Wednesday, October 7, 2009

I slept for just over 8 hours, which was wonderful as I don't hurt at all when I'm asleep. I did wake a few times to use the bathroom. Each trip was extremely painful. When I got up this time, Mark was getting ready to leave for work. I think he opened my door actually, which is what woke me, but when I was useing the bathroom he told me he'd left a note on my computer. Here's what it said:

I researched that "blue stuff" last night for a couple hours. It seems to be a drug called "Urelle", which is a combination of stuff. The pain killer in it is sodium salicylate, though. This appears to be what aspirin metabolizes into in your body. When you take aspirin, approximately 60% comes out in your urine as salicylate acid.

From everything I read about the drug that's in AZO (Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride/Pyridium), which you're taking now, I found three interesting things. It throws off the results of UTI tests. You should only take it for two days in a row if you're also taking anti-biotics for a UTI (I couldn't find why). It can dye the color of your eyes (it's basically a dye that is used in dying textile), and maybe the reason your eye has been red?

I would recommend laying off the AZO type drug. Also some people did say that this drug didn't work for them, but that the one with sodium salicylate did work. After you've been off of the AZO for awhile, maybe you can just take an aspirin.

Additionally, there is an over the counter med for UTIs that includes sodium salicylate, called "Cystex". It also includes stuff that turns your pee acidic to help prevent UTIs. I'll pick some up for you. They supposedly sell it at right-aid. Also, I'll pick you up some AZO test strips, which are supposedly the same type of UTI
test strips they use at the doctor's office. That way you can do a test after the AZO is out of your system, or just in the future if you want, on your own.

[then there were instructions for watching a movie that make me seem dumb so I'll skip that part]

Also, felipe and I are going to pizza house tonight about 10p. You're welcome to come if you feel up to it.

Love you,

-mark
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How sweet. I don't know if this info will help or not. I had already planned on not taking anymore AZO as my symptoms got worse when I did and I didn't want to risk it. But this is all very much appreciated. Perhaps I'll take an asprin later.

I'm gonna try to go back to sleep. I know I just slept 8 hours but I just can't face the world right now. I hurt too much.

   posted by Bald Jason at 01:47 PM
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