I know this isnt what you need to hear but I dont know what to do! I ahve my op planned for 24th and pre op on 18th and have been suffering really badly with this flu like virus that everyone is having and to top it all I think I now have cystitis. Just been to chemist and I got some powders to take but he said if it doesnt clear up I will need anti-biotics!! This poses 2 problems. Firstly is actually getting to see my gp without a 3 month waiting list and would the hospital admit me anyway if I have taken anti-biotics recently. Am drinking loads of water to help flush it out ut any help would be appreciated

about the bicarb Shani; it works to neutralise the pH of your wee so that it doesn't sting and you are better able to flush out the infection.

The sachets you buy are pretty much exactly the same as bicarb only flavoured so they're easier to stomach.

Hiya,

I suffer from recurring cystitis and have to take a low dose of trimethoprim (the antibiotic for it) every night. I was concerned that I would have to stop this medication pre-op. My other concern is that as I suffer so regularly from it it can be brought on by stress and I'm worried that as I get closer to my BA date that I might get it and under no circumstances can stand not being able to take a full dose of antibiotics!

I spoke to my PS (you're going through MyBreast as well arent you?) and he was really nice and said that I could continue my low dose and that if I did get it then I would be fine to take a course of antibiotics before my op as they give me antibiotics during the op anyway. I'd obviously tell him if this was the case and I think you should call them just to check but you're a good 2 -3 weeks pre op and the course should only last 3 days.

As for the doctors I would go to your nearest NHS walk-in clinic. There's quite alot of them around and they're free to go to. You fill in a form, give them a sample and then wait to see a nurse. Once they've tested it they'll give you a full course of antibiotics.

http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/Service-Search.aspx (I think this site adds hyphens to the links so you might have to remove them!)

If you put in your postcode and click walk-in centre then it should bring up your nearest one. They're usually open on sundays so if you cant get there today now then you might be able to get there tomorrow.

The other thing I try to take as a precaution are cranberry tablets. You can get them from Holland and Barrett - I find them to be the best - and they can help sooth as well as paracetamol. If you've got it though I think the only thing that will get rid of it once and for all are anti-biotics and the cranberry and water are only really good for before you get it.

I know how terrible it is to have cystitis and to be honest if my PS had said I couldnt take antibiotics in the event I get it just before I wouldnt have booked my BA. Hopefully you should be able to get it sorted pretty quickly and I hope the above essay of advice helps!!

Good luck
Natalie xxx

I had cysitis about 6 weeks before my op and there was a 2 week wait to see my gp but they gave me an appointment to see a nurse the next day, who did a urine test and then got the gp in to write a prescription for me. Maybe that could work for you too? If they say you do have an infection that needs antibiotics I would ring your ps and check with them that it's ok to take them. And keep drinking plenty of water and cranberry juice in the mean time.
xx

hiya you can get over the countyer powders you add to water that can sometimes get rid you only need anti biotics if its really stubborn and wont go, i think you cant take antibiotics upto 2 weeks before so if you can get some now you may be ok

other than that drink lots of cranberry juice

hope this helps

maria xx

I've had cystitis really bad a few times and know how awful it is.

I would suggest drinking LOTS of water; don't put squash or anything in it. Avoid fizzy drinks and caffeine and also alcohol; that's the worst thing you can do.

Cranberry juice is the miracle cure in theory but it's hard to get hold of it without added sugars or sweeteners which just counteract the good effects so drink it but in moderation.

If you can get into town today then go to Holland and Barrett or similar and buy cranberry tablets; they contain concentrated cranberry and are brilliant. You could also try probiotic tablets to help with the infection.

Above all drinks lots of water, pee when you feel you need to even if it's gonna hurt. If you're in constant pain then assuming it's ok re your upcoming BA then paracetamol every 4 hours; if really really bad then ibuprofen ever 4 hours but inbetween the paracetamol if you follow!

Fingers crossed for you that you're ok! You have my sympathy! xx

I think best thing is take cranberry tablets and anti biotics.

If not i dont think My breast charge to postpone your operation. One lady off here had guy sterne, Paula i think who postponed her op cos of something minor like that, might be worth asking her what happened.

it was tracey173