Ongoing Struggles with UTIs and CAUTIs
I am reaching out for advice regarding a persistent health issue. I am a 50-year-old man who has been dealing with urinary retention for approximately eight to nine years. This coincided with a severe case of prostatitis, and ever since, I've never returned to my previous normal state. I have been self-catheterizing—occasionally at first, and now doing it 2-3 times a day for the past five years. Complications have arisen; I experienced urosepsis four and five years ago. The first instance was linked to dehydration and swelling post-hernia surgery right at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Afterward, my urinary tract infection (UTI) did not fully resolve, leading to sepsis the next year. Since then, I have dealt with multiple episodes of kidney issues and UTIs. Over the last year, I’ve taken antibiotics twice for prostatitis and also battled three additional UTIs. Interestingly, about four years ago, my residual urine volume dropped below 100ml, allowing me to temporarily forgo catheter use, but I still faced two UTIs, which necessitated resuming catheterization. I maintain meticulous hygiene practices by washing with Dermol 500 or using antiseptic wipes before each catheterization, and I ensure my bath towels are frequently changed. In May 2024, I began a regimen with Hiprex, and since then, I have encountered two UTIs along with one prostatitis treatment. According to my urology team, examinations indicated either benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or bladder dysfunction, and I underwent Urolift in December 2024. This has mitigated my residual urine, but levels still fluctuate between 100 and 250 ml, especially when I’m under stress or in a hurry to use the bathroom. The UTIs severely impact my physical and mental well-being and often escalate to kidney issues. I also have a Prince Albert piercing, which I got six years ago. I had faced UTIs prior to the piercing, but when I removed it for approximately eighteen months, I still dealt with infections (the hole never fully closed). I make a point to keep the piercing and surrounding area thoroughly clean. I would appreciate any insights or recommendations from others who might have similar experiences. Am I making a mistake by retaining the piercing, even though I had UTIs when it was absent? The prospect of continuing to suffer from these infections is overwhelming and mentally exhausting, especially with the fear of them becoming septic again. It almost feels like a game of Russian roulette with my health.
Answers (1)
4/1/2025, 10:50:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are facing a challenging and complex situation with your urinary health, particularly with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the management of urinary retention. I appreciate how frustrating and overwhelming this must be for you. Let's break down some key points and actionable steps for you to consider.
Main Points:
- Recurrent UTIs and health management: Your history of UTIs and urosepsis is concerning, particularly given your ongoing challenges with urinary retention and catheterization.
- Impact of lifestyle and hygiene practices: You're already maintaining good hygiene, which is essential in reducing infection risk.
- Consideration of your Prince Albert piercing: This could potentially contribute to UTI risk, though you mentioned having infections before its placement.
Explanation:
Recurrent UTIs can often result from a combination of factors, such as urinary retention, bladder dysfunction, and possible factors related to your piercing. Hygiene is crucial, but infections can still occur due to bacteria entering the urinary system, especially when catheterization is needed, as this can introduce bacteria into the bladder.
Given your history of both UTIs and urosepsis, careful management is essential to avoid serious complications. Addressing the role of your piercing and ensuring you have the right preventive measures in place could be beneficial.
Next Steps:
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Review the Prince Albert Piercing: While piercings are not inherently problematic, consider discussing with your urologist whether removing the piercing could reduce your UTI occurrences, especially given that you had infections both with and without the piercing.
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Hydration and Urinary Health: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids daily to help flush out your urinary system. Avoiding irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods may also help reduce UTI risk.
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Consider Prophylactic Antibiotics: Talk to your urologist about the possibility of taking low-dose antibiotics preventively, especially during times of increased stress or when you know you may face challenges with urination.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your UTI symptoms, frequency, and any potential triggers (diet, stress, etc.). This can help identify patterns and inform your treatment plan with your healthcare provider more effectively.
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Follow-up and Coordination of Care: Make sure you're regularly following up with your urology team. If necessary, seek a second opinion for additional management strategies, especially if current methods seem ineffective.
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Mental Health Support: Managing chronic health issues can be exhausting. Consider seeking support from counseling or a support group for those dealing with similar health challenges. This could help with the emotional aspect of your situation.
By taking these steps, hopefully, you can manage your condition more effectively and mitigate the recurrent infections you’re facing. If you have any further questions or need clarification on any point, do not hesitate to ask.
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