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Was hoping someone with experience w/bladder or kidney infections can suggest a path for me hopefully, find out eventually what is causing my situation. I started having side pain (under ribcage, right side) and episodes where it seemed like i might have a UTI (bladder infection) last year in September. An ultrasound came back with the result that my right kidney seemed to be a funny shape, but then an MRI came back normal. I had several urine samples come back showing traces of blood but no bacteria. A urologist in February told me 'stop drinking three cups of coffee a day' so i cut it down to one. Last month my urine test showed blood, protein and white blood cells (leukocytes.) I am still having symptoms. A urine test today showed the same test results even though i finished a round of antibiotics last week.
Today my doctor admitted to me that he didn't really know what to do but send me back to the urologist, so maybe she could put me on something to relax my bladder. Um, shouldn't we treat the cause of my infections rather than treat the discomfort? I am stumped and don't know what to do anymore. Any advice? Get a 2nd opinion? Get a biopsy of my kidneys....? Lol. I really think this is a kidney problem, not a bladder problem. I don't have any burning during urination. Just frequency/urgency.
Thanks for any insight....getting really frustrated....my husband even said maybe its just an emotional issue. Blood in my urine and it's all in my head? Whatever...
First off; what is your blood count as concerned with kidney function, and what is your GFR? You need a urologist or nephrologist, not a PCP for this...they are suppose to refer you to proper specialist.
Protein in the urine indicates a bad sign for kidneys, especially if it's still in the urine after all this. It means the protein is spilling into the urine so the kidneys are leaking. Blood in the urine as well: not good. High white blood cells means your body is fighting something for you. Kidneys can go down to 20% and still show no signs of trouble. Kidneys also bounce back very well. Diet is important with CKD. Perhaps an appointment with a nephrologist. But more blood work directed at all kidney aspects. 24 hour urine, bun creatine, phosphates, GFR, and so on and so forth.
When they treated you for a UTI, did they do a culture of the urine to see any sensitivities to any antibiotics?
Seek a second opinion if current urologist doesn't want to do the bloodwork...or throw the idea of seeing a nephrologist around.
Having many of the symptoms you describe my nephrologist did the biopsy and many blood tests and 24 hour urine analysis, as a result she put me on medication to lower urea content in the blood and gave me dietary advice that includes no salt and not too much protein,her assessment is i have 25% kidney function remaining not quite ready for dialysis as long as i stick to a healthy diet.
Expect to see a nephrologist and a dietician on a regular basis as they follow your condition.
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