That's interesting wavewolf. I know sugar is bad for the bladder but I've heard that orange juice has helped a few people I've spoken to. They have a cup of orange juice everyday and rarely get UTI's. Maybe it depends on the person!
Probably these people have healthy immune systems, which can help avoid UTIs. Acidic Ph in bladder can reduce vulnerability to UTIs, but eating acidic foods does not directly translate to this. Eating an orange would be better than drinking juice (even freshly squeezed juice)--get fiber, less sugar, and still good vitamin C. Packaged orange juice is actually a highly processed food. When people have irritated/inflamed bladder (cystitis), then eating citrus is contraindicated.
I appreciate you all sharing your experience. My bladder is a mess, so things are going to be changing for my management, just not sure how at this time. I cannot cath myself, lack of sensation in hands and also on body make it difficult even with using mirror. How can one do this away from home? I am afraid if I become dependent on cathing that I will be even less mobile than now, and that will affect my ability to work. At home, I cannot imagine cathing on toilet (portable potty chair) because I have to use one hand to hang on so I don't lose my balance. I am afraid to cath on bed, because I don't have the energy to clean up a mess...and gross factor huge. This is very unsettling to me. I do not have anyone to assist at home, and in-home care is not an affordable option.