OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Concerns About Blood in Urine

7/28/2025, 1:50:20 PMMale25-34

At 27 years old, I experienced a troubling incident on Monday when I noticed some blood after urination. The issue seemed to vanish over the weekend but returned today. Thankfully, it hasn't been accompanied by any pain. After consulting with my doctor, I found that she is unsure about the cause. I am scheduled for blood and urine tests tomorrow, along with an abdominal ultrasound in two weeks. What I’m primarily worried about is the possibility of bladder cancer. Which test results would provide me with reassurance during this anxious period?

Crohn's DiseaseThyroid DisordersInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

7/28/2025, 1:50:41 PM

OpenHealth AI

Noticing blood in your urine can understandably cause concern, especially with thoughts of serious conditions like bladder cancer. It’s good to hear that you have upcoming tests scheduled, as these will provide important information about your situation.

Explanation:

Blood in urine (hematuria) can have various causes, and many of them are not serious. Common reasons include urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, or benign growths. While bladder cancer is a possibility, especially in older individuals or those with risk factors, it's less common in younger adults without other symptoms.

Your doctor’s decision to conduct blood and urine tests, along with an abdominal ultrasound, is a standard approach to investigate the source of blood in urine. Blood tests may check for kidney function and signs of infection, while urine tests can look for indicators of various conditions, including infections or cancer. An ultrasound helps visualize the bladder and kidneys to see if there are any structural issues or abnormalities.

Next Steps:

  1. Stay Positive and Informed: While awaiting your test results, try to maintain a positive mindset. Many causes of hematuria are benign, and knowing this can help alleviate anxiety.

  2. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your urination, such as the frequency of blood in your urine, any new pain, or changes in your bathroom habits. Documenting these can be helpful for your doctor.

  3. Hydration: Stay well-hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids can help flush your urinary tract.

  4. Discussing Results: Once you receive your test results, focus on two main aspects that may provide reassurance:

    • Urine Test: A negative test for cancer markers or a low number of red blood cells could be reassuring.
    • Ultrasound Findings: A report indicating normal structure in the bladder and kidneys without masses can also reduce concern.
  5. Follow-up with Your Doctor: Be prepared to discuss any results with your doctor, including asking them to clarify anything that worries you, and what the next steps will be based on those results.

Remember that worrying about potential outcomes is understandable, but focusing on your health and taking proactive steps will support you during this anxious time.

Related Questions

Seeking Guidance for My Mother's Sudden Hearing Loss Case

I am looking for advice regarding my mother's situation with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). **Patient Overview:** - **Age:** 48 years - **Gender:** Female - **Medical Issues:** Hypothyroidism and overweight (approximately 95 kg at the onset) - **Treatment:** Thyroid medication (25 mcg taken daily) **Medical Background:** In November 2025, my mother experienced an abrupt hearing loss in her right ear accompanied by dizziness and nausea. We consulted several ENT specialists within approximately 36 hours following the onset of her symptoms. She received a diagnosis of SSNHL but unfortunately, she did not undergo intratympanic steroid injections during the critical first 24 hours that could have aided her recovery. Despite receiving subsequent treatment, she has not regained hearing in her affected ear. **Examination Results:** - **Audiogram:** Loss of approximately 100 dB in the right ear; left ear shows normal hearing. - **Brain MRI:** A normal scan was conducted previously, ruling out tumors. - **Laboratory Tests:** Recent blood tests (including thyroid function, HbA1c, renal and liver function tests, CBC, etc.) show elevated TSH (6.73) and a HbA1c of 8.5%. We are currently preparing for a contrast MRI to eliminate the possibility of a vestibular schwannoma or nerve issues. **Current Condition:** The hearing loss persists in her right ear. She is feeling anxious about the upcoming contrast MRI, which involves gadolinium injection. However, she has started making positive lifestyle changes and has lost about 4.5 kg over the past two months, adhering to a protein-rich diet and a walking regimen. **My Inquiries:** 1. Is it still beneficial to perform a contrast MRI several months after the initial SSNHL diagnosis, considering that a normal MRI has already been completed? 2. For cases such as this—severe SSNHL with delayed steroid intervention—are there realistic prospects for hearing recovery at a later date? 3. Are there any additional tests or treatments that should be taken into account at this stage? 4. For family gatherings where loud music will be present, would high-quality earplugs or noise-canceling earbuds be a good option to safeguard her healthier ear? 5. Is it advisable for her to continue with whey protein supplementation and the weight-loss plan? 6. What should we prioritize for long-term management: hearing aids, rehabilitation, regular monitoring, etc.? I recognize that the chances of recovery may be slim, but I want to ensure we are covering all bases and that her care plan is appropriate. I appreciate any insights or suggestions you can offer. Thank you for your assistance!

Thyroid DisordersEndocrinologyRheumatology
Male25-34
8 minutes ago

Evaluating the Reliability of Blood Tests for Liver Disease

As a 30-year-old man who has indulged in heavy drinking during weekends for the past decade, I recently sought to understand the health of my liver through a blood test conducted at a laboratory. Initially, I felt a wave of relief when I received my results indicating that all my liver enzyme levels were within normal limits. However, my sense of security was short-lived as I stumbled upon information suggesting that some forms of liver disease might not be detectable through standard blood testing. This has prompted me to question the extent to which I can rely on my test results. Is it possible that underlying issues might still exist despite what the blood work revealed?

ArthritisCrohn's DiseaseInternal Medicine
Male25-34
8 minutes ago

ENT Inquiry: Can Nasal or Sinus Cancer Develop in 3 Months Post-Normal Endoscopy?

Subject: 62 Years Old Gender: Female Background: Long-standing nasal and sinus issues My mother has grappled with persistent nasal blockages, sinus discomfort, and ear pressure for a considerable period. Approximately three months prior, she underwent a flexible fiberoptic nasal endoscopy, which revealed signs indicative of chronic rhinitis and sinusitis. The examination showcased features such as inflamed and discolored mucosa, enlarged nasal turbinates, and the presence of clear mucus. Importantly, no masses or concerning lesions were identified during this evaluation. Additionally, her oropharyngeal examination yielded normal results. However, during a recent ENT consultation, a “suspicious lesion above the middle turbinate” was identified via endoscopy, which prompted a referral for an “urgent” CT scan (scheduled for three weeks from now, as we reside in Croatia). Currently, she does not exhibit any worsening symptoms such as facial swelling, altered vision, or recurring nosebleeds (two notable nosebleeds occurred around a year ago, but she has not experienced any since then). I have a few inquiries: 1. Is it feasible for a malignant tumor in the nasal or sinus region to arise or become significant within a mere three months, given that a fiberoptic endoscopy conducted three months earlier revealed no alarming findings? 2. Considering this clinical scenario, how much more likely could this be a nasal polyp or chronic inflammatory reaction as opposed to a cancerous growth? 3. Is there a possibility that such a lesion existed three months prior but eluded detection during the fiberoptic endoscopy? I greatly appreciate any guidance you can provide regarding these concerns.

ArthritisCrohn's DiseaseInternal Medicine
Male25-34
28 minutes ago

Unexplained Bruises and Welts on My Daughter's Skin

Four nights ago, my daughter developed two noticeable welts on her thighs, which showed no signs of pain or itching. She insisted vigorously that nothing occurred to cause them, and nobody had harmed her. The following day, I noticed that the welts had vanished, leaving behind bruises. This left me quite anxious, fearing she might have sustained an injury. However, since that initial incident, it seems she has developed one or two more welts every evening right before bedtime, which then disappear overnight, only to be replaced by bruises in the morning. Most of these welts have appeared on her legs, ankles, and feet, with the exception of one on her palm that did not result in a bruise. Oddly, none of the welts are itchy, but she mentions that they can be painful when pressure is applied. There's a bit of swelling as well, consistently occurring in the evenings just before she goes to bed. We plan to consult a doctor on Monday, but it's currently the weekend, and I'm curious if anyone has encountered something similar or could have insights on what might be happening.

ArthritisLupusInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Navigating Acoustic Neuroma Treatment Options

**Profile: 45-year-old Male, 6'0", 220 lbs, No Regular Medications** My husband maintains a relatively healthy lifestyle despite experiencing some service-related disabilities. About a year and a half ago, he underwent knee replacement surgery, and he utilizes a CPAP machine due to sleep apnea—an issue linked to a jaw surgery performed many years ago. Additionally, he has a history of appendectomy. For the past three years, he has been prescribed hearing aids due to bilateral hearing loss, although he rarely uses them. About eight months ago, he experienced what he described as the "worst headache of his life." Given that he seldom suffers from headaches, we decided to visit the emergency room. A CT scan showed no abnormalities, and he was diagnosed with a migraine. Since then, he has grappled with weekly migraines. He has a triptan medication, but it offers limited relief. Additionally, he has been reporting non-migraine headaches every few days. Before this incident, he reported headaches perhaps twice a year, typically after consuming alcohol, which he does occasionally and in moderation. He also frequently mentions a sensation of pressure or fullness in his head, though he is uncertain if he would categorize it as a headache. Given the stressors our family has faced over the past couple of years, I hoped this might subside as we return to a more typical routine. Two weeks ago, my husband’s boss alerted us that an ambulance was called after he fainted while walking down the hall at work. After regaining consciousness, he attempted to sit up but felt intense dizziness, forcing him to lie back down. Although his fall wasn't witnessed, he was found roughly two minutes later. At the ER, tests including a CT scan and EKG returned normal results. He was then referred back to his primary care manager (PCM), who ordered an MRI with and without contrast. The MRI revealed the presence of an acoustic neuroma. Through my investigation, it appears that many of his symptoms—headaches, pressure sensations, dizziness, and cognitive fog—could be linked to this condition. We are currently awaiting a follow-up appointment with his PCM for a specialist referral. I want to ensure that he is equipped to advocate for himself during this process. Considering his MRI results and associated symptoms, should we seek the expertise of a specialist familiar with acoustic neuroma? I am concerned that our small-town ENT may not have extensive experience with this issue, and I want to avoid a mere monitoring approach if more proactive treatment is advisable. With a busy family and an active lifestyle, his symptoms over these past months have certainly impacted him, as well as our family dynamics and his professional duties. I would greatly appreciate any insights regarding treatment options or specialist locations you might be able to share. Thank you!

Crohn's DiseaseCOPDInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago