OT? Blood found in urine/bladder UTI infection

[Starryeyes2]

Hi Everyone-
I have been having repeated UTI/bladder infections recently. I would always just take whatever meds I had left over from other stuff..(I know..thats frowned upon) This is rather recent and haven't had a whole bunch of problems until lately. My Dr gave me antibiotics and wants me to come back in to get it retested at the lab in a few weeks. I asked her what it could mean and she said kidney stones, some other stuff or kidney cancer. She said I may have to be referred to a Urologist. I am completely freaked out by this. Has anyone else had this or can tell me if I should be worried?

Thanks!!
Kristi

[addicted2harleys]

It's too bad we can't "tag" messages so they link to topics that match, huh?  I posted on the same subject and I have seen several other posts that ran parallel with others, too.  :)

Anyways, I was going to post what twopack did about extra antibiotics.  She neat me to it though.  Lol.  If the antibiotics are extras from past uti/bladder infections, that could be why they are reaccuring.  Just a thought.  

This thread has been beneficial to me, too.  I think maybe I should make a specialist appointment, too, when I get back from AZ.  Do these docs also treat the bowel side?

Hope you get relief soon, Kristi.  These infections bite!

Oh, Lisa...don't you dare quit posting!  I know you have been helpful for me.  

Hugs,
Addi

[HVAC]

I had repeated infections years ago. Turned out I have two ureters on my left side. I also had a stone. I had the stone removed. Since then I watch what I drink. We put in a water cooler to encourage me to drink more water. Now I have had no problems in over ten years. I do have a lesion on my kidney when they do CTs but my Doctors say there is nothing to worry about.

Alex

[sllowe]

Lisa,

Your post was spot on! Please, don't refrain. Though the situation can vary depending on where the stone is at the time, most personal experiences/scenarios are the same.

For example i.e., flank pain when it's in the kidney, if it begins to travel the pain begins to enter the side (could feel like it's around your side, or waist) and it travels through the ureter (if it's small enough) and once it drops into the bladder your on the final stretch.

Now, a simple KUB may show stones and with a history of one, may I aske if the MD check regularly this way? Also, MD can order an IVP with contrast. Armed w/those results you walk into the Urologist w/a great place to start.

Starry! It's nice to see you back.  If I were you I would take the MD up on going to a urologist. If you find a good one, he/she will get to the bottom of the problem and hopefully the UTIs too. We don't want that infection getting into your blood!


ttys,
Shell

[LisaJF]

I think I'm going to refrain from posting and let the people who know what they are talking about do so.

[twopack]

Just as an FYI for everyone.....

You should NEVER have leftover antibiotics.  It for some reason you don't finish all the pills in a prescription (allergic reaction or doctor switched medicine) THROW AWAY any remaining pills.

Whenever you take a partial dose of antibiotic - because you didn't finish or only had what was left of a previous script - you allow bacteria to build up resistance.  The next time that bacteria shows up, it will be stronger (read that as harder to get rid of)!  Relief from symptoms doesn't mean an infection is gone.  Healing takes time AND a FULL COURSE of ANTIBIOTICS.

Kristi, I hope the blood that showed up was just from irritation of the delicate lining of your urinary tract.  That's a possibility too but get it checked out to be sure.

Mary

[COBOB]

Kidney stones are one of those conditions that may not follow the rules all the time.  Flank pain radiating to the back and shoulder is what we were always taught,  When I got my kidney stones, I spilled blood and had pain radiating downward into my left testicle.  Once they did the CT Scan of my abdomen, the 4 stones showed up.  

They should start with a Chempstrip UA.  Most bladder and renal infections spill nitrates, which the strip will detect.  The strip will also detect blood and protein.  They can also do a microscopic exam.  Spin the urine down in a centrifuge and look for Calcium Oxalate crystals (the most common type of stone).  These tests are a lot cheaper than a CT and the abdominal CT is one of the highest radiation exposures used in diagnostic x-ray.  

Bob    

[LisaJF]

Oh my gosh dont thank me, that is what we are all here for to help one another right? :)

Normally if a doctor suspects a kidney stone, a CT scan is in order to stone hunt.  Plus they want to rule out hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney due to backed up urine from the blockage of the stone if it is passing.)  Pain from a kidney stone is only caused by when it is moving or if you  have hydro that too can cause flank pain/abdominal pain.

Yes, do call tomorrow and get to see a Nephrologist or Urologist.

You will do fine and honestly, ask your primary to prescribe you something to allay your anxiety.  Why not? It is your emotions that are in upheaval.  Not theirs.  They go to bed at night sleeping wonderfully.  :)

Sorry for my botchy response, Im really having a hard time with writing tonight.

Lisa

[Starryeyes2]

Thanks Lisa!! I had what was thought to be a kidney stone about 19 yrs ago. I havent had those symptoms since. I have had urine tested in the past and it came back as having increased white blood cells. I wasn't having any symptoms and wasn't prescribed any medication.?? I will call my Dr tomorrow to see about the referral. I am not looking forward to the test they will want to do.
Thanks for the quick response.

Kristi

[LisaJF]

Kristi,

First off, don't be "freaked" out.  Take deep breaths.  I am sorry you're going through all these UTI/bladder infections.  

With kidney stones or nephrolithiasis, can cause "flank" pain (mid back area) radiating down into the groin area.  Your urine can have blood in it and the darker the urine the older the blood is.  The brighter the urine that means that a stone would be nicking the the surrounding tissue in the renal pelvis or ureters.  

I wouldnt worry about kidney cancer but would definitely not wait a few weeks to see a Urologist or Nephrologist (two different people).  The latter one I would suggest.  A cystoscopy would most likely be in order after a CT scan where they would do a "stone hunt".  The Urologist or Nephrologist can order the lab work.  

I would call your Primary tomorrow and say you would like the referral to the Urologist or Nephrologist and you will go and pick it up or whatever your insurance does.  Call and make an appointment.

I hope you're going to do this and let us know how you're doing!!!

Lisa