While lurking these past couple of months, I've seen many references to bladder infections but am not clear what connection there is to RA and other autoimmune diseases. Are they more prevalent with these diseases or do certain meds make one more prone to bladder infections? Since I've been plagued with bladder infections for many years, I wonder if there is any connection with my current diagnosis. What's the story?
Hi Jesse, I don't have too many bladder infections but when I do they're a doozey! I don't officially have RA so I don't know about the connection, I've read others who have a real problem with it. Joonie I know is the most recent expert. She will probably be able to explain it better to ya. Just want to say good luck and hope you feel better.
Hi Jesse, I'm 62 years old and have only had 1 bladder infection prior to this past year. I've been treated for two infections this year and both my RD and primary feel that they've been caused by Remicade. Your immune system just doesn't respond to fighting off bacteria as well when we're on these meds. Any amount of bacteria and it keeps multiplying instead of being eliminated by our immune systems. I have a routine urinalysis done every 3 months just to be sure I'm not harboring bacteria. Both of these infections were asymptomatic. I didn't know that I had them but the bacteria count was high. LindyI never had one in my whole life until I started taking Humira. I had numerous ones on Humira. I kind of think there's a humira connection with Joonies too but she'll have to verify that.OK, so far it seems it's not a function of RA but of Humira. The suppression of the immune system link also makes some sense. Let's see what others have to say. Thanks for the responses.
No, mine are not connected to Humira so much as me having Interstitial cystitis. It is just that the Humira & pred make me more prone to getting them because of my immune systems being lowered.
RD said if I was not on pred & humira I probably would not have had soo many bladder infections caused by the IC.
I am guessing I probably had IC for a while as I have had these same pains, but not as frequent as they are now. It is just getting worse because of my lowered immune system and the bladder infections.
Well, that pretty much clears it up. Thank you all.
Yeah IC sucks. I makes you harbor bacteria in your bladder as the bladder wall is not smooth, but rigid and catches bacteria and traps it which results in bladder infection for me.
Who knew? Not me!