For over a
year I have been putting up with almost continuous bladder infections and other
related problems. These have been initiated because I have a catheter, because
of nerve damage relating to my disability. As a result of these infections I have
spent weeks and weeks on various antibiotics trying to get well. After such an
extended period of problems and having researched both natural and medicinal options
I realized there was one main reoccurring suggestion, both from doctors and
natural health advisers. This reoccurring suggestion was cranberry!
Being who I am
and not being a fan of cranberry in general I had for a long time dismissed
this option. In reality I can’t stand drinking cranberry juice due to its
strong taste and weird texture, which was enough to put me off the idea of this
as a cure. But after such a long time of infections and pain it had driven me
to a point of desperation to find an answer that would work long term.
After looking through available research and
suggestions I found out that there are several plant extract oils that are
considered beneficial in reducing the rate of infection or helping to eliminate
an existing infection. Although there was some opinion and data about the
effects of these things, the evidence seemed largely inconclusive. Some of
these natural options included oregano oil, high vitamin C doses, pineapple,
blueberries, baking soda and a number of others. But when I questioned the
naturopath about the concentrates or supplements she was concerned about
interactions with the other medications I take (my blood pressure/ heart
medication). So at that time my only option seemed to be either to continue in
the never-ending downwards spiral of infections, or to be more open to trying
things like cranberry which as far as I know is safe for pretty much all cases.
Speaking
further with the naturopath, I was fortunately told that I would not be stuck drinking
litres of cranberry juice to get the effect, but was introduced to cranberry
concentrate capsules. The ones I am currently using are called Thompson’s Ultra
Cranberry 17 000. When it comes to natural remedies I tend to be open minded
but somewhat skeptical as to how effective they will be. I guess after being
reliant on strong antibiotic treatments for various health problems and infections
over the years it is probably to be expected. Also my difficulty with
swallowing tablets or capsules over a certain size tends to have an influence
on what I can or choose to take.
If I am
unable to swallow a tablet because of its size we have had to resort to
crushing them into powder and trying to disguise the taste and texture with
various substances like yoghurt or ice-cream. (I am sure anyone with children
or those with swallowing difficulties will know what a problem and how
unpleasant this can be). Fortunately these cranberry concentrates come in
capsules which have the advantage of being easier to disperse through a
substance like yoghurt and also do not taste overly unpleasant.
Nearly two
months since my last diagnosed bladder or kidney infection I have noticed there
has been an overall improvement in the comfort levels of my bladder. Previously
I would have episodes of spasming pain or stinging/ burning caused by
irritation or oversensitivity due to bacteria or other irritants. Since I have
been taking the cranberry capsules this has improved significantly and still no
sign of infection settling in (keeping my fingers crossed). I checked with my
GP a couple of weeks ago as to what signs might have been indicated in a sample
I provided and was informed that the simple test they carried out showed no
signs that would indicate infection. This is the first time in over a year that
there had not been a positive result for signs of infection.
Although it
is early days I feel like this hiatus from infection and health issues
connected with my catheter is worth celebrating. I am determined not to take
this reprieve from issues for granted and am continuing to maintain my dosage
of cranberry capsules. If that is what will help me to avoid almost continuous doctors’
visits and antibiotics I am certainly willing to do it.
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