My urine was last week dip-stick tested by a practice nurse, as I had had a UTI. Nothing indicating continued infection but she did remark that there was a lot of protein showing, which obviously made me perk up my ears given the Lupus.
Anyhow, a urine sample was then sent off to the lab and the GP receptionist tells me that the results are marked up as 'clear; no further action needed'. I am wondering if I can indeed put the protein issue 'to bed' as a transitory thing, presumably connected to the UTI, etc, and forget about it. Presumably NHS labs routinely test for protein alongside looking for infection? Or would it be advisable to get my urine dip-stick tested again next time I'm at the surgery? Any thoughts appreciated.
It is quite probable that the protein showing was a result of the infection you had rather than a kidney issue. I would suggest that you do put this to rest or you will be spending a lot of time worrying about it for nothing. Do you have regular check-ups with blood and urine tests? These tests would catch anything sneaking up on you, unless it was an acute kidney problem and then you would not have seen it coming anyway. I have high micro blood and trace protein in urine all the time. It is checked regularly, but really can't do much about it unless it gets a lot worse - which I am counting on not happening. I know it is a worry, but one you should put on the back burner for now, that is what I tell myself, anyway.