Wouldn't that be great to prevent UTI always? I have found that everytime my mom take antib's for UTI it plays hvoc with her proteim, which means weeks of labs to correct the coumidin dosage. Maybe worth it - - maybe not. I'll be interested to see how it goes with you all.

BG, here are some topics to peruse as you are getting your questions and concerns together for MIL's doctor. There appears to be a good deal of debate on this topic. For more, google "prophylactic UTI elderly"

PROPHYLACTIC CIPROFLOXACIN FOR RECURRENT UTI

Low dose trimethoprim prophylaxis in long term control of chronic recurrent urinary tract infection

NEPHROLOGY: Rethinking UTI Prophylaxis--anitbiotic resistance patterns

What is the perferred management of an elderly lady...

When my Mom still got herself around, she went to a urologist every month and he kept her on MacroBid (?). He did the same to my Dad when he was alive. It seems to be a fairly common practice and I don't think either suffered any consequences from it, but it worried me too.

Then Mom got an infection in her toe and had to go to the hospital for IV antibiotics. Very powerful stuff. That wiped out her UTI completely. (I was told the stuff was too expensive and powerful to be used just for UTIs) Then 3 months later, she almost died from a liver inflamation that, their best guess (after biopsy) was probably a reaction to some drug or other. (Oh, but certainly not that AB used for her toe, No known liver involement with THAT one). etc.

I share your concerns, and would keep asking Qs, But just maybe it's worth a try, UTIs being so hard to stop under these circumstances, . Good Luck.

Another thought:

Glutamine--is the preferred fuel for the cells (enterocytes) of the digestive and elimination tracts. These cells would rather use glutamine for energy than any other fuel source, including glucose. This is well researched.

Raw cabbage juice is an excellent source of glutamine. A 1957 study compared cabbage juice to glutamine in a treatment of stomach (peptic) ulcer, and while glutamine edged out the cabbage juice slightly; cabbage juice is a rather innocuous substance, highly nutritious, and has proven antibacterial properties.

Sheesh, BG! Can I switch the question?...phone a friend?

I'm wondering whether you discussed your concerns regarding MIL's ulcers with the doc who suggested the prophylactic therapy. I wouldn't have though such a history would necessarily contraindicate antibiotics---in fact, from what I've read, peptic ulcers are often resolved with the help of certain antibiotics, as they are thought to be caused by H Pylori bacteria.

But regarding the use of antibiotics to prevent UTI's, in particular, I don't know a dang thing. We haven't had to consider doing anything like that yet. Mom has recurrent UTI's, but they are not chronic.

Regardless of what route you guys choose to take on this issue, there are plenty of natural things that can help augment her treatment and help prevent recurrence.

Consuming sufficient fluids and avoiding excessive caffiene and alcohol will help to keep the urinary tract flushed, while avoiding dehydration. Many experts recommend we optimally work up to consuming 1 oz. of water for every pound we weigh, daily. This is not something that is achieved over-night, however, and you should check with the doc on this if there is ANY chance of kidney disease, fluid retention issues, or history of mineral imbalance! ...well, check with the doc no matter what!

If you are trying to increase fluids, don't forget about pop-ices, herbal teas (I LUV raspberry zinger!), and other tasty treats that are much more fun than water alone!

Cranberries and cranberry products (juices, jellies, dried fruits, etc.) are super for reducing symptoms and clearing up mild UTI's. This is achieved mostly through their ability to acidify the urine, which makes it inhospitable to the bacteria which might commonly thrive in the bladder, otherwise.

Watermelon is another super fruit for helping to flush out the urinary tract---and it's so yummy! They are almost all water and nutrients--high in beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. It's a good diuretic, stimulating urine flow.

Regarding watermelon, Dr. Elson Haas (MD) says, "The ground seeds have been used as an herbal diuretic and kidney cleanser. I make a tasty organic watermelon juice in the blender, seeds and all (except for the outer dark rind); it is cleansing and nourishing with the additional nutrients (proteins and oils) contained in the seeds. The phytonutrients in watermelons are lycopene and lutein."

...and on that note...if you own a juicer, you can make some really delicious, nutritious juices (high water content), that are *alive* and full of wonderful enzymes, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. ...something that you simply cannot get by buying pasteurized, canned or frozen juices.

Lastly (but not least) proper cleansing after toileting goes a long way toward preventing those opportunistic bacteria from taking up residence in the "no go" zone ...but you probably knew all of this already...surely someone who has had more experience than me will have some really good thoughts for ya!

Good luck

BG....Is it a very low dose antibiotic that will not agravate her ulcers? If not wouldn't the doctor be swapping one problem for another? I'd be very careful with this. As you and I know you can build up a resistant to it (I have and it drives my drs. crazy) and then what will be available and not only for the UTI but other infections as well. I had been taught to respect and listen to what the doctor says but have learned to also be pro-active and ask lots of questions before I would give anybody or even take myself meds. Good luck dear.