Question: I have an UTI ( urinary tract infection) for 3 days now. Symptoms are: some pain and blood upon urinating, pressure to urinate frequently, but little comes out. Backache and slight nausea also. Have been self-treating by drinking lots of water and cranberry juice, along with OTC Cranberry pills (450 mg Extract) 2 daily. 3 weeks ago, I went to the E.R with symptoms of passing a kidney stone ( which I have experienced before). The E.R. Doctor was unsure that it was a kidney stone, since I didn't actually see the stone. Dr. said that it could also be Colitis or Diverticulosis, then prescribed Cephalexin 500MG, 1 capsule 3x daily for 7 days. I stopped the antibiotic after 5 days, because it seemed to limit my antidepressants from working, and I became terribly depressed, crying and despondent. Felt better the following day.
Now, when the symptoms for a UTI began, I took one Cephalexin 500 mg, which gave me relief relatively soon. I know this is not advised to do, but did so. With consuming water and cranberry juice and Tylenol, I seemed to be better, until TODAY. AGAIN, I took another Cephalexin.
My question to you is, "What shall I do now?" I'm reluctant to continue on these antibiotics, knowing that it will upset me mentally, and I only have 4 pills left. I've heard that there is a new medication that has come out recently, to treat UTI's. If not, do you suggest a different, or lower dosage, antibiotic? I have not been able to contact my family physician, but can go to a Walk-In clinic. I also have beginning stages of kidney disease, so I don't want to jeopardize infecting them.