In the final part of Melissa’s interview with Geeves from Real Girl Review, they talk about how to find the right information about UTIs, chronic illness, and treatment.
Melissa shares that her own experience with UTIs and finding the right information inspired her to set up Live UTI Free. She was frustrated with only being able to find superficial information about UTI symptoms and basic instructions about taking antibiotics. There was nothing easily accessible about the science behind UTIs and what to do if your antibiotics repeatedly don’t get rid of the infection.
After speaking to many others who have shared Melissa’s experience and frustrations with poor information, she decided to create Live UTI Free. The aim was to bring the science together in one place and try to help people. She thought that it may take a while for the site to reach people, but after hearing from the first person around a week after launching, there was a deluge of traffic. This really brought home the gravity of the problem and just how many people faced UTI challenges. However, Melissa is pleased to have been able to build this supportive community of like-minded people and to provide objective and scientific information to help people on their journey to recovery.
Melissa and Live UTI Free are now partnering with researchers in the UK and the US to produce and support important UTI research. The anonymous data collected through the Live UTI Free quiz really helps these research teams to take the problem seriously and understand its scale. It is crucial for researchers to bring in the patient voice, which they are able to do through patient advocacy organisations like Live UTI Free.
Geeves asks about the different causes of UTIs, which could relate to the underlying organisms that have caused the infection, or “triggers” that may bring about an infection (e.g. exercise, sex). While E. coli is generally found to be the most common organism in UTIs, some studies have shown that people with recurrent UTIs may have other organisms behind their infections.
Melissa also shares her experience with endometriosis, which was diagnosed last year. She was somewhat surprised because her symptoms do not fit the classic endometriosis symptoms. Knowing the importance of working with an experienced endometriosis specialist, Melissa interviewed five surgeons in different countries before booking her excision surgery. After having a catheter during her surgery, Melissa experienced a catheter-associated UTI.
Finally, Geeves and Melissa share their top tips on how to support a loved one or friend facing a chronic illness. A great place to start is not assuming, and just asking how you can help. Also, while it is likely coming from a good place, it’s worth considering that some people find it triggering to constantly be asked how they are feeling. You could also join some online support groups and seek advice there.
If this information was helpful, you may wish to contribute to future interviews and other crucial projects here: liveutifree.com/contribute
To become more actively involved, why not become an official Live UTI Free member? liveutifree.com/become-a-member
Check out Geeves' website, Real Girl Review, here: www.realgirlreview.com
Check out the playlist for the entire interview: • Real Girl Review
About us & our travels: • About us & our travels...
Tips for traveling with chronic illness: • Tips for traveling wit...
UTIs, yeast and recovery: • UTIs, yeast & recovery...
Find out more about Melissa's recurrent UTI story: liveutifree.com/recurrent-uri...
Read more about the possible links between UTI and yeast: liveutifree.com/uti-and-bv/
Check out this article for more information about recurrent UTI treatment options: liveutifree.com/uti-treatment/
About Live UTI Free
Live UTI Free is a patient advocacy and research organization. We do not endorse specific treatment approaches, clinicians or diagnostics methods. The content of this video does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. The medical and/or nutritional information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. liveutifree.com/
Post-production: Melissa Wairimu melissawairimu1.wixsite.com/l...
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