Need antibiotics but GP office is very awkward

Hi guys,

I've got another UTI today and I'm scared it'll turn into a kidney infection just like last time three months ago. I called my gp office today at 8 to make an appointment as they say that's the earliest you can call. It was busy and I couldn't get through until 8:40 when they said there are no more slots for today but I can talk to the on-call doctor.

So the doctor told me to come in for a urine test and that they will call me today to come pick up my antibiotics. I'm in so much pain right now and I haven't heard back and worry that they won't call as they never did with the last result last time.

If they don't call back, what do I do? How do I get a hold of the antibiotics that I need? Also, any recommendations of what I can take for the pain? I've had paracetemol, asprin, etc... but nothing is working.

Tia

Hey GibbyGab,

Sorry about the UTI. They're terrible. I've had 4 since March 2011 and I've found that what made me feel the most comfortable was a hot water bottle or a heating pad on my abdomen. I never found that paracetamol or ibuprofen made much of a difference with the pain. Drink tons of water! I'm sure you know the drill. I hope you get that phone call soon! If not, I'd phone them back. As you already know, UTIs can turn serious if they're not treated.

For pain, I would suggest buscopan. The sort of pain that a UTI/kidney infection gives is smooth muscle spasms, and buscopan is the best medication for renal cholic. You can get it over the counter in the chemist.

Call them. Now. And keep calling until you get your Rx.

Thanks for all your advice. I finally got the call and prescription. Took it to the pharmacy that is closest to me and they have no antibiotic in their supply so asked me to come pick it up in the morning. Today is not my day  . The doctor also prescribed some ibuprofen for me which they gave me and I walked out forgetting to pay for it! I feel so crap. I'll pay for both of them tomorrow.

What a day 

What a day!  I hope you have no trouble getting them tomorrow and that you start feeling better soon.

What a day!  I hope you have no trouble getting them tomorrow and that you start feeling better soon.

Thanks shell. I can't wait for the pain to go away.

Oh poor you Gibby - I hate UTIs -
I know its quite late now, but you can get at Boots (and probably other places) Over the Counter Cystitis medication.  That helps a bit until you can get your antibiotics. 

Wonder if you can get Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride (AZO) in the UK over the counter?  (ksand24, where are you?  )  I've not found it, but the Boots stuff has helped me in the past- but I used to swear by the AZO in the US. 

Anyways that doesn't really help you Gibby, just feel better soon! 

Oh poor you Gibby - I hate UTIs -
I know its quite late now, but you can get at Boots (and probably other places) Over the Counter Cystitis medication.  That helps a bit until you can get your antibiotics. 

Wonder if you can get Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride (AZO) in the UK over the counter?  (ksand24, where are you?  )  I've not found it, but the Boots stuff has helped me in the past- but I used to swear by the AZO in the US. 

Anyways that doesn't really help you Gibby, just feel better soon! 

Thanks Phatbeetle. The stupid ibuprofen I was prescribed didn't help and I got a massive fever last night and my back started to hurt pretty bad. I finally got a hold of the antibiotics this morning and feel so much better. The pain is still there but at least I know it will eventually go away.

Also I've stopped feeling guilty over forgetting to pay for the medication yesterday as I've paid for it today  . It's funny though they just handed me the pills and said 'bye see you later'. I was like "no wait, I have to pay!"

Wonder if you can get Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride (AZO) in the UK over the counter?  (ksand24, where are you?  )  I've not found it, but the Boots stuff has helped me in the past- but I used to swear by the AZO in the US. 

This stuff is the best. It's an analgesic that passes right through your bladder, so it numbs the pain. I have a UTI right now, too Gibby. I feel for you!

This stuff is the best. It's an analgesic that passes right through your bladder, so it numbs the pain. I have a UTI right now, too Gibby. I feel for you!

I hope you feel better soon!

I've heard drinking 1 teasp. of baking soda dissolved in glass of warm water helps. Repeat every hour or so.

Feel better fast!

I hope you feel better soon!

Thanks, Gibby! I hope you do, too!

I've heard drinking 1 teasp. of baking soda dissolved in glass of warm water helps. Repeat every hour or so.

I'd be careful with this remedy.  Baking soda can seriously affect the alkalinity of your blood if taken that regularly, which could cause some side effects that aren't pleasant like muscle spasms (particularly in smooth muscle!).  It's rather high in sodium as well, so if you're trying to restrict your intake, be a bit cautious.

There's an OTC called Cymalon that's pretty good.  It's really for cystitis, but it will help in a push if you are unable to get the antibiotics when you need them.