I am sure that your mind can conjure up worse stuff than reality can. If you are otherwise pretty healthy, and feel OK, and its been "only" 3 weeks it's not kidney problems, just a stubborn infection.

And going is better than not going. . .you'll be fine.

You'll most likely get some answers or explore other avenues, so don't fret little birdie. I think you're going to be fine. Good luck.

Hey, don't get all pissed.

I went to a urologist years back, and if he's any kind of a doctor he'll guide you through what's next. In my case it was kidney stones and it was no fucking Mardi Gras but that was due to an incompetent GP (long story). Trust me, knowing is always better than not knowing.

I hope they don't put anything up your pee hole!!!

Oh, honey, don't be scared! This is the beginning of finally banishing that thing, so be glad!

By the way, my dog had a UTI, and it went on for over a month from the time I recognized something must be wrong (pretty early), with all this special diet, urine culture, measuring her urinary PH every day, a fancy new stupidly expensive nuclear-option antibiotic, blah, blah, and she just kept getting worse, and worse, and worse... and I was helpless because the vet said we couldn't do anything more until we got another culture, and that was going to be another week - which was insane, because by this time the poor thing was peeing her bed.

So I took her to another Vet, who gave her a shot of old fashioned penicillin, and taaaa-daaaa, she got better immediately. So, feel free to share that story with your urologist. I find that my doctors always appreciate these helpful pointers.

Let us know what the doc says, birdie!

You guys are nice, thanks. :)

taz, I'm totally using that story. Because holy crap, if a shot of penicillin cures me I will personally kiss your dog on the mouth! And let her eat all the food, and sleep on the bed, and chew up everything she wants! I mean, your food, your bed, and your shoes, sofa, and underwear of course. But still!

as a late addition, i went to a urologist for a UTI related thingus and they were really helpful with explaining and answering *all* of my questions as i asked: why are you doing that?, what is that?, where does ~that~ go?, WHEN?...

and in the end, there was little to no discomfort and it was fast. ultimately, the question they answered with the most uncomfortable bit (yes, think pee hole) was whether there was full draining of the bladder (if there's not, icky things can stick around cause long term problems).

boy i hope that's relevant, because otherwise i just shared something rather personal for no real reason...

oreonax, no, that's very helpful! I was hoping to hear some actual experience! So it's uncomfortable but not too painful, you don't die, and more than likely you get all fixed up nice? I think I could live with that! Oh, and let's not forget expensive, I'm sure it's that too.

Hey, if you don't have a blood clot in your head, and the entire side of your Brain is being squezed because of it, and if the doctors don't operate soon, then yes--you might die.

But, Kidneys, I don't know. I sure hope not. My Father is saying that these days, you don't have to worry about you Kidney's since they're being replaced. And even if one is Damaged you can survive on the other.

But I know you know all this, so don't fret. I hope everything goes well tomorrow, and you get to celebrate the good news!

I went to a urologist when I had kidney stones. I never even got nekkid* because it was obviously kidney stones (I had a MRI).

*This was especially double plus good because the guy reminded very strongly of mathowie.

you can't tell if it's useful if it's not expensive... right?

so... how'd it go?

My current antibiotics are working! I'm just....wait for it...constipated! She said it's exacerbating my symptoms but that if I finish this course of antibiotics and take fiber I should be set.

Oh god, how embarrassing. Hi, my name is birdie and I don't poop enough.

Oh birdie, I'm so glad it's (just) constipation! May you poop well and soon.

Also, the picture of the little duck that's currently on the front page is mine, and his name is Birdie. Just thought you should know.

Yay birdie! It will all come out well in the end.

(yes, pun was intended)