Blood in my urine - am I okay?

[Skierchickie]

Well, every year when I have my annual exam, I have a little blood in my urine - usually have to get 3 little cytology cups from the hospital, pee in them, return to the hospital, and don't hear any more about it. This time (back in May), there was more blood. I did the cup-peeing thing, and they called to say that 2 of the 3 samples had "mildly atypical cells", and my GP wanted me to see a urologist, who comes here for a day every couple of weeks. I still wasn't concerned, as my doctor is an alarmist, and after 17 years I no longer freak out when she tells me stuff - at least I get tests whenever there is a question, so things will get caught in time if there is ever anything really wrong.

Two weeks ago, I saw the urologist, peed in a cup, and they said I had "2+ blood". He said that was too much, and he ordered a CT scan and a cytoscopy. He said he didn't know where it was coming from, but he'd figure it out. There was no protein present, so that was a good sign. I explained that I bike & run and am generally pretty active (and I was thinking maybe it was related to my saddle issues). He said that could be it, but he would test me and see.

Had the CT scan last week, and the cytoscopy this morning. He said I have a small cyst on one kidney, but nothing to worry about (and not the source of the blood), and he saw nothing wrong inside my bladder (not a fun test, but not awful - would have been better if they had told me more what was going on while they did it).

Here is my concern: Dr Urologist says he doesn't see anything wrong, and "we're done". Yay. However, what happened to "we'll figure it out"? If the issue isn't with my bladder, etc, then what is it? It sounds like the trail ends here, and that is that.

I felt pretty uneasy/worried/emotional going in there this morning, more because of what he might have to say than apprehension over the test itself. When I left I felt like crying - no closure I guess. I thought he'd say:

1.) There is nothing wrong, you are fine. Probably your saddle.
2.) There is something minor wrong, and we will fix it.
3.) There is a serious problem, and we don't know if we can fix it, but we know what to do (not my favorite option, obviously).
I never expected Door #4. :(

I did ask if I should just not worry about it, and he said yes. He said "I can't promise you a clean bill of health for the rest of your life, but for the next 2 years, yes". I'd really like to just go along as I have, assuming nothing is wrong. Which I plan to do.

Anybody ever had this problem?

[Running Mommy]

Well I've never had THAT problem, BUT I do know what you are going through.
My ovarian cancer tests came back "inconclusive", so they have put me on a wait and see kinda thing. Not very reassuring.
Just keep a dialogue with your doctor. That is what they are paid to do! And remember that we have to be our own advocate as far as our health is concerned. Tell your doctor that you want at least some sort of answer. Hopefully he/she will catch on that this is stressing you out and will act.

Sorry I'm not much help, but I do feel for you. Yes indeed I do! :o

[Starfish]

Don't have much, except to say that what Running Mommy said sounds right to me. I just wanted to let you know I understand. I had some ovarian cysts last year. All benign, but painful at the time, and I think I had to call the doc about 3 times and keep asking very pointed questions until I was really OK with it all.

[Zen]

You are probably okay (http://www.emedicinehealth.com/blood_in_the_urine/article_em.htm)

[short cut sally]

Skierchick..You said you run and bike. How much do you do this, and in duration? I read your story and thought of rhabdomyolsis..the break down of muscle and is filtered thru the kidneys, and can read a positive blood. Usually it occurs with muscle damage from injuries, falls with remaining in one position for a long time, and that triatheletes/marathon runners are at risk for this. I am not a dr, nor do I play one so don't take my word for it..just a suggestion.

[Triskeliongirl]

From what you have written, it sounds like your urologist thinks you are OK. But if you have doubts, ask a second urologist, not a bunch of cyclists. I don't mean to sound harsh, but if you are not comforatble with what your urologist has told you, then get a second MEDICAL opinion.

[makbike]

I too always have blood in my urine - sometime a trace other times 1+, etc. It was a major concern several years ago so my doctor sent me to a urologist who ordered a kidney screening (had to clean my intestines out, have dye injected, pictures taken on a set schedule). The test results showed all was well - no stones, no masses, etc. My mom also has the same problem and my urologist told me after the test it can be genetic and he felt all was well - he simply labeled it idopathic. I continue to have blood in my urine and no one questions it now unless the RBC count is high or I'm showing signs of an infection.

[Skierchickie]

Thanks, you guys. I think I really just needed to vent a little. I wondered if anyone here had ever dealt with similar symptoms (no - not looking for a diagnosis, just similarities - sorry if I was unclear :o ). I'll probably talk to my regular doctor, and see if she can clarify things a bit. We don't have a urologist of our own here - this guy travels 100 miles a couple of times a month.

Running Mommy - I can't imagine being in your shoes. That has to be really tough. I hope everything turns out okay for you.

Shellyj - I'll read up on rhabdomyolsis - I haven't heard of that.

Boy, I really want to ride to work tomorrow, but I'm so uncomfortable from my exam, I don't know if I'll be able to sit on a bike saddle by morning.:(

Jan

[Skierchickie]

Makbike,

Yeah, I had the IVP test 10 years ago. Saw this same urologist then, and he practically laughed at me - said I was too young (31 at the time) and there was nothing wrong with me. I think it was the "mildly atypical cells" thing that got the ball rolling this time.

It's interesting that your mom has the same thing.

[JanB]

I vote for the "we'll figure it out" and as someone else said, maybe you should see someone else or at least talk to your regular Dr. like you're planning on doing. Interesting that I haven't been on here in awhile and saw this post-my hubby was just diagnosed w/prostate cancer today from-blood in the urine-only trace amounts under a microscope but that's after 18 months and now we're wondering if it's caught early enough. Follow your gut and most likely it's nothing, but follow your gut. Hope this isn't a scare for you but I hear we have to be our own advocates . Good luck.

[Tuckervill]

Well, prostate cancer is not a concern for a woman. Shouldn't scare her.

Karen

[JanB]

I realize that but my point was that after 18 months for us, it's not always "nothing." I'm sorry I said anything.

[Starfish]

I realize that but my point was that after 18 months for us, it's not always "nothing." I'm sorry I said anything.

A valid point, definitely.


From what you have written, it sounds like your urologist thinks you are OK. But if you have doubts, ask a second urologist, not a bunch of cyclists. I don't mean to sound harsh, but if you are not comforatble with what your urologist has told you, then get a second MEDICAL opinion.

Which is why I agree with this!

[KnottedYet]

Newly minted women's pelvic health practioner here.

I know nothing. (please bear that in mind)

If it were me:
1st thing I'd do: call doc back and check for urine culture lab results. any cooties? (bacteria) any white blood cells?
2nd thing I'd do: get copies of all medical records related to this event. (they are yours, you can have them) Get a hold of another urologist. Head south if you have to. Grand Rapids. Lansing. Ann Arbor. Ask around to find a good one.

Peace of mind is worth a 3 or 4 hour drive.

Saddle issues shouldn't cause atypical cells. Saddle issues shouldn't cause excess blood markers in urine (that's why you take the sample mid-stream; external blood sources are "washed away" before the sample is taken)

BTW: saddles shouldn't be causing ANYthing like this. If your saddle is this bad a fit for you, please let TE'ers know! We have a ton of saddle recommendations among us!

[KnottedYet]

JanB - my warmest thoughts for your husband. I'm sorry to hear he has prostate cancer, but very grateful it was found!

There are many support groups for both men and their wives/husbands. It's nice to be around folks who know what you're both going through, also nice to be around folks who have so much information about the same situation. I've found cancer support groups to be very valuable, maybe you could try one or two and see if they are something you are interested in? (not that I'm pushing it, just that I "breathed a sigh of relief" when I found one)

Best wishes to both of you!

[Mr. Bloom]

I realize that but my point was that after 18 months for us, it's not always "nothing." I'm sorry I said anything.

Don't be sorry, I think your point is spot on.

Silver and I have learned that we're better served medically when we are well informed and don't rely on the doctor as our sole source of knowledge.

While insurance and clinical protocols complicate things, we find that the doctors become more inquisitive and are slower to jump to conclusions when they know that we're critically discerning as well. SEE BORING STORY AS AN EXAMPLE BELOW

Skierchickie: I think that the site zen posted was pretty interesting. I had forgotten the correlation between running and blood in the urine. Have you considered a hiatus from impact activities(perhaps in the winter time) to see if the problem clears up?

Boring Story Example of How Being Informed Makes a Difference:
10+ years ago, I had a twitch in my cheek. I researched the issues and determined it to be trigeminal neuralgia. This was not painful and at most mildly inconvenient...however research indicated that, in my early 30's, the emergence of trigeminal neuralgia could be an early indicator of Multiple Schlerosis...I'm adopted, so I get particularly interested in genetic possibilities...

So, I go to a neurologist who confirms my self diagnosis, but totally blows me off...until I say "what about the possibility this is an early indicator of MS"...well, he looked at me and said "how do you know about that?", but his tone totally changed, he got serious, started taking notes in his file, and appropriately ordered an MRI.

I'm OK, no MS...but the only reason I know this is because I asked the question that prompted him to do more...

[Tuckervill]

I realize that but my point was that after 18 months for us, it's not always "nothing." I'm sorry I said anything.

No, I'm sorry, because I missed your point.

My sincere apologies, and best hope for your husband's good health.

Karen

[Skierchickie]

JanB,

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband - this must be really tough on you.

I don't know if this can possibly help, but I have a story that may give you a little encouragement.

About 14 years ago, my Dad retired from farming, and my parents moved up to the UP, about 100 miles from here. I have a friend there who is a nurse, and Mom talked to her about who the best doctor would be in the area. Well, the doctor wouldn't take them on as new patients unless they came in for checkups. Dad hadn't been to a doctor in years, had never really been sick, and was angry over being forced to go (thought it was all about the doctor making $$ off them). Well, they caught his prostate cancer because of it. He had the surgery, and today he is 71, still skis (and races), mountain bikes (and does a couple of races a year), and is shopping for a Trek Pilot right now. :D

So, as worried as you probably are right now, don't despair.

We're all pulling for you - hang in there!

[Di bear]

It sounds like you have microscopic hematuria. Yes, it is normal. Some people have it, some don't. I don't, so if red blood cells show up in my urine, then there may be a cause for alarm. The key is knowing what is normal for you. If you actually see blood, then *that* is a problem.

[Skierchickie]

Thanks everyone. I still need to pick up the phone and call my doctor. Figured I'd give her a few days to get the results.

Hey Di bear, where are you? I'm 5 miles north of Calumet. Hmmm, if Hancock is north of Up North, and Calumet is north of Hancock, what does that make me?:D Oh, that's right, practically drowning in Lake Superior! Okay, not quite. Welcome! I wasn't sure whether to say this in my icky thread or in your icky thread :eek: .

[Di bear]

lol - I'd prefer your icky thread. ;) North of Calumet, wow! That's just way out there. ;) Are you going to Copper Harbor this weekend?

If you're free, some of us are doing a MTB ride at Tech at 130 today. :)

[Skierchickie]

Di bear - I'll send you a PM

[JanB]

Thanks everyone for your encouraging words & support. I really appreciate it more than you all know.:)