What started out as a bladder/urinary tract infection sent me to the ER this February. It started in January as a bladder infection and I took those over the counter pills. I went about my business but then, three weeks later, I fell ill with what I thought was the flu with severe back pain and fever. My husband brought me to the 'nice' Charity hospital (it really is) as we haven't health insuance. Sure enough it was a bad kidney infection. The doctor told me he wished the meds sold at the drug store would get pulled off the shelf. People take them to get through the pain, but don't get to the doctor to get the infection treated. I can vouch that I was very, very sick. My husband said that the minute I show signs of one again, he is taking me in; no matter what the cost. UTIs are nothing to play around with. I hope you are getting treatment. Now I keep a supply of Bactrim that my friend gets me from Mexico just in case.