Urine Blood

I am deployed in a remote Out Post about 75 miles outside of Baghdad, Iraq. At the age of 59, Mother Nature has  Started to do her thing,, from swollen feet, Urinary Tract Infections, and now Just today 16 May 2010 Blood in the Urine. This is very new to me. There are no Hospitals or doctors here I am not scheduled for R / R until 30 June. I have 45 days before I am able to leave here. Can I wait the 45 days or should I call for emergency Evac? I'm in no pain. I know the swollen feet and legs are from frequent flying, but the Blood in the Urine???

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

HI and thanks for using the forum.

A urinary tract infection can cause you to have blood in your urine.  So, if you have been recently diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and are taking an antibiotic you might be OK to wait and see if your urine clears up on the antibiotic.  IF you do not currently have a UTI then blood in the urine is concerning.  It could be that you have another UTI, it could be that the urinary infection has traveled up into your kidneys or it could not be related to your previous UTI's and could be a symptom of something else (such as a prostate problem).  If this is the case, and you are not currently being treated for a UTI then I think you might want to consider the emergency Evac.  Your health is your priority and you need to take care of yourself.  Good luck.

Bridget

[preacher308]

Thank you Ms Bridget for your response.
          I have an update on my condition. Because we don't have toilets to check for blood I have been urinating in a bottle when I go to the out-house and I check for blood. I think I overreacted yesterday because I never had anything like this to happen before. After changing my underwear 4 times I noticed there was no more blood in my underwear, nor was there no more blood in the bottle of urine. However, I did develop a nose bleed that was very heavy for about 15/20min. That's still not uncommon with the sand and dust storms as well as high temperatures. Today its cool 125degree. I'm still taking antibiotic for UT I. I'm going to stick it out for the 44 days. My overreaction yesterday made me seem weak enough, I can't become more a weakling and op out to Evac. Your Information is very helpful and I will being this up to my Doctor when I arrive in Dubai, UAE  on 30 June.

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

Don't worry, I don't think you over reacted at all- finding blood in your urine is scary!  Make sure that you are drinking a lot of water- this can help flush out your kidneys and keep the UTI from travelling upwards.  Also, you are much more likely to get dehydrated under the conditions you are in so DRINK, DRINK, DRINK.  Dehydration and a UTI do not mix. Take care and good luck.

Bridget

[preacher308]

  I have an update on my condition,,, Today 23 May I have been checking daily and still no Blood... I'm no longer taking antibiotic for UTI... I finish my last on Wed,, 38 more days to go.  My next question is concerning urinary tract infection,, I was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection in March of this year by a traveling Medic from Baghdad. I have been here  since September, i have been with no women.. and dont let the thought of a man even enter your mind... with that said what cause me to have a urinary tract infection???? i never heard of UTI before March and the Medic said it not important, just take the antibiotic for 60 days and you will be Ok,, again i put it to the back of mind until the blood in my urine... you where saying to me about the urinary infection can travel up into my kidneys or the blood could be related to my previous UTI's and could be a symptom of something else (such as a prostate problem) that . i would like to know more about this UTI,  I wait your reply

Preacher

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

HI,

I can't say for certain what caused your UTI, but being in a remote area and not being able to wash as you would normally do, not drinking like you normally do, and the extreme temperatures, can set you up for the type of environment that bacteria love.  When you become dehydrated, you do not urinate as frequently as you normally would.  This provides the bacteria a chance to travel up into the urinary tract.  This causes a UTI.  That is why I recommened that you DRINK, DRINK, DRINK.  This keeps everything in your urinary tract flowing in the right direction.  It sounds like the antibiotic has done its job, but it is still important to stay hydrated- 38 more days and you don't want to get a UTI again in this home stretch.  Good luck and I wish you a safe trip home.  

Bridget