What should my next medical steps be for constantly recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) and new whole-body swelling, given my history of a spine condition from birth (spina bifida occulta) and 12 years of emptying my bladder with a tube (clean intermittent catheterization, which I no longer use), especially since a previous treatment with meropenum only worked temporarily and I am currently taking Niftran, Urivoid, and Silodal?
The new whole-body swelling, combined with recurrent infections while taking Niftran, Urivoid, and Silodal, requires prompt medical evaluation. Please consult your urologist or a nephrologist (kidney specialist) as soon as possible. Your doctor will likely recommend blood and urine tests to check your kidney function, along with a kidney ultrasound to evaluate the swelling. They may also discuss if restarting intermittent catheterization or adjusting your medications is needed.