OpenHealth Q&A

Understanding My Health Concerns: A Recent Experience

Subject: Male, Age 49. Last Thursday, around 1 AM, I began experiencing severe chills, prompting me to check my temperature, which measured 101.5°F. I took some Tylenol and returned to bed. Throughout that day, I felt unusually weak and dealt with slight nausea, but I managed to eat, stay hydrated, and my bathroom habits were normal. By dinner, my temperature had stabilized around 99.6°F. Later that night, around 11:30 PM, I sought some stress relief through masturbation, which was uneventful until midway, when I felt the urge to urinate. Instead of finishing, I opted to relieve myself; however, the output was minimal, and I dismissed it as a byproduct of my earlier activities. Noticing little in the dark, I returned to bed and resumed. At about 12:30 AM, the urge returned again, but this time it was just a few drops and shocking to discover blood in the toilet bowl—this sent me into a panic and led to my decision to visit the ER around 1:30 AM. While waiting at the ER, I provided a urine sample, which came out red and contained clots. After being seen, they pressed on my abdomen and back, as well as conducted an ultrasound, revealing that my bladder was functioning properly. Yet, despite these results, the doctors could not definitively determine whether I had a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a prostate issue. They recommended catheterization to flush any clots, which I found excruciating. After a tortuous 30 minutes, I demanded its removal, as the fluid had cleared. Post-removal, they explained that they suspected my urethra might be blocked. I left the hospital with no medications but received a plastic urinal for convenience. Once home, I noticed my urine had returned to a normal color but I still experienced urgency with limited output. Additionally, the catheter had left the tip of my urethra painful. Remembering that Lotrimin was effective for a previous yeast infection for my girlfriend, I decided to apply it at 6 AM. After resting, I woke up to find urination easier and more productive, particularly when lying down. The following days, until Sunday, I noticed a significant reduction in urgency and improved flow. While occasional urgency persisted, I felt almost back to normal, which was a relief. The blood tests results were released that Saturday evening: a urinalysis and standard blood count were performed, but no PSA test was conducted. By Sunday night, I began to feel discomfort that I initially attributed to constipation, followed by pain in the anal and perineum regions. While it was challenging to pass stools, urination remained relatively stable, with a decent flow and mild urgency at times. My temperature remained within the normal range throughout the weekend. come Monday around 11 AM, the discomfort in my perineum and anal region became bothersome, and the lingering mild urgency prompted me to return to the hospital. I was hoping to secure some Amoxicillin, which had effectively treated my prior UTI. In the ER, they performed another urinalysis and blood draw without conducting a digital rectal exam or PSA test, recording a temperature of 99.5°F. They diagnosed me with prostatitis and prescribed Levaquin. They also ordered a bacterial culture but hadn’t communicated the results. After doing some research on Levaquin while in the ER, I discovered alarming side effects. I expressed my concerns about opting for a less dangerous alternative since the culture results were pending, but I was told that Amoxicillin would not penetrate the prostate effectively, based on outdated information according to various sources. Ultimately, they discharged me without taking the Levaquin. Now, early Wednesday morning, I'm pleased to report good urine flow, though I still experience mild urgency and increased frequency. The pain in my perineum and rectal area has lessened significantly, approaching near absence. However, I find bowel movements slightly less comfortable, and I should mention I had been previously diagnosed with non-bleeding hemorrhoids in the colon during a past colonoscopy. Given my experiences, I’m wondering whether I should pursue additional medical care and evaluation elsewhere, or allow my body to heal on its own. P.S. They noted microscopic blood in my urine during tests.

Answers (1)

9/3/2025, 5:51:04 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you've been through quite a challenging experience with your health, and I'm glad to hear that you're feeling some improvement. You've been managing symptoms of possible prostatitis and experiencing some urinary issues, which can understandably be concerning. Here are the main points based on your situation:

1. Current Improvement: You have noticed improvements in urination and a reduction in pain, which is encouraging. However, persistent symptoms like mild urgency and discomfort with bowel movements still need attention.

2. Understanding Prostatitis: Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate gland, which can cause urinary symptoms, discomfort in the pelvic area, and in some cases, can be associated with infections. While you have been diagnosed with prostatitis, your symptoms should continue to be monitored.

Next Steps for Managing Your Health:

1. Continue Monitoring Symptoms:

   • Keep a journal to track your urinary habits (frequency, urgency, and any discomfort) and bowel habits to share with healthcare providers if needed.

2. Hydration and Diet:

   • Ensure you stay well-hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out your urinary system.
   • Consider a diet high in fiber to alleviate any discomfort with bowel movements, especially since you have a history of hemorrhoids.

3. Gentle Care for Pain:

   • For any ongoing pain, consider using over-the-counter pain relief (like Tylenol or ibuprofen) as needed.
   • Warm baths can help ease pelvic discomfort and relax muscles.

4. Seek Further Evaluation if Symptoms Persist:

   • If symptoms such as pain, urgency, or changes in urination persist over the next few days, or if you notice any new concerning symptoms (like fever or increased pain), it would be wise to seek further medical evaluation.
   • Don't hesitate to consult a urologist for specialized care, especially considering your prostate concerns and previous diagnoses.

5. Consider Medication Concerns:

   • Since you have reservations regarding Levaquin and its side effects, discussing this with a healthcare provider or pharmacist can help clarify your concerns and explore alternatives that may be safer for your situation, particularly if a bacterial infection is confirmed with the culture.

6. Follow-Up on Blood and Urine Tests:

   • Make sure to follow up on any pending results from the urinalysis and bacterial cultures. This information can direct further treatment and management plans.

Conclusion:

While your symptoms are improving, it is always beneficial to stay vigilant and proactive about your health. Maintain open communication with healthcare professionals, especially if there's any hesitation about prescribed medications or if new symptoms arise. You're doing a commendable job managing your situation, and seeking the right care is a positive step toward recovery. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions or need further assistance.