Bladder Issues in Young Adults: Persistent Infections & Urinary Problems

Question
I'm not sure if your knowledgeable about bladder problems in 20 yr olds. My neice called yesterday to talk with me about her problems she's had since she was in the 9th grade. She's been getting bladder infections for quite some time. When she urinates, it's very little and a small percentage is left in the bladder, it never fully empties. The doctors never gave her any meds. for 4 years up until a few months ago. The meds make her not urinate hardly at all. She's not sure what to do. She just recently had her first yeast infection as well. I personally had a bladder sling inserted that was supposed ot last up to 5 yrs, but it only lasted 8 mo. She was wondering if she should have the surgery and I told her it wasn't worth it. She also cannot get a urology appt. for 6-7 mo. She's tried. She has a medical card that runs out at the end of March. Is there anything I can tell her from a professional point of view? I'd hate to see her let it go because she cannot afford a doctor. She'd have to then. Is there a website I can give her so she can research this problem? She doesn't even have a name for her problem yet. I'd appreciate anything you can send me. Many thanks for your time.

Answer
I really don't have any expertise in bladder problems but it sounds like she's suffering quite a bit.  If she's sexually active, I would suggest she stop.  I would also suggest she stop eating white flour and white sugar products (bread, cakes, cookies, soda, anything made with flour and sugar) and start taking fish oil capusules (1 per 10 lbs of body weight) per day until she starts feeling better.  

A natural approach may work and it would be a heck of a lot better than surgery!  My favorite medical website is mercola.com and he discusses a particular bladder problem at this location:  http://www.mercola.com/2003/apr/9/bladder.htm

It certainly won't hurt her and probably will help.  Most problems are related to diet and eliminating those two items go a long way toward improving health.