Question:
Since surgery I am dealing with severe dry skin and a UTI that will not quit!

I am 2 months post op and feelin great surgery wise...it is the other things that pester me! I have a severe case of eczsema..spelling?!?!..never had that before in my life? My skin is so dry that it hurts to the touch! Then there is the UTI that left me 5 weeks ago and is back again! Did anyone ever battle a UTI for so long..never had them before in my life! I need some info ...please let me know how you dealt with this! I am happy to be down 45lbs, but very frustrated! Help!    — Jackie S. (posted on February 3, 2000)

February 3, 2000
Jackie, I was told to watch out for dry skin, as this is a sign of dehyderation. I'm almost 4 weeks post-op, and drinking 64oz. of H2O per day as required by my Dr. Drink, Drink, Drink & good luck! Dani
   — Dani J.

February 3, 2000
Jackie-I'm pre-op, but have not heard of these as common post op. Have you seen your doc - and tested blood sugar/insulin levels? Although a cathether during surgery could cause a UTI, recurring UTIs and skin problems are sometimes signs of diabetes. It must be awful! Hope you are better fast!
   — Toni B.

February 3, 2000
Hydrocortisone OINTMENT 1/2% for eczema - "Grease for Peace" as my dr. says. Also - get your urine tested to see which anti-biotics it is resistant to. Then, dr. can prescribe you a med. that will work for your UTI. I had long infections (UTI's) after C-sections and catheters.
   — Shar /.

February 3, 2000
I have ALWAYS had a problem with dry skin. do 2 things make sure you get plenty of water. this will also help with your UTI. and I honestly have found Nivea skin firming lotion to really help with my skin. I also quit using dial soap and now use dove. for your UTI my doc recommended taking chewable vitamin c tablets. I had a UTI that I took antibiotic after antibiotic and still did not get rid of it. The last time he gave me a mega dose of antibiotis and it was gone. I did start chewing 2 vitamins c tablets a day and it has now been over a month and has not returned. I got a GNC brand and says to drink after chewing. The skin firming lotions does help with sagging skin too. Not a cure all but really helps!
   — Cathy D.

February 3, 2000
Jackie, the first 6 weeks after my surgery my skin was so dry it was actually falling off like dandruff. Once I got my fluid intake up the dryness leveled off. Now my skin is just a little dry (about the same as before surgery) and can be dealt with by using regular skin lotions. Make sure you are getting enough fluids. It is so important for many reasons.
   — kaydeeb16

February 4, 2000
Hi Jackie, I thought I would own a lotion company for the first 6 months after my surgery! I finally changed soap to Carress liquid and started using Vaseline Intensive Care- Solutions -Manicure! I finally have skin and not sandpaper again. But cannot help with the UTI. Only had one and started drinking cranberry juice daily to help. It seems to have made some difference. Good luck. Cheri
   — Cheri H.