Seeking Clarity on My Urinalysis Results via MyChart
Hello everyone! I’m a 28-year-old woman experiencing rib discomfort that has persisted for nearly a week. After a visit to my healthcare provider, I was informed that it’s likely just a muscle strain, though they conducted a urinalysis to rule out a urinary tract infection (UTI). This is my first experience using MyChart, and I’m looking for guidance to help interpret my results. To provide a bit of context: Approximately two years ago, I faced a severe asymptomatic UTI that escalated into a kidney infection, which subsequently led to acute kidney injury and sepsis. My hospital stay lasted a week, and since then, I've had continuous episodes of UTIs, although their frequency has decreased over the last year. Apart from the rib pain, I’ve not noticed any additional symptoms. I appreciate any assistance you can provide! Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/17/2025, 7:50:34 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to seek clarity regarding your urinalysis results, especially given your medical history. Rib discomfort can indeed arise from various causes, and it’s good that your provider is considering multiple factors, including ruling out a UTI.
Explanation:
Urinalysis is a common test that evaluates various aspects of your urine, such as the presence of bacteria, blood, and other substances that may indicate an infection or other issues. Given your history of UTIs, monitoring your urinary symptoms is especially important.
Key Urinalysis Components to Review:
- Leukocytes: These white blood cells can indicate an infection.
- Nitrates: The presence of nitrates usually suggests a bacterial infection, as certain bacteria convert nitrates from your diet into nitrites.
- Blood (Hematuria): This can occur due to infection, irritation, or other issues.
- pH and Specific Gravity: These indicate your hydration status and the acidity of your urine.
Next Steps:
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Check Your Results: Log into MyChart and look for the specific values related to leukocytes, nitrates, and blood in your urine. Focus on these three areas as they are crucial in diagnosing a UTI.
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Symptom Monitoring: Continue to observe for any changes in your rib discomfort or new symptoms, such as changes in urination (frequency, urgency, burning) or any new abdominal symptoms.
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Hydration: Stay well-hydrated to help flush your urinary system, which can assist in minimizing irritation.
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Follow-Up: If your urinalysis indicates possible infection or if your rib pain worsens or is accompanied by additional symptoms (fever, pain during urination, etc.), it’s important to reconnect with your healthcare provider for a detailed discussion.
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Express Concerns About Past History: Given your previous severe UTI and its aftermath, don’t hesitate to mention your concerns to your healthcare provider. They may consider additional tests or preventive measures.
Feel free to ask specific questions about your urinalysis here for further interpretation, and remember, it’s always best to clarify directly with your provider about any uncertainties regarding your health. Take care!
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