UTI Symptoms - Pelvic Foor?

[Fierybiscuits]

Hi there.

Wondering if anyone out there has similar symptoms to me?
Suffered with anxiety for nearly 10 years. Been on low dose sertraline for just over a year and, coupled with some CBT, have gone from being a virtual recluse to a full time job, new partner, and am getting so much better at managing attacks etc.
However, I have a persistent problem that's still really bothering me. Last summer I had a bad bout of cystitis that needed treating with antibiotics, and since then I've had recurrent bouts of similar symptoms, but only the initial time actually showed any infection in a sample.
Numerous times I've had a "flare up" and been in so much pain and discomfort I can't leave the bathroom for an hour or two. However, if I can relax and distract myself (very difficult with the pain) the symptoms often subside. I've come to recognise there's no infection as it only last a few hours and then disappears, but it is becoming more frequent to the point where I've had times where I've hardly made the toilet in time, and is becoming quite distressing.
I've ended up putting it down to my anxiety, as it seems so much worse when I'm stressed, and then obviously I'm focusing a lot on it which doesn't help. But then in looking up whether anxiety can cause UTI symptoms I came across Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, and so many symptoms of that fit various things I've experienced in the past few years.
Basically PFD is when your pelvic floor muscles are constantly tensed, through stress or physical problems such as trauma or bad posture. It can cause burning in the nether regions as well as urinary frequency and urgency, lower abdominal pain, unexplained coccyx pain, painful orgasms, IBS symptoms...the list goes on. Kegel exercises can make it worse as these only serve to tighten muscles further (I remember trying these and finding it caused me pain).
I'm so convinced this is what my problem is. I've always carried a lot of tension in that area and my GP was moved to comment during my last smear that the muscles were incredibly "strong." I've had a particularly stressful time at work these past weeks and the burning and pain is worse than ever when it appears, which only seems to be during times I'm not focusing on anything else (even a fleeting thought that I've not drank enough water can set it off). I'm currently on a fourth round of antibiotics for cystitis even though I'm sure they won't help.

My problem now is whether I can convince my GP that this is possibly the problem, and then be referred to someone who can help. From what I've read, the UK is fairly limited on awareness for this problem, and there aren't many physical therapists that specialise in the pelvic floor. Apparently muscle relaxants can give a little relief.
So, I just wanted to test the water and see if anybody else with anxiety has experienced these symptoms and if so, whether they managed to get any help. I'm nervous my GP is going to laugh at me for using doctor Google and not take me seriously.

If anyone can offer any advice I'd be so grateful.

[texasgirl]

I'm so sorry you are going through this. While it is absolutely possible you may have PFD, it seems more likely that you may actually have Interstitial Cystitis since your problems began after a UTI.

I went through the exact same thing a few years ago. I had a pretty bad UTI and was put on a course of antibiotics. According to the cultures, the antibiotic cleared the infection. But guess what? My symptoms were still there. It seemed to come and go for the next few months until I was finally diagnosed with IC. I do not have PFD, although it is not uncommon for people to have both. However, your symptoms are classic IC. Stress can definitely flare IC for many people.

I would schedule an appointment with a urologist as soon as possible, and try to find a gyno who is familiar with PFD to test you for it. They should be able to tell from a pelvic exam if you have PFD or not. However, you need to make sure to go to doctors who are familiar with IC and PFD.

A urologist may want to do a cystoscopy to check your bladder, or they may diagnose you based on symptoms alone. I was diagnosed without a cystoscopy. The first line of action is usually diet modification and amitriptyline (Elavil). I have had enormous success with Elavil, although the side effects are a bit bothersome. Look up the IC diet and try to stick with it for several months - many people experience drastic improvement with it.

If your cultures are coming back negative and you aren't experiencing any relief from the antibiotics, I would discontinue them. Many women have gone through the same thing with doctors who throw antibiotics at the problem, but they are not really solutions for IC or PFD. They can cause yeast infections that will only make the burning worse. I would start taking probiotics to help your body regenerate some of the good bacteria that was killed from the antibiotics.

I know you are suffering and are probably very scared right now. It is okay - it WILL get better. The beginning is always the hardest, but once things settle down and you find a treatment option that works for you, the flare will pass and you will start feeling normal again. It took about 2 months after I was diagnosed before things started to settle down, and about 9 months before I was 100% symptom free again, but you WILL get there.

Sending lots of love from the USA <3