Blood in my urine - am I okay?

[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!

[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? 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 .

[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.

[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.

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

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