If you have recurring UTI/kidney infections, it might be best to consult a urologist rather than your general practitioner. I struggled with infections for about 4 years. I would take a round of antibiotics, have a week or so of "health", then the infection would come right back, full blown.
I was at my doctor's office having a routine blood test because of a "black box" warning on a drug I was taking. They called and told me that due to my test results, I needed to come right back to the office. I was referred to a urologist that day, and less than a week later, I was having kidney surgery.
I had struvite kidney stones, which fill up the kidney. They're not as common as the other kinds, but much more damaging. They basically cut my kidney, cleaned it out, and put in a temporary drain and some stents in my urinary tract. After I had recovered from that surgery (about 8 weeks), I had another surgery to remove my other kidney, which was damaged beyond repair. I had borderline function in the one kidney for nearly 3 years, but due to another major infection, my kidney function fell below the acceptable level, and I am now on hemodialysis and on a transplant list.
I don't want to be an alarmist, but don't take your health for granted. If you continue to have problems, either find out why or find out what can alleviate the problem.
I know this has been a loooong post, so if you made it to the end, thanks for reading.
P.S. Please consider designating yourself as an organ donor on your state driver's license next time you renew.
