Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

Recurring urinary tract infection

February 25, 2011 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Uni-Arzt Freddy Feuerstein

Dear Sir or Madam,

About me: I am 64 years old, had a heart attack in 2003, a stroke in 2008, and have fibromyalgia and Type II diabetes.

My problem/question:
What are the typical signs of sigmoid diverticulosis, and can this condition, despite receiving antibiotics 10 times (from 2/2009 until now) - some of them different - lead to recurrent urinary tract infections?

My primary care physician did not take into account the diagnosis of mild sigmoid diverticulosis after a colonoscopy on 12/1/2006 during his examinations for my recurrent urinary tract infections with E. coli bacteria since February 2009!

Through my own research, I have only recently realized that the pain in my lower left abdomen that led my primary care physician to order the colonoscopy, and which still persists today, may be the cause of these ongoing complaints and infections in the urinary tract area, as well as the strong feeling of illness, feeling like "having the flu in my bones", fatigue, weakness... recurrent bedridden state.

A referral to a urologist resulted in a new diagnosis of a urinary tract infection last Tuesday, but it was only confirmed through a urethral swab. I was then prescribed the following medications (antibiotics) for 30 days: TAVANIC 500 and TAMSULOSIN 0.4 mg.

My mention of intermittent pain in the left lower abdomen - which turns into a stabbing pain with slight pressure - led my urologist to request an abdominal CT scan for next month. Appointment: 3/9/2011.

Are we on the right track?

As I am still bedridden and feeling miserable and weak, I am afraid that before the CT scan, the diverticula may rupture.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Sincerely,

Uni-Arzt Freddy Feuerstein

Dear Inquirer,

Sigma diverticulosis is simply a description that your intestine has diverticula as "mucosal protrusions", which can be seen in a CT scan or a colonoscopy. If pain occurs and inflammation develops, it is called diverticulitis. This can be primarily treated with antibiotics and conservative measures. However, if antibiotics are not successful, pain persists, it would be advisable to 1. consider further imaging diagnostics (CT is already good) 2. consider a surgical procedure (removing the affected part of the intestine).

Theoretically, if diverticula become inflamed, they can rupture and cause peritonitis. Therefore, continue to monitor if you have pain in the lower left abdomen, and consider consulting a visceral surgeon (abdominal surgeon) if necessary. If your condition worsens significantly, please seek medical attention or have a doctor come to you, especially if other severe symptoms such as fever occur or if the entire abdomen becomes extremely painful.

Urinary tract infections are primarily a different issue, as the intestine and bladder do not usually have a direct connection. Antibiotic treatment is the appropriate approach here as well.

This response cannot replace a comprehensive medical consultation, especially considering your long medical history. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask.

I wish you a happy weekend and a speedy recovery, and as mentioned before, if you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to ask again.

Warm regards