Concerns About Blood in Urine
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?
Answers (1)

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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Hydration: Stay well-hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids can help flush your urinary tract.
-
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.
-
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
Fear of the Brain-Eating Amoeba
As a 25-year-old man who recently returned from a visit to Door County, Wisconsin, I find myself overwhelmed with anxiety. During my time there, I enjoyed a swim in Sand Bay, a section of Green Bay that’s linked to Lake Michigan. While I was out on my boat, I made a big splash and inadvertently inhaled a significant amount of water through my nose. Now, I can't stop worrying that I've contracted a brain-eating amoeba and that I might fall victim to primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The water temperature was a comfortable 72 degrees, and I was roughly 20 feet offshore in water that was 13 feet deep. I’ve read that the currents in Green Bay are usually active and that Wisconsin has never reported a case of this infection, though there have been instances in Minnesota. Despite this knowledge, I am unable to dismiss my fears. It's now been two days since my return, and I’ve developed a headache that I attribute to this irrational worry. My history of medical anxiety is significant, and I’m reaching out for reassurance. I feel that the only way I can truly find peace is to wait for twelve days to pass without any serious health issues. Any comforting words or advice would be greatly appreciated, as I try to cope with this overwhelming anxiety about my health.
Facing a Crohn's Flare-Up: My Ongoing Battle
I recently experienced an intense episode of pain, which led me to seek immediate medical attention at the emergency room. The discomfort was unbearable, rated at a 10 out of 10, and affecting my bowel function significantly. Following a CT scan, the results indicated: - Narrowing of the small intestine (small bowel stenosis) - Dilation within the small bowel - Presence of liquid in certain sections of my small intestine, alongside a slightly twisted appearance of nearby mesenteric vessels. Additionally, my report included concerning blood results: Neutrophils at 89.8%, Lymphocytes at 6.1%, and an unexpected cystic formation near my left ovary, measuring approximately 25mm. Curiously, I found out I possess what is termed an "accessory spleen" – am I really dealing with two spleens? In the ER, I was given a series of treatments that provided substantial relief, including: - Butylscopolamine 20mg IV/IM/SC - Sodium chloride solutions (both 10ml ampoule and 100ml bag) - Hydrocortisone 100mg IV/IM - Ondansetron 8mg IV - Pantoprazole 40mg IV - Electrolyte and glucose solution (500ml IV) - Tramadol 100mg IV/IM - Diazepam 5mg orally (I was quite anxious as a solo foreign student in Portugal) - Methylprednisolone 125mg IV/IM I have been referred for an urgent MRI to assess the progression of my condition, scheduled for tomorrow. The prospect of my Crohn's disease returning is daunting, especially after being told for months that my symptoms were simply anxiety or IBS leading up to this. Historically, my diagnosis has been approached with caution. Crohn's is hereditary in my family, and I exhibited severe symptoms as early as 16, culminating in findings of microgranulomas and cryptitis in my terminal ileum and colon at 17, though these issues were never apparent on imaging until now—now that the pain has become unbearable. As a 27-year-old American student pursuing my master’s degree in Portugal, I was already planning to return to the US for my research, but I felt overwhelmed by the intense discomfort over the past months, wishing for more time here. This situation now dictates that I return to my gastroenterologist at home. Will my condition improve? Is this the end of normalcy for me? I feel utterly disheartened and undeserving; a burden to those around me. The prospect of escalating medical costs looms, and I have been warned that if Budesonide is ineffective, biologics may become necessary. I’m anxious about finding a job back in the US amid these uncertainties, especially with concerns about Medicaid stability. Though I secured COBRA coverage for now, it’s a temporary solution. Previously, Budesonide caused severe mood swings during treatment, raising concerns since I might have to manage it alone in Portugal until I return home. However, the doctors believe my reaction could differ now that I am older and have a bit more weight, despite my recent significant weight loss. Could anything about this whole scenario possibly be exaggerated? I sincerely hope that’s the case. I am a 27-year-old woman, weighing approximately 45 kg and standing about 1.6 m tall. My medication regimen is shifting, but I’m still managing with Pantoprazole 20mg, preparing to begin Budesonide, dealing with Crohn's disease, and questioning the state of my IBS now.
Experiencing PVCs During Travel Despite Good Rest and Nutrition
I am a 25-year-old female weighing 165 pounds and standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall, currently not taking any medications. For the past ten days, I have been on the move, transitioning from a lifestyle with minimal physical activity to one where I'm walking over 10,000 steps daily, lifting heavy luggage, and coping with a significant 12-hour timezone difference without air conditioning. Approximately ten days ago, I began experiencing intermittent heart palpitations, where my heart feels like it skips a beat every 2 to 10 minutes. These sensations persist even after I've had a good night's sleep. While these palpitations don't occur during exercise, they tend to return right after my workouts. I have been focusing on a diet rich in electrolytes and essential nutrients, including foods such as eggs, yogurt, berries, apples, avocados, olives, dark chocolate, salted almonds, salmon, bananas, Thai curry, and even some chips. I believe my intake is adequate, possibly even excessive at times. The weather has become more pleasant, alleviating any discomfort from the heat, and I am sleeping well now. Nevertheless, the PVCs continue and tend to intensify throughout the day. I am feeling a bit anxious about this situation. What steps should I take next?
Accidental Tonsil Injury During Examination
I’m a 26-year-old male, standing 6 feet tall, with a history of mitral valve prolapse and thalassemia minor. Recently, during an examination by an ENT specialist for a suspected cyst on my tonsil, the doctor performed a swab test to check for any bacterial infection. However, it appears that during the procedure, she may have unintentionally inserted the swab tip into a pre-existing crypt on my tonsil, leading to some discomfort. Initially, there was a natural crypt present, but now it appears enlarged and seems to have been cut in some way. Fortunately, there hasn’t been any active bleeding following the incident, and the bleeding that occurred was minimal at best. The doctor assured me that the area will heal naturally, but I wanted to consult here to confirm that this is accurate. I did some online research regarding tonsil injuries, and I came across information about ruptured tonsils, which caused me concern about my condition. I would like to share some pictures to illustrate the change; while the difference isn't massive, there is observable enlargement and it looks a bit gash-like.
Persistent Dizziness for Two Months
I’m reaching out to this community, hoping someone might offer some insight. I’m a 33-year-old woman, weighing around 54 kg and standing at 162 cm. For the past two months, I have been dealing with an unusual sensation that I struggle to describe. It manifests as a form of dizziness, almost akin to the feeling of being submerged in water or as if my head is disconnected from my body. This unsettling sensation occurs at least a few times a week. Some days, it escalates to what feels like vertigo—something I've encountered previously—while on other days, it is merely mild. This unsettling experience typically begins a few hours after waking up and tends to persist throughout the day. During the more intense episodes, I find it difficult to eat or engage in any activities, forcing me to lie down and ride it out. When the dizziness is less severe, I can manage my regular tasks, but the accompanying brain fog significantly hampers my ability to focus at work and socialize effectively. Occasionally, an intense headache develops, likely exacerbated by my anxiety surrounding these symptoms. In general, my health is relatively good. I have hypothyroidism for which I take levothyroxine, and I also manage anxiety and depression without medication. Approximately ten years ago, I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), but I have felt stable in recent years. Additionally, I have low levels of iron and vitamin D, which I counteract with supplements. My asthma is well-controlled with inhalers, and while I experience some seasonal allergies, they aren't particularly severe. I maintain a good exercise routine, eat healthily, and enjoy social interactions with friends. Life is mostly positive, although I am currently facing some stress, though I feel the dizziness is more physiological than psychological (even recognizing the connection is strong between the two). The sudden nature of these episodes is becoming quite frustrating, as they disrupt my day-to-day life, compelling me to pause everything and rest until the feeling subsides. A doctor I consulted believed that I was overcoming a virus, but experiencing this for two months feels like a lengthy period for recovery. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or advice!