My (Silent) UTI Story

If you read my menopause anxiety (meno-anxiety) story you know that I found out I was having UTIs by calling 911 after a panic attack. I believe mine had gotten to a serious point because I wasn't having the normal urinary symptoms associated with a uti, they were what is commonly called a "silent" UTI. I'll dive into that a little bit here in case you hadn't heard of them either. Silent UTI symptoms can be sneaky, with under-the-radar signs that often go unnoticed but can wreak havoc on your health if left unattended. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are notorious for causing discomfort and the symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, and cloudy or bloody urine. But not all UTIs present themselves like this, some symptoms are so subtle that they can easily be dismissed or overlooked, especially if you're already fatigued or under stress. That's what happened to me, I dismissed my symptoms (low grade fever, dizziness, shakiness, and muscle aches) as stress and lack of sleep and healing from my hospital stays. It turned out that my call to 911 was a good thing, though embarrassing at the time, had I not called when I did the infection could've gotten to my kidneys and caused serious damage. I now know what to watch for and I keep urine test strips handy to test when I'm feeling unsure. I've also became a much better advocate for myself during this whole process. Here are some common symptoms to watch out for. Common Silent UTI Symptoms

1. Fatigue: Feeling tired even after a good night's sleep? If you notice a sudden drop in energy levels without any apparent reason, it could be your body's way of signaling a silent UTI.

2. Mood Swings: Surprisingly, silent UTIs can affect your emotional well-being. Irritability, mood swings, and even mild depression can be attributed to the infection's influence on your body.

3. Pelvic Discomfort: Ever experienced a vague discomfort in your lower abdomen that you couldn't quite pinpoint? It might not just be an upset stomach. Silent UTIs often cause subtle pelvic discomfort that can easily be brushed aside.

4. Frequent Urination: While not as blatant as the urge to urinate that accompanies a typical full-blown UTI, silent infections can still lead to increased trips to the bathroom.

5. Cloudy Urine: While cloudy or dark urine is often associated with more obvious UTI symptoms, sometimes, it's the only visible sign of a silent infection.

6. Shakiness: If you find yourself trembling or experiencing unexplained shakiness, it could be due to a silent UTI affecting your body's overall balance.

7. Muscle Aches: Muscles feeling achy and sore? Don't simply dismiss it as post-workout discomfort. Silent UTIs can also manifest as unexplained muscle aches.

8. Forgetfulness: If you're having trouble remembering things or experiencing unusual forgetfulness, a silent UTI might be behind these cognitive disturbances. Silent UTIs might seem harmless, but they can have serious consequences if left untreated. Untreated infections can advance to the kidneys, leading to more severe health issues, such as kidney infections or even permanent kidney damage. I'll be sharing how I overcame my silent uti situation and hopefully what I share will help you, or someone you care about.
   

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Scriptures for healing: "Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise." Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV) "Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases." Psalm 103:2-3 (NIV) "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)