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What Causes Constant Bladder Infections?

Posted on Fri, 4 Apr 2014

Question: latest lab test came back WBC 11.6 and lymphs (absolute) 3.9. Constant bladder infections, test came back with e-coli present. Been sick over a year now. Diabetes under control, have lost 43 pounds. Had to have all teeth pulled in December because of bad infection. Still sick, can't seem to get answers or help. What does this all mean?

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: There might be still infection source in your body Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your medical data carefully and understood your concerns. I am sorry for the situation you are in. Before running into final conclusions, I'd like to have the reports of your blood test results. Can you please indicate when did you run these tests (in relation to pulling teeth)? The normal range for WBC is withing 4.5 to 10.5 depending on the instrument used as analyzer and the reference range of the lab where you did the blood work. Having WBC of 11.6 means it is at the high end of normal and not that high to get stressed. In your case, it is at this high due to constant bladder infections you are having and because of bad infection of teeth that might be still present. The normal range for Lymphocytes (absolute) is between 0.8 to 5.6, depending also on reference range of the lab and the analyzer they used. As you may see, lymphocytes of 3.9 falls within the normal range unless the lab you did the blood test has different reference range. It will need some time to get the infection cleared off your body. Having diabetes makes it difficult for the infections to be treated permanently. I would like to know details from you before commenting further. Dr.Sejdini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Rahul Tawde (2 hours later)

I will send copies of lab tests when I get to a scanner. I had this test done March 1, 2014. After I had the 3nd bladder infection, I had the teeth pulled in December and in Feb I had 4th bladder infection, he done a urine culture at that time showing I had E coli in it. My job is selling campers and I was exposed to raw sewage many times. And my concern that I have it in my whole body because of all the trouble I've had. Could you get E Coli thru raw sewage exposure?

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: E.coli causes only GI problems if sewage exposed.. Detailed Answer: Hi, E.coli is a common inhabitant of intestinal flora, residing in the rectum. Women are more prone to have such infection due to their normal anatomical composition (anal opening is near the urine/vaginal openings). That's why I always recommend to my patients to keep a good genital hygiene: - wash vagina/urine area first, then wash anus (after passing urine/bowel motion) With regards to raw sewage exposure, it can cause problems if you do not apply good hygienic measures (wash your hands thoroughly) especially when eating or preparing food or when it comes to drinking water. The problems that would arise would be of GI tract and not related to bladder infection. In your case, having diabetes increases the chances to have recurrent bladder infections that are difficult to get healed. It it very important to keep your blood sugar levels within the normal range to get it successfully treated. Dr.Sejdini

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T