Blood in urine

[CQ:)]

Back in March I went to my GP to get an updated referral to see my neurologist at the epilepsy clinic. I dont go to the GP very often (usually mainly to get scripts or referrals) so while I was there he took my blood pressure & wanted to do some blood tests to check different things (thyroid, cholestral, etc).

The day after I saw the GP I had my blood tests done & also had to have a urine test. I got a letter about 3 weeks later to say that the GP wanted to see me to discuss my pathology tests. I made an appt to see him & he went through my test, all the blood tests came back clear but the urine test showed blood in urine. He wanted me to have another urine test & blood test which I had done on 26th April.

I received a letter on Tuesday from the GP to say he wanted to see me about my pathology test. I went & saw him Today & he said that the blood test was fine but again the urine test showed a little bit of blood in my urine.
He wants me to have another urine test which I intend to go get done sometime next week. He told me to wait a week after I had the urine test then ring the clinic to get the results from his nurse. He said if the 3rd urine tests shows blood in the urine again then he will refer me to a specialist (I can't remember what type of specialist it was).

The GP explained to me that the blood in urine is probably nothing to major but it is better to get it checked. He said that it could be to do with the liver or kidneys which is why if this 3rd urine test shows up blood it is best to get checked by specialist. He told me that if there is blood in the 3rd urine test then he will refer me to the specialist but will have to do some other tests (he didn't say which tests) before I go see the specialist
I had a look at the pathology request form my GP gave me & he's put on it that the reason for test is hematuria.

I am pretty sure I heard that long term Tegretol usage can affect either your kidneys or liver??? I was on Tegretol from May 2002 until last month (I stopped my final dosage of Tegretol on 29th April) so I wonder if the blood in urine is anything to do with the Tegretol.

When I had the 2nd urine/blood tests done last month my Dr got a copy of the results sent to my neurologist here. I am due to see my neurologist here on Monday so am going to ask him if the blood in the urine could be related to long term usage of Tegretol.

I do tend to over think things to much so tonight ive been telling myself to try not to stress or over think to much lmao.

 

[Nakamova]

Oh CQ, things are going so well with you neurons, it' must be disconcerting for something else medical to pop up. Blood in urine (which is all that hematuria means) is usually related to kidney or bladder infections. Tegretol is supposed to be used with caution in someone with kidney issues, but I don't think it causes them. Good idea to discuss it with the neuro, though. Hopefully he and any other doctors will have some answers.

How are you feeling otherwise? Have you felt different being completely off the Tegretol?

 

[CQ:)]

Thanks Nak,
I have never had any issues with my kidneys before.
I remember when my neuro at the epilepsy clinic 1st started to lower the Tegrteol we asked him if long term Tegrteol affects your liver or kidney (a friend who also has epilepsy took Tegretol for about 30 years until she was taken of it as her liver or kidneys started to stuff up). He told us that long term Tegretol doesn't actually stuff up your kidneys or liver but can affect you in other ways (just cant remember what it was lol).

Its almost 3 weeks since I came of the Tegretol & I am going really well.
The only issues I had was that 4 days after I came of the Tegretol I had a real bad headache all day which I didn't get rid of until the following morning & 7 days after I came of the Tegretol I had a bit of a headache & felt a bit blah for some of the day. This is the best outcome Ive ever had from any med changes so Im definitely not going to complain lol.

 

[CQ:)]

Apart from the issues with the blood in my urine I am having problems with my eye. Last week my Dad told me that my left eye was blood shot & asked me why it was blood shot. I told him i didn't know but it was sore & itchy.
When I looked in the mirror I noticed the white part of my eye (near my nose) was blood shot & I had a tiny white spot right near my iris.
I was at my parents place all last week so didn't get a chance to go to the optometrist until Wednesday.
When I saw the optometrist she looked at my eyes & told me that I had Pterygium which was like an iritation on the eye most likely caused from rubbing them too much (I do rub my eyes a lot, especially when i'm tired).

A pterygium (pronounced te-ri-gi-um, plural: pterygia) is a triangular-shaped lump of tissue which grows from the conjunctiva (a thin membrane which covers the white of the eye) on to the cornea (the clear central part of the eye). Pterygia often occur in both eyes, usually on the side of the eye closer to the nose'

.

The optometrist said I have it in both eyes but the one in my right eye is only really tiny. She gave me some eye drops which I have to use 3 times a day for 2 weeks (after that I only use the drops when I need to). She told me to try to avoid rubbing my eyes which is easier said then done lol fft:. I asked the optometrist if these little spots will always be there & she said unfortunately they will but hopefully the eye drops will help reduce the one on my left eye.

While I was at the optometrists I mentioned to her about how my top eye lid (both eyes) sometimes twitch. She said the eye lid twitching can happen if you are over tired, stressed, having to much caffeine or suddenly stop taking caffeine. I don’t drink caffeine drinks so think it is more to do for when Im tired.


Here is what my eye looked like on Wednesday, you can probably just see the white spot near the iris. Sorry if its a bit freaky lol

 

[Nakamova]

That's great news about being med-free. You should have a party!

I can see how the eye stuff would be bothersome. The eye drops should help. My eyes get very dry due to the lamictal, so I use eye drops a few times a day. Also a good idea to wear sunglasses to keep out irritants like dust, pollen, bugs, kangaroos, etc...

 

[CQ:)]

That's great news about being med-free. You should have a party!

I can see how the eye stuff would be bothersome. The eye drops should help. My eyes get very dry due to the lamictal, so I use eye drops a few times a day. Also a good idea to wear sunglasses to keep out irritants like dust, pollen, bugs, kangaroos, etc...

It is nice to be down to just one med again .

I'm getting used to these eye drops, have only had 1 or 2 misses lmao.
I used to wear sunglasses when I was out walking but the last pair I had broke earler this year & I never got around to getting another pair.
I ended up buying a cheap pair on Wednesday but haven't had to wear them yet because its been either raining or overcast here all week.

LOL about kangaroos, don't usually see kangaroos in the area I live fft:

 

[CQ:)]

Hey Nak,
When I saw my GP yesterday he did tell me the type of specialist he would refer me to if this 3rd urine test shows blood in it but of course as soon as I walked out of the clinic I forgot what type of specialist it was lol.

My parents think it may have been a urologist that my GP might refer me to, do you know if that sounds right?

 

[Wobblez]

CQ you really should be wearing protective eye wear, kangaroos are incredibly dangerous when you don't see them coming!

All jokes aside though, i'm glad your GP has been so thorough. Urologist sounds about right. It sounds like if there is a problem, its only just begun so shouldn't be too much of an issue to fix it =) Keep us posted x

 

[CQ:)]

Thanks Wobblez,
I saw my neurologist today (will post an update in my almost time thread) & while I was there I asked him if he got the results of the blood/urine test. He said he did & showed them to me, he said the blood in the urine was only very small amount but he was impressed with how thorough my GP is being.

I told my neuro that if this 3rd urine test showed blood then i will have to see a specialist but couldn't remember the name.
The Neurologist said I would be referred to a urologist & he told me the best way to remember the name is think Neurologist but with out the N in the front lol.
He also said that if I am referred to a urologist I will most likely have some sort of test (can't remember what it was but think it involved having a camera put inside)

I asked the Neurologist if the blood in the urine was related to long term usage of the Tegretol & he said no.

 

[mamasita]

Hey CQ
If its what I think It is they put a scope (camera) into your bladder.
Had a few of these done, as well as other tests. Doesnt hurt, just kinda uncomfortable, like getting a pap. Just remember to breathe.
You will do fine, your a tough cookie!

 

[Nakamova]

Hi CQ, yup urologist sounds right. I hope you don't have to see a specialist, but if you do I hope it's pretty minor.

When I had a new GP, she referred me to a hematologist because my red and white blood cells were consistently low in my blood tests. I told her that it was a side effect my meds, and that I've been okay with it for over a decade, but she wanted to be extra sure that it wasn't something like blood cancer, so I went to the hematologist who ran some more blood tests, and then agreed with me that it was nothing to worry about.

 

[CQ:)]

I had my 3rd urine test on Tuesday morning so called into my GPs clinic this afternoon (Friday) to see if his nurse had the results of my urine tests.
The nurse was in with another patient so the receptionist asked me to take a seat, while waiting I heard the receptionist on the phone to who I assume was the nurse because I heard her say I was waiting for the results.

Not long after she got of the phone the receptionist called me over & said the GP wants to see me again. I have an appt to see him Monday afternoon at 4:30pm.
I am assuming this test showed more blood in urine but I will know more on Monday when I see the GP & if he wants to do more tests or refer me to a urologist.
This appt will be about the 4th appt I've had with my GP since mid March, getting a bit sick of going to the Gps clinic but I guess at less he is being thorough & following things up lol.

 

[2ndchances]

Hope Monday is the beginning of getting a few answers, but it's great that your GP is being so thorough.

 

[Nakamova]

:agree:
Keep us posted.

 

[skadwad]

are u having any pains in your sides could be a kid inf a quick bout of antibiotics mite help chin up x

 

[CQ:)]

are u having any pains in your sides could be a kid inf a quick bout of antibiotics mite help chin up x

Nope I usually don't have any pains in my side except for when it is that time of month then I will get a little bit of niggling pain will usually be just before my periods start. I see the GP again tomorrow so should find out whats going on & hopefully no more dam urine tests fft:

 

[Chelsea]

I hope that you are feeling better; and obtain the answers that you need to move forward as the most excellent person you are. :hugs:

 

[CQ:)]

I saw the GP this afternoon & this 3rd urine test also showed there was a little bit of blood in it. The GP has now referred me to a urologist & has sent me to have both a xray on my Kidneys/bladder & a renal bladder ultrasound. I have to have the tests done before I see the urologists so hope to be able to get the tests done this week. I didn't get home until late so haven't had time to book any of my appts so that's something I plan to do Tomorrow lol.

The GP said that alot of times the blood in the urine is nothing to worry about but it's better to be safe & have it checked out. Before I left I told the GP that hopefully the next time I see him won't be until September which is when I'm due to get a repeat for the Keppra lol.

 

[Nakamova]

Well the most important thing is...how are you feeling?

 

[qtowngirl]

fingers crossed for you girl, never been there but can imagine it's not a fun experience. keep us posted :hugs: