Re: chronic cystitis

[Guest guest]

Dear Non

Has your patient had investigations on her flow?

Any back flow? Is the bladder emptying fully?

I suspect (due to her age) that incomplete emptying may be a

predisposing factor?

I generally tend to include Equisetum, in elderly (and not so

elderly) patients.

It often helps to explain the irritation concentrated urine can cause

on the bladder & urethra. The worst of all is not to drink much in

the evening. It is essential to do the opposite and drink plenty and

have nice clear trip to the loo before bedtime, resulting in a much

less irritated bladder and better night sleep.

Also it can be helpful to go again in 10 minutes & see if there is

some left?

I use ocean spray cranberry juice (despite the sugar content) and it

definitely works. Drink one glass/200ml daily as a preventative. In

case of an infection or a suspected infection I recommend one or two

litters daily, avoid other sugar though. (Personal experience)

5ml qid may not be enough when treating an infection, however I am

not brave enough to use Arctostaphylos tincture (as was taught it

might irritate kidneys), or Thymus vulgaris + Juniper essential oil,

so I'm probably am not qualified to comment. However I do use Thymus

tincture and lots and lots of Barosma approx 40-60ml per 100ml. These

and other herbs are mixed and I prescribe 50-100ml daily for 2-6 days

if necessary. Followed by 5ml t-qid. Echinacea is taken separately

5ml b-tid. If the patient is a driver, it is important to explain

about the alcohol content. The tea is great, and hopefully will

increase fluid intake, I don't often use tea, as I find compliance an

issue.

I tend to give patients with tendency to infections an emergency mix

they can self prescribe in the event of suspected infection, so it is

caught early, and this way it tends to go quickly too.

I hope this is helpful.

Hera

>

> I would value opinions/experiences for the following case.

> 70 year old female with 30 year history of cystitis. She came to

see me because she was getting constant bladder pain and nocturia for

2 years. Cystitis attacks now infrequent (approx. every 6 months).

Has had investigations- NAD. Prone to vaginitis - has oestrogen cream

prn. She is wheat and dairy free after seeing a nutritionist several

years ago. Has used cranberry capsules in past - not convinced they

helped.

> She wanted herbs to build up immunity and resistance to infections.

Previously anaphylaxis to some antibiotics. Originally started

treating her with mucous membrane restoratives, lymphatics and

relaxants, suspecting interstitial cystitis.

> Unfortunately 2 weeks following her initial visit - developed acute

cystitis. Rx'd cephalexin for E.coli. This is the only antibiotic

tested for that her current infection is sensitive to. One 5 day

course- symptoms returned 2 days after finishing course. She's now

back on another 5 day course, but some symptoms still marked.

> Have been also treating her acutely since infection:

> Tincture: Barosma, Arctostaphylos, Echinacea; Alchemilla arvensis,

Thymus vulgaris + Juniper essential oil 5mls QID

> Tea: Zea, Calendula, Barosma, althea fol. 6 cups daily

> Concerned that she may be developing a multi-drug resistance - GP

and consultant not helpful.

> Thanks in advance!

> Non

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