My husband was paralyzed in a hunting accident in 2013 and has suffered from frequent UTIs since then -- some of which require hospitalization 3-4 times per year. Now, when the urine is cultured and tested for sensitivity, it seems that the bacteria are becoming resistant to the antibiotics he's used in the past. I've been reading over the years about the use of Vetericyn and Microcyn. Are people still using these as preventatives? Are there any new treatments or alternative treatments that we should consider? He was recently diagnosed with diabetes so I'm hesitant for him to try D Mannose. Thank you for your help.
If the primary bacteria causing infection is e coli, D mannose is a good choice. I am diabetic and read that D mannose would not affect serum blood sugar level because it is mostly excreted. My numbers did not change noticeably and I only needed antibiotics rarely when UTI was caused by other than e coli. Vetericyn and Microcyn, used as a "bladder wash", have been reported as effective prophylactically against more varieties of bacteria. This requires use of a catheter. I have no experience except with D mannose.
I had very similar issues with chronic UTIs for years, and was on a prophylactic dose of cephalexin for years. I eventually found a urologist that specialized in treating neurogenic bladder patients with complex neurological conditions (e.g., folks with SCIs). Whereas I was getting an infection every month and a half or so, it's been at least seven years since my last infection with the use of the irrigation.
Not too many doctors seem to know about the treatment. Here's an article on the matter. The advantages are pretty clear. Most importantly, there is the avoidance of creating treatment resistance through continued use of antibiotics.
"Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you." --J.P. Sartre
I'm post 28 years t-10 complete with neogenic bladder. I was on gent and saline solution irrigation I'm guessing the bacteria figured away around it . I'm now on Nitrofurantoin at bedtime I cath every 4 hours during the day. I limit my fluid bedtime and I sleep for 8 hours before cathing in the morning. I've had some success with a UTI here and there. I've also learned that with cathing when testing urine you show bacteria. We don't treat unless I have symptoms. JW