urinary problems - fistula?

my daughters urinalysis results came today, their's no specific infection, but the white count is very high. the internist said she should be treated for an infection- more antibiotics- the gastro isn't in and i'm worried about a fistula being the cause- she had a good sigmoid 1 month ago-dr saw no sign of disease- her colitis symptoms are gone for now, but she was complaining of frequent urination when it came on the urge was very strong could a fistula form this fast?
internist mentioned fistula as a posiblity, can these be seen on another test or would she have to be scoped again?

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Mom to 19 year old daughter diagnosed 11/07.
colazal 3 x3 daily
purinethol 6mp=50mg daily
culturelle probiotic 1 daily
chewable vitamin
xifaxan antibiotic 400mg 2x day soon to be weaned

Those aren't the typical symptoms of a fistula and you do realize fistulas aren't common with UCers? A fistula starts as an abcess. Abcesses are extremely painful and along with the pain there is generally a fever. It would be hard to miss an abcess or fistula. Also if she had a recto-vaginal fistula she would have stool coming out of her vaginal area. Again, hard to miss.

Sue

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dx proctitis in 1987
dx UC in 1991, was stable until 1998

1998 started prednisone, asacol, pentasa, nortriptylene, ativan, 6MP, rowasa enemas and suppositories, hydrocortisone enemas, tried the SCD diet, being a vegetarian, omega 3s, flax, pranic healing, yoga, acupuncture, probiotics

2000 lost all my B-12 stores and became anemic

2001 opted for j-pouch surgery- now living life med-free

It's unlikely that your daughter has a fistula. She'll run the urinalysis results by the gastro this Thursday, right? I'd recommend that she tell the gastro about her series of sinus infections, tonsilitis, and now apparent cystitis-- to get an opinion on her susceptibility/treatment needs. The women's self-help medical lit usually recommends to drink ca. 4 oz. of natural cranberry juice daily to help protect the bladder from bacteria in general. I find that advice helpful. Try not to worry because bladder infections are fairly common in adult females. / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC; currently on 3 Colazal daily for maintenance of remission)

Natural cranberry juice has very low sugar-- you may be thinking of cranberry juice cocktail, which is to be avoided because it's full of added sugar. High white blood cell count in urinalysis is NOT typical of UC. What can happen with UC, in my experience, is that the bladder can get a bit irritated from purging liquids used prior to colonoscopy, or from steady high doses of 5-ASA meds. I limit my consumption of citrus, which seems to help prevent that irritation generally. I don't think a UC patient taking oral 5-ASAs should drink 8 oz. of orange juice daily, for example, but 4 oz. should be o.k., same for natural cranberry juice. Plus drink water continuously thru the day-- helps the colon as well as the urinary tract. / Old Hat

In the past I used "Northland" Cranberry Juice because it has no sugar added, unlike the juice cocktails.

NBT

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Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis January 2007

Meds: Remicade, Primal Defense Ultra, Multi-vitamins (also iron, B12, Magnesium and Zinc), Flaxseed/Natures Bounty Fish Oil

Swanson Ultra Caprylic Acid (natural anti-fungal) 600mg x2 daily

Carrot & Garlic supplements (natural anti-fungal) x2 daily

Currently taking herbal meds in the search to regain full health.