This is not specifically being written or posted for Women's History Month, but just so happens that this is something I'm currently going through. Also, I know that that is not specific to females, but it is more likely for women to be in this predicament. What I'm referring to is urinary tract and bladder health. What fun! I know, yeah? (You can hear the sarcasm, I'm sure.)
I had about 4 urinary tract infections (UTIs) in a row at the end of 2011, if I remember correctly. It's not something I look back on fondly, but at least I don't believe I've had a true UTI since, surprisingly and thankfully. Unfortunately, I have struggled with random bouts of what feels like pre-UTIs or something that's not quite as severe, but still super annoying and frustrating. I hate it, to be honest. My body's just not working correctly and it's playing tricks on me. It's confusing and hard.
I figure part of it is most obviously due to my OCD and how infrequently I use the bathroom and empty myself. I don't know if there's anything else I can think of, perhaps, besides maybe using my shower pouf for too long before switching it out for a new one? I don't use any special products besides my basic body wash.
The other day I went to CVS and picked up URIcalm Cranberry Chewables. The taste is not bad and seems familiar to me, but I can't quite place it. Not sure if it's helped so far, but I'm going to continue to take it and we'll see, I guess. The other product I'm keen to potentially try is the Uqora Flush pink lemonade drink mix stuff that you can just add to water. I like my water pure H2O, but I do also have an affinity for lemonade, so it could be good.
Next step, if this doesn't get better, is going to the doctor, but with my OCD, I'm not into the whole "pee-in-a-cup" thing. When I've had to do it before, which has worked out, we got the cup prior to the appointment, and I went at home and took it with me there. My hope is that it doesn't come to that or get really serious. I really hope. That wouldn't be good, would it?
Welp. Story time! My shift on Saturday night was almost over but my bladder was struggling and I was gonna burst so I told the closing manager that I needed to leave cause something came up; an emergency. He was asking why, but I told him it was a personal and private matter. I feel bad that I couldn’t finish my shift and help get the store cleaned for the night. Things happen, I guess. I shouldn’t beat myself up too much, but I do have some guilt. I mean, I usually do more than I’m even required to do, cause that’s who I am, so…
Update: Woke up on Sunday and my period started 4 days earlier than my app predicted, so that somewhat explains it. My bladder gets more sensitive like that before my period, but it's usually not that bad... So it is feeling more normal now.
Anyhoops... (As Elyse Myers says. Not related, but if you haven’t heard of her, do yourself a favor and look her up.)
It’s great being a woman, isn’t it? But seriously, we ladies are strong, and I see you and God sees you. He made us purposefully and intentionally. Keep relying on His strength, and with His help, we can do so much more than we think. You go, girls!
Toodles.
P. S. If you’re a woman, what do you love most about it? If you’re a man, what do you admire about the ladies?
P. P. S. Would love to hear from you! Direct messaging on Substack is now a thing, so feel free to correspond with me privately there, reply to this email, or leave a comment below.
P. P. P. S. Thanks so much for reading. I really appreciate it. :)