I have been experiencing recurring UTI and bladder infections throughout most of my life. When I was young, I would get them nearly every month and was almost constantly on antibiotics. Since January, the recurrence has been unusually high compared to recent years.

The last few blood and urine tests have been consistent. My C-reactive protein levels are elevated, fluctuating between 11-20 (normal is 0-5). There was one exception: a blood test I took while codeine was in my system to see if it would lower the levels. Even then, it was still at 5, which is high, especially for someone with pain medication in their system.

The urine test results keep showing mixed cultures, with a high amount of white blood cells present. I spoke with my rheumatologist and told him I was done assuming this was an infection, as I was tired of taking antibiotics without any improvement. He recommended I see someone in Infectious Disease to help determine if this is truly an infection. I reluctantly agreed; on one hand, I’m tired of being bounced around, but on the other, I’m ready to get to the bottom of my health issues. So, there was an internal battle about it.

I sent in the request on Friday, October 11th, and by Monday, the 14th, they had called and scheduled an appointment for October 23rd at 8 a.m.

On October 23rd, I dropped my things off at work and headed to the clinic, which is on the same floor where I work.

After registering, I waited about five minutes before being called in. I explained to the doctor that I’ve had these infections my entire life. I mentioned that, as a child, I had become nearly immune to antibiotics because of frequent infections (bladder, UTI, ear infections, and tonsillitis). I described the symptoms: the pain as my bladder fills, always not needing to go but almost peeing myself at the flick of a switch, constant discomfort when I urinate, back pain, and the burning sensation.

He reviewed the cultures and said he didn’t think multiple infections were causing the mixed cultures. He suspects it’s something more, noting that the culture levels aren’t high enough to indicate an active infection, but the elevated white blood cells in my urine are concerning.

He signed a consult paper for me to see urology and wrote down our discussion. He’s suggesting a cystoscopy (my first was around 2016), as he thinks inflammation in my bladder might be causing the white blood cells, and this test should help clarify things.

So far, the consult has been sent, and we’re waiting to see if there’s anything more coming up. I’ll keep everyone posted as I learn more.