D-Mannose has always been a quick relief for me. I have awoken with a bad UTI and taken the D-Mannose all morning, by the afternoon it feels like I didn't have one at all. I continue to take it for about a week or so to make sure all the critters have left. When I first discovered it, I thought it was too good to be true! I know that it works for the three out of four types of bacteria that cause UTI's, which is 99% of the population. Maybe the girl in the store didn't take it properly or was the fourth type of bacteria that it didn't work for. Sometimes my bladder hurts or feels uncomfortable, in which I will use a castor oil pack and a heating pad. This is just what has worked for me, I hope you will find something that will work for you. I know exactly how miserable it is!! Take Care