Blood Presence in Urine: Visible Clots and Microscopic Findings
A 53-year-old woman has a history of undergoing a hysterectomy accompanied by the placement of a bladder sling back in 2017. Recently, she sought urgent medical attention after noticing visible blood clots in her urine. A dipstick test revealed a significant presence of blood, marked at three pluses. However, subsequent cultures showed no signs of infection. Following the protocol provided by the urgent care facility, she visited her primary care physician two days later. Another urine test produced trace amounts of blood, but again, culture results indicated the absence of infection. It was also noted that during her appointment with the gynecologist in January, there were already trace amounts of blood detected in her urine. Her primary care doctor referred her for further evaluation, sending a urine sample for cancer cell analysis and recommending a consultation with a urologist for a cystoscopy. The results from the cancer cell test returned negative for high-grade urothelial cells, and no additional concerns were highlighted in the report. The physician later communicated that no cancer cells were found. Despite this, the patient has lingering concerns based on her research, as she understands that tests for cancer cells might not be entirely dependable. The doctor advised her not to panic, suggesting it is likely bladder cancer but usually progresses slowly. She queries the reliability of these assessments and feels anxious since her appointment with the urologist is scheduled for October. She experiences frequent urination but no discomfort. Additionally, she is curious about other possible causes for the presence of blood in urine, considering interstitial cystitis but doubts that diagnosis applies in her case. Thank you for considering her situation.
Answers (1)
7/23/2025, 7:40:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about the presence of blood in your urine. While the negative cancer cell tests and absence of infection are reassuring, your symptoms and concerns warrant careful consideration.
Main Points:
- Visible blood in urine, or hematuria, can arise from various conditions.
- The upcoming consultation with the urologist is a vital step for further evaluation.
- Managing anxiety about the situation and focusing on potential benign causes is also important.
Explanation:
Blood in the urine can come from multiple sources: the kidneys, bladder, or urethra. Common causes include:
- Benign conditions: such as kidney stones, urinary tract irritations, and, as you mentioned, interstitial cystitis.
- Physical trauma or irritation due to previous surgeries.
- Other dietary or lifestyle factors, like strenuous exercise or certain medications.
The fact you've previously had trace amounts of blood suggests that your condition may have been stable, but it's crucial to evaluate why there are changes now (like visible blood clots).
Next Steps:
- Stay Informed: While waiting for your urologist appointment, educate yourself about conditions related to hematuria but don't let it overwhelm you. Focus on trustworthy sources.
- Track Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting any changes, additional pain, or new symptoms, which can be helpful for your urologist.
- Reduce Anxiety: Engage in stress-reducing activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or gentle physical activity to help manage anxiety surrounding this situation.
- Hydration: Ensure you are drinking plenty of water to help flush your urinary system, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
- Prepare Questions: Write down any questions or concerns you have for your upcoming urologist visit to ensure you address everything that matters to you during your appointment.
It's normal to have concerns about your health, but remember that many causes of blood in urine are treatable and often benign. Your proactive approach to following up with specialists is a wise decision. Please let me know if you have more questions or need further clarification!
Related Questions
Concern Over Possible Botulism Exposure: Seeking Guidance
Greetings, everyone! I'm a 37-year-old male, weighing approximately 80 kilograms and standing at about 1.75 meters tall. To provide some context, I'm currently visiting a friend in another country, but I don’t have any travel health insurance. My friend had to work through the weekend and encouraged me to help myself to whatever food I found in her refrigerator. Upon arriving, I discovered some gravy that appeared and smelled fine. I decided to prepare some frozen fries in the oven while simultaneously heating the gravy in a dish, which I placed in the oven at a temperature of around 225 degrees Celsius. Following the instructions, I set a timer for 20 minutes when cooking the fries. However, when the timer went off, the fries didn’t seem fully cooked. I opted to give them an additional 10 to 15 minutes to bake (the gravy was still on the bottom, and I had completely forgotten about it). Eventually, the fries emerged from the oven, slightly overdone, but I didn't mind. Upon pulling everything out, I noticed that the gravy had begun to burn and char during the process. Afterward, I proceeded to eat the fries along with some of the gravy, which had turned into a paste-like consistency. I later called my friend to catch up and mention what I had for dinner. To my dismay, she panicked when I mentioned the gravy, informing me that it was actually 12 days old and stored in a plastic container. Now I’m left worried about my situation. How serious is this? To provide additional context: - It’s been 12 hours since I consumed the food, and I have not yet experienced any symptoms. What signs should I be vigilant for? - I heated the gravy thoroughly; it was in the oven for over 30 minutes, and the edges of the plate were charred. - Prior to this meal, I hadn't eaten anything for nearly 24 hours, so I'm hoping my stomach's acidity might be a protective factor. I didn't consume a large amount, discarding approximately half of what I had. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights regarding this situation.
Rash on the Dorsal Side of My Hands
A 24-year-old male, standing 5'3" and weighing 125 pounds, is not currently taking any medications. While I do not smoke, I am often exposed to secondhand smoke from those around me, and I have recently spent time in an environment where a significant amount of unpleasant smoke is produced due to casting activities. For approximately three weeks, I have been experiencing a rash on the backs of both my hands. I initially became aware of it after working on my car's engine. The rash has led to dryness and itching, and I took a photo after my shower today, highlighting the redness that has become particularly noticeable. What are some effective treatments for this condition?
Understanding Foam in Urine: When is it a Concern?
Age 24, I've observed a notable increase in the amount of foam in my urine over the past couple of years, compared to what I remember from before. About a year ago, I mentioned this to my primary care physician, who seemed somewhat dismissive of my concerns. Nonetheless, they proceeded to conduct a urinalysis, which returned normal results, indicating no elevated protein levels. I frequently undergo blood tests, and both my eGFR and creatinine levels typically fall within the normal range, although I did experience some fluctuations linked to a bout of mononucleosis a couple of years back, where my eGFR dipped near 70; it currently remains above 100. I suspect that changes in my urological function, likely from aging, are contributing to a stronger urine stream now than in my youth. The foam generally settles down after a few minutes, although occasionally it lingers longer than expected. I make a concerted effort to stay hydrated, even though I don’t always succeed, so I wonder if mild dehydration could partially account for the foaming. This concern is particularly relevant as I'm resuming strength training and planning to increase my protein consumption. I want to ensure that my kidneys are not overtaxed due to any potential underlying issues. Additionally, I have a history of taking 5 grams of creatine daily, paired with plenty of water, which makes me cautious about this, too. Is there a point at which foaming in urine is considered excessive, or does a specific threshold exist that I should be aware of?
Understanding Symptoms of Salmonella: What to Do Next
My boyfriend, who is 26, experienced a fever that peaked at approximately 99.5°F yesterday morning. Thankfully, after resting and taking NyQuil, his fever subsided by this morning. However, he has been dealing with severe abdominal pain and persistent diarrhea since last evening, which has not shown much improvement. He has been making frequent trips to the restroom, nearly every hour throughout the night and again today. While I initially thought he might be improving since the fever has decreased, I became alarmed upon noticing bright red blood in his stool and on the toilet paper after he wipes. It has been around 40 hours since the fever began, and my concern has heightened now that blood has appeared. I’ve come across some online information suggesting these symptoms might be typical for salmonella infections, and I’m uncertain whether we should seek medical attention immediately or if it’s advisable to wait another day or two to see if his condition improves. I realize that consulting a doctor as soon as possible would be the best course of action. However, he currently lacks insurance, which makes him hesitant to get checked right away. Any guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
Navigating Alcohol Challenges
My partner has recently developed issues with alcohol. Over the past year, he has been consuming significant amounts—roughly two bottles of distilled spirits each week, in addition to beer. A decade ago, he struggled with inhalants and even faced near-fatal consequences, but he had maintained sobriety until he turned to drinking. He believes he has plenty of time before the effects of alcohol will manifest. How long can he continue this way before it becomes a serious problem? He is a 53-year-old male, weighing 325 pounds, standing at 5 feet 11 inches, and he is currently on medication for hypertension. Although we plan to separate later this year, it’s clear that this situation will have an impact on our three children.