So, it has a name... or two

[swellis49]

Well, at least I know that some doctors can call the disease I have by the right name... Now, if I could just find them.
To make a long story short: I was treated for some form of a postrate problem about 7 years ago. The doctor inserted a cathador into my bladder and to the top of my postrate. Supposedly that 'fixed' whatever the problem was, and for a few years I was really grateful that they didn't have to surgically remove any of my parts.
Then, about 4 years ago I noticed the foul smelling urine, which got progressively worse. Over the years 3 different doctors ALL recommended using sulpher based medicines to get rid of it, but it didn't work. I decided to just live with the minor pain of urination, ejaculation, etc., until my wife and I noticed that my sperm seemed to become very acid like, and caused the outer skin of my penis to actually get a rash if I didn't clean up completely (and immediately) after intercourse. Over the last year my sex drive has diminished, which bothers me a lot (but, I think the wife has a more relieved point of view about that situation).
Then, about 6 months ago I noticed the shrinking and curvature of my penis, as well as hardening along the sides of it. I consulted another doctor and he suggested the same sulpher based medicines the others had... still no results.
Then I recalled that about a year ago I had to take Cipro for an infection caused by a piece of tooth left over from a root canal. At the time I didn't think too much about my 'lower' infection, since my mouth was so swollen and the Cipro took care of it so the dentist was able to remove the broken piece of tooth (the relief from that overshadowed all my other minor aches and pains).
But, I later realized that the smell of my urine had almost gone completely away when I was taking the Cipro, as well as my sex drive increasing. I didn't put a whole lot of thought into it because I had gotten so used to the 'problem' and just put it to the back of my mind.
But, today... Yes, this very day... I went to get some Cipro and have started taking it to see if it will indeed do the trick again, although I may be too late to completely cure all the results from my ignoring the problem for so long. But, if I am right, I plan on being able to once again go to the bathroom in a public place without the guys on either side of me moving further away as they start smelling what has to be the worst smelling urine on the planet (kinda like the side of a building in the part of town where you don't take your kids).
Opinions on the Cipro are welcome, as well as comments about my self-medicating, I guess. But, I'm old and stubborn, don't trust doctors, and live in Mexico most of the time (so no prescriptions are required), and self-medication is the best shot I have left.
My real request is that after looking over so many web pages, both on this site and others, I want to know... Are there really that many doctors who don't know what they are doing, or is it just me? [img]confused.gif[/img]

Thanks for taking time to read, and respond.

Steve [img]wink.gif[/img]

[Kathi]

Sounds like Pyronnie's (sp)to me. I don't know what the protocol for medication is for this but I think you might want to read up on it before you do any self medication & see if you can find a doc who treats it. Hope you feel better soon.
Kathi

[swellis49]

Kathy,
Thanks... I appreciate you post, and your comments.

While I have been trying to find doctors that actually know what their doing I also have been looking over various websites and manufactures' of medications sites to see what the different drugs that have been recommended actually do.

The Cipro site'e explanation, and 'purpose of the drug' in relation to what it is supposed to help in 'curing' hit me right between the eyes (i.e.: for treatment of... and the list was what I had been going through, and included names, too. (Which is how I came across the ICN site.))

Now, I plan on looking into all the suggestions on the site for other medications, herbal remedies, etc., that may be more benificial.

Thank you again for your response.

Steve in Chapala, Mexico [img]cool.gif[/img]

[ICNDonna]

You might try putting yourself on an IC diet. Sometimes it definitely helps ICers --- and if it does turn out that you do have IC, it just might work.

I hope you find some answers soon. I know antibiotics are the answer sometimes, but they can also cause some severe problems so I suggest you see if you can't have some cultures done.

Sending healing thoughts,
Donna