I had a robotic prostatectomy in april this year and a follow up consultation with the surgeon 6 weeks later. No radiotherapy needed but a PSA will be done in july. A good meeting and I felt fine too!
Around a month ago I felt unwell. A had a few minor lower abdominal aches and increased urine output during the day and night.My GP diagnosed that I was suffering from a urine infection and took a culture. My first lot of antebiotics made me feel a bit better and I completed the course. I have cut out diuretics, alcohol and other bladder irritants and am drinking lots of water. To cut a long story short-yesterday my GP -after a further examination-put me on a fourth week of antibiotics saying my urine sample was still showing signs of infection. He has also "ordered" another culture that should be available for my next GP appointment in a week's time (29/6) that will coincide with the end of my current (4th)lot of antibiotics. I am not optimistic that these will do the trick so i expect my GP to do me a prompt referral to Urology and write to my surgeon etc.
Naturally, I am finding this very stressful and difficult to manage, rushing to the loo, getting up in the night bla bla .... to be honest life is at a standstill. I really know what it feels to be p****d off!
Once this infection was diagnosed I have also been in contact with my specialist nurse at the Hospital Urology clinic. On the first occasion --she pointed out that urine infections were not uncommon following surgery. I texted her an update yesterday and expect to talk to her this coming monday re my current status...the closing sentence of my text was " Is there anything ELSE I should or could be doing to knock this on the head".
A urine infection is tiresome, very draining and thoroughly disagreeable if you are at the stage of recovery I am. Naturally it looks as though my July PSA will need to be postponed till all sign of infection are clear. Annoying but manageable.
Am I doing all that I can do to manage an outcome here?. I know the seriousness of an infection and am confident in the support of my GP surgery and the Specialist Nurse at my hospital. These though are my questions what might be going on here?, why is this taking so long to clear?, what might be causing this infection? What else should I be doing? Has anyone else had a sustained period of urine infection/antebiotics following a prostatectomy,?
All advice, thoughts and experiences welcome
Many thanks