Burning

[xJillx]

Out of nowhere, I started to experience an immense amount of burning in my privates this morning. It comes and goes in waves, but when it comes on, it is very intense. I have only had a very mild yeast infection once before, so I am not sure if this is one or could it be Crohn's related? Regardless, I set up an appointment with the gyno this afternoon.

 

[Rebecca85]

Could be a UTI, yeast infection or a bacterial infection of the vagina. Whatever it is, I hope you get it sorted soon! When I have a yeast infection, laying a cool damp washcloth down there helps relieve some of the burning, you don't really want to out creams or anything on until you know what it is.

 

[MADiMarc]

Oh I hate that feeling. Rebecca is right about the cool wash cloth thing. I hope whatever it is the doc can fix for you easily.
Michele

 

[xJillx]

I had an interesting day yesterday. So, after the burning sensation, I started getting incredible back pains. I really started to think it was my kidneys or something. So, I went to my appointment and immediately had a urine test. The doctor asked me if I had my period 3 times (which I didn't) because the blood level in my urine was so high. He concluded it was a UTI being there was no yeast found. I described the back pain and he said if it was something related to my kidneys, it would probably be kidney stones. However, if it was, I wouldn't be able to even carry a conversation. So, as I am checking out, the pain starts to come on, but I dismiss it and head home. While driving, the pain increased so much I started to black out! I knew I had to stop the car. So, being there is over 30inches of snow on the ground covering the shoulder, I just stopped in the middle of the road. A few moments later a guy pulls up saying he was a doctor and directed me to a parking lot. Of course, he asked if I needed 911, but I said I was ok. I sat there for a good while and then I was able to drive home. I called the doctor to tell him of my adventures, but he just said to start the antibiotics. Luckily, I haven't experienced that level of pain again, but it was scary! So, I am home with more pills and cranberry juice! I can't seem to catch a break! My Crohn's was just settling down and now this. And watch, the antibiotics will stir the Crohn's pot back up. It's a vicious cycle!

 

[Rebecca85]

I guess it could be a UTI that has travelled to the kidneys and become a kidney infection? Whatever it is, take care of yourself (sounds like a couple of days rest is in order), and I hope the antibiotics take care of it quickly (and with making you flare too much!). Would taking a probiotic maybe help prevent the antibiotics irritating your gut too much?

 

[MADiMarc]

Jill,
Are they very sure it is not kidney stones? My niece (18 at the time) had them. She experienced pain very much like you. Started off with a burning sensation, then she had sharp intermittent pains for several days that the became sharp non stop pain two days later. They did not suspect a kidney stone as she was so young at the time. I hope what you are going through is totally fixed by the medications and that the pain is less soon. When you talk about sudden onset pain at a level to which you feel you are going to pass out then blood in the urine so high it looks like Mississippi mud, well that's scary to me. I know this sounds like "well, my brothers, cousins, friends wife had....."
Just take care!
Michele

 

[xJillx]

Thanks, girls, for your concern. I am certainly hoping it is just an infection that the medication can cure. I really hope it isn't kidney stones. I guess only time will tell. As far as a probiotic, that is a good idea. I have never taken them before, but I was thinking of starting. Maybe now is the time!

 

[Lisa]

That sounds almost EXACTLY like my symptoms when I had my last bout of kidney stones!!!!!....the pain would come and go - from the stone(s) moving......hope it gets sorted out fast!

Oh -my urologist also recommends real lemonade to help cut down on stone formation....

 

[xJillx]

So, no more burning and back pain is very mild (and possibly in my head). And speaking of my imaginative mind, my thoughts are running away with me. So, since taking Lialda, I have been staining all the toilets in the house purple. My urine is yellow, but the bowel and under the seat turn purple. I have to clean them at least 3 times a week. I told my GI because I was concerned knowing that you need to check your kidneys regularly while taking mesalamine, but she dismissed it. I did search the forum and saw 2 other people note this side effect. However, now that I have a UTI or possible kidney infection, I am wondering if the Lialda is damaging my kidneys? Please tell me I am being nuts. I won't mind.

 

[Rebecca85]

I don't think you're being entirely nuts, I remember being convinced my kidneys were on the way out because I was weeing a lot and it was bright flourescent yellow. Then I realised it was due to the multivitamin.

If there was anything wrong with your kidneys, chances are it would be picked up on that urine test you took. To put your mind completely at ease, ask for another test 'to make sure the uti has gone' and at your next bloods, make sure they do 'u and e' (test of kidney function, mine gets done every few months).

 

[xJillx]

Thanks, Rebecca. I really appreciate your response. I was hoping the gyno would want a follow up appt. to retest my urine, but he never mentioned it. So, I guess I'll have to make the suggestion. Also, I will request the blood test, too. I will be on Lialda for six months in March, so I think it will be a good time to check.

 

[xJillx]

Update: I got my urine culture back from the gyno - negative. I will have a urine retest on Friday to check for red blood cells. I am really hoping it comes back clear, because the next step would be to go to a urologist to check for kidney stones. And, of course, I am hoping it isn't something even more serious such damage to my kidneys due to Lialda. But I am trying to keep my worries in check. It isn't always easy...

 

[MADiMarc]

Yeah that old snowball thing in our heads. "Well, what if it's ( fill in the blank here) and I have to (fill in the blank here)." I wish I had an off switch for that stuff.
Good luck,
Michele

 

[Lisa]

If you aren't having the pain etc any more, there is STILL the possibility that you had a kidney stone and PASSED IT.....

I get checked yearly now sine I've had 2 episodes of kidney stones - close to 10 years apart.....

 

[xJillx]

If you aren't having the pain etc any more, there is STILL the possibility that you had a kidney stone and PASSED IT.....
QUOTE]

I am still having back pain, but I have been really achy lately; I feel like I did 1,000 crunches! So, I am not sure if it is related anymore. But I am still a bit uncomfortable down there. It isn't burning, but I am conscious of it. Like there is a little pressure and it is easily irritated. Does that make sense?

 

[xJillx]

No offense to any nurses on here, but I found so many to be just miserable lately! So, this morning I stop in at the gyno to do a urine retest. When I see the nurse, she says, "Well, who told you to come in for a retest?" I told her when the results were read to me over the phone, I requested one and it wasn't a problem. When I hand her my sample she says, "I see your culture was negative, so I don't understand why you are retesting." I said, "Well, I saw you last week, and your exact words were 'you have A LOT of blood in your urine'. So, I wanted to be sure there wasn't still blood present." She responds, "Well, some people just always have a little blood in their urine." I responded, "Well, YOU said there was A LOT, so much so you kept asking if I had my period. So, I think it is just for me to want to retest." She gave me a nasty look, and I followed up explaining I was on medication that could possible effect my kidneys, and I want to recheck because if blood is still present, I need to follow up with a urologist. Another nurse spoke up in my defense saying she completely agreed with me. Ugh! You think she could have been a little compassionate; it is clear I am concerned about this.

Anyways, I should have the results on Tuesday. I really hope no blood is found. Am I being overly concerned about this? Is it normal to have blood in your urine?

 

[xJillx]

Well, I called to get my results of my urine retest, and they only did a culture (which was normal) and not an analysis which would detect any blood in my urine. So, I now have to return to the gyno for a re-retest. I am praying I don't have to see the same rude nurse yet again...

 

[Rebecca85]

Don't they do the little stick things while you're there? Whenever I have a urine test that's how they do it (I think the stick checks for sugars, blood, proteins and other stuff that shouldn't be in there).

 

[xJillx]

I thought the same thing. I even asked if it needed to be sent out and she said yes. I have no clue how this place operates. I am just pretty irritated. I have been anxiously waiting for the results and now I will need to wait several more days. I have been quite worried about this and I'd like it to be done with. By done with it I mean, get normal results =). I really don't want to have to add the urologist to my list of doctors in my cell phone contacts; at 27 years old, the list is getting rediculously long! If someone found my cell phone, they would assume it must belong to an 80 year old.

 

[MADiMarc]

Oh the absolute incompetence that does nothing but raise our blood pressure! I am angry on your behalf. Good luck!
Michele

 

[xJillx]

Well, I finally got my results back on the analysis. They got it right this time. No blood in my urine and all is normal! I am so relieved. So, though my cultures came back negative, I must had an infection or something to have such pain and blood in my urine 2weeks ago. But all seems good now! Thank you, ladies, for all of your support!