes in your urinary habits. These should prompt immediate care.
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Pursuing Urgent Evaluation:
- Since you are experiencing distressing symptoms and have concerns over your care timeline, consider reaching out to the urology department for potential earlier appointments or ask to be placed on a cancellation list. Explain your situation clearly—it could prompt a quicker response.
- If your primary care physician can help expedite your referral or even consider a consultation with an infectious disease specialist, that may be beneficial.
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Lifestyle Considerations:
- Engage in practices that promote urinary health, such as wearing breathable, cotton underwear and avoiding douching or strong soaps in the genital area.
- Regular, gentle movement can help with overall circulation and may assist in symptom alleviation.
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Anticipatory Guidance:
- Educate yourself on your condition and possible treatment options, including both conventional and complementary approaches. This knowledge may help you feel more in control when dealing with healthcare decisions.
Overall, prioritize your comfort with symptom management while ensuring that you're actively following up on your specialist appointment. It's natural to feel frustrated, especially with ongoing discomfort, but maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers and being proactive about your health will be key as you navigate this situation. If you have any further questions or updates, feel free to share.
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