Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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nomorera 07/14/2014

So how many of you have had urinary tract infections since being diagnosed with RA? What in particular have your symptoms been?

I have a very strong smell to my urine even though I driink a lot of water. This has been going on (and off) for almost 8 weeks. My lower back is starting to ache (not sure it's related) and I have a "full" feeling. It takes a few minutes to get the flow started and I am lethergic.
I've never had a UTI before.

do these symptoms sound familiar?

I have called my dr. but she hasn't gotten back to me yet.

Help please...and thank you.

sammyo1 07/14/2014

I have. I can't answer for anyone else but yes.
Had one on Enbrel & thinking I may have one now.
Never had any for years. Probably since I was young.
I wonder also. Can't remember if I posted about this or not.
Memories another issue.
Sammy

sunnyinla 07/14/2014

I get UTI's off n on. More frequently since been on biologics 2008. I can't say the symptoms you're describing are what I experience. I never have a uti without PAIN. That is my first sign along with frequency. I too sometimes feel pressure and sense of fullness but after being checked I'm told it's not a uti. I've been told it's urithritis or possibly IC. Now I'm wondering if it's my ovarian cysts enlarging causing pressure on my bladder. I have appt 7/28 to talk to Obgyn about this.

I wish you the best,

Roni

Sistahbear 07/15/2014

I also get them but when I get them I get fever and start freezing plus nausea and diarrhea, and I have to be careful for dehydration. The pain I get with them is in my lower left side of my abdomen that hurts most when it is touched. I get prescribed Bactrim DS.

nomorera 07/16/2014

well it's confirmed. I went in Monday when I noticed my lower back was aching. When I added up all the symptoms I was pretty convinced I had a UTI even though I had no burning or pain. I was right. Turns out I've had this since sometime late May.

Not sure where it came from but I'm pretty certain that the Prednisone I was on masked some of the symptoms.
I am now on antibiotics. Hopefully will be feeling better soon.

This is the first UTI I remember having in over 20 years.

Note to all; if you have awful smelling urine, have it checked out. Even though the smell came and went it should have been enough evidence that something was going on but I didn't listen. Listen to your body...

deleted_user 07/16/2014

You should get to your doctor. Back pain like that can indicate kidney infection. Sure soundd like UTI. I have had my share of them and once it involved the kidneys. Get in asap regardless if it is your own doc or not. Good luck

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