UTI Home Tests and a random question

[not-a-hipster.livejournal.com]

1. How accurate are the at home tests for UTIs? Seeing my doctor repeatedly is expensive, and I hate the clinic at my university...if I even remotely complain of a vaguely UTI-ish symptom, nevermind the fact that my results come back fine, they sling antibiotics at me to cover their arses. Is there any brand of home test I should look for in particular?

2. I know low back pain can be a symptom of a kidney infection. But exactly WHERE on the back, and what kind of pain is it supposed to be? I got over a UTI recently, and am having no other symptoms, but I'm having this chronic recurring low back pain (just a dull ache, nothing stabbing or particularly bad), and I'm getting worried it could be another kidney infection/PID...argh. Hate my body sometimes.

Thanks VP-ers.

Comments

[ends-and-means.livejournal.com]

in regards to #2, when my kidney was aching, i KNEW. maybe it's different for others, but man, it hurts like a mother. it was just constantly achey, on one side, right at the bottom of my ribs -- if i remember correctly.

[trinity85.livejournal.com]

YES! I just got a kidney infection last week. I had been peeing a lot but since I have an overactive bladder and IC, I figured that's all it was. But then my side and back started hurting REALLY bad. Some of the worst pain ever. There was no mistake. Went to the doctor on Monday and got the anti-biotics I needed. Feeling much better now.

[kuni-bob.livejournal.com]

Oh god, a kidney infection AND IC...ugh...you poor thing!!

[darkenedminds.livejournal.com]

Never heard of home UTI tests.

Slightly lower than the bottom of the rubs, about one to two inches away from the center line of your spine.

[darkenedminds.livejournal.com]

*ribs! dur.

[not-a-hipster.livejournal.com]

Okay, that's way higher than where my back is hurting...wow. Good to know. =)

[h0rsegurrrl.livejournal.com]

I used a UTI home test once called Consumers Choice UTI test (http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=94587&catid=10016). It basically looks like a pregnancy test, you just pee on the stick and compare your results with the insert that comes in the box. The only thing is that it's pretty expensive, though I imagine it's cheaper than a trip to the doctor. I can't attest to its accuracy, unfortunately - I had already taken some Uristat (which renders the home test inaccurate). I did find out later that my symptoms were due to an STI, though, so I imagine the home test would have come up negative for a UTI. If you're still having UTI symptoms but come up with a negative result, I'd still recommend seeing a doctor, as your symptoms could be due to some other infection (as was my case).