I have an E. coli infection and need support.

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I never thought I'd be saying this. I suppress all my emotions, to the point where I never feel fear or anxiety. But right now I seriously feel like I'm going to die, and it frightens me. I keep getting E. coli infections in my urinary tract. It's really my fault, because I have poor hygiene and I wear the same underwear day after day. My life is a mess and I don't take care of myself. This is my second E. coli infection in the last couple months, and they had to use a different antibiotic this time because the last one was so recent. Despite the treatment the pain in my bladder area and the burning in my urethra is getting worse. I'm afraid it's going to evolve into MRSA, or my doctors will have to give me so many antibiotics it kills the healthy E. coli in my intestines. I'm not afraid of dying per se. What I am afraid of is not being able to do all the things I want to do before I die. My life is just getting started right now, and I feel like it's going to get cut short before I have a chance to make something of myself. Since the horrible events I went through in my life a few years ago I kinda became tough as nails, and I've gone through my entire life since then being tough and stoic, never feeling emotions and never needing anyone else. Now it's like for the first time in years, I actually need emotional support. It's like my sociopathic DGAF shield is breaking down under the weight of the infection and the feeling of approaching death.

sorry, i detect a "i just need attention and will stop at nothing to get it. including, from disabled people with serious health issues". emotional support for not bothering with basic hygiene? i totally cant imagine what u have to do, to get the most common resident germ cause u problems. u have full control over washing ur hands, ukno... go and do that, please.

Okay, thank you, I think that's what I really needed - a dose of perspective. I actually am a diagnosed autistic though, so I don't know why you think I'm "looking for attention from people with more serious health issues". Why do you think I came to an aspie board in the first place? Truth is I had an account on here a long time ago, but it was so long ago I've forgotten my password, so I created a new account. I just never felt the need for an aspie support forum until now. Hope that explains everything.

After you get over this infection, change your underwear more often. Take frequent showers.

I didn't know men could get urinary tract infections

It is possible, just not as easily as women.

And yet another reason for having good hygiene. It's not only about stinking up the place. It's also about health.

When you have your health you have everything. Many of us don't have our health.

Good luck, and take this opportunity to learn some better self-care.

Please let this be a lesson to you! It isnt hard to take showers and change your underwear! I hope you get through this. Take better care of yourself. You can do it.

Best wishes in the situation improving.

I have been on most of the high powered antibiotics:
Doxycycline IV,
Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) IV twice alone and once in combined with Vancomycin IV.
Vancomycin IV once alone,
And one more IV drug I can't even remember the name of anymore (I'd have to dig out my personal medical records)

To use these, I've had 5 peripheral central IV lines placed and one surgically placed port
All the IV drugs were used at the same time as 2 other oral antibiotics
Weekly blood tests were done for most.
Vancomycin requires 2 blood tests once a week, both done on the same day to monitor blood levels of the drug.

I got 2 types of Candida, and had to take strong antifungal medication.
My gut is still not right.
My last IV treatment was in 2002.

I got sick because I got bit by a tick, never found it, never got the rash.
I stayed sick because of a hospital error.
I have less than a 5% chance of a cure

Why am I telling you this?
To tell you from experience that you don't want to go this route.
PLEASE try to do anything you can to avoid it.
If you need help with your personal hygiene, please seek it.
If you need encouragement to do it please ask someone.

I didn't even list all the meds, side effects etc.

I hope you can get well and stay well.