In March 2016 I was taking oestrogen to combat symptoms of the Menopause. I was unable to tolerate progesterone in any shape or form. I was sent to a specialist Menopause GP who insisted that I have a Mirena coil fitted to release progesterone and to protect my endometrial lining. I was unhappy about this but went ahead with the procedure. The very next day I experienced excruciating pain so went to my nearest A&E department. I was told that I had a UTI and was given three days’ worth of Nitrofurantoin.
I have had that same infection for 8.5 years. I have tried eleven different oral antibiotics, intravenous gentamicin and gentamicin instills directly into my bladder. I know that I have Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella and E Coli.
My chronic UTI has completely de-railed my life professionally, socially and in every possible respect. I live a half-life- watching others from the wings, unable to participate due to daily debilitating symptoms.
I cannot work, I cannot travel, I cannot go out for a meal, I cannot invite friends over, I cannot go to the theatre, I cannot take long walks- every single facet of my life which I previously took for granted has been taken away from me. The toll this takes on one’s mental health cannot be underestimated- the anxiety this infection causes me is with me every single day. Trying to accomplish the smallest tasks takes a supreme effort of will.
The carpet has been pulled completely from under my feet. I just want my life back.