I am undiagnosed. I have an appointment at the end of August for Rheumatology. I have come up positive for RA but have not had the tests yet for Lupus specifically (it's only that RA doesn't explain my neurological problems and I have rashes - so I want testing for Lupus as well).
My bladder is a problem in general and I did way too much last week, which could cause my symptoms today, but I wanted to make sure it wasn't a uti.
It came up positive for blood in my urine. I believe just "trace" but this is the second time. I went in for the same reason a few months ago and also had blood in my urine.
They want to see how the culture does because they don't feel it's a uti. The dip test comes up positive they said because of the blood.
I am asking the Lupus board because I thought kidney problems are usually involved with Lupus?
Is there something I should watch for that says I need to go back? My mom wants me to make an appointment with my regular pcp and see about a referral to urology.
My temperature was 99.8 today when I went in but they said since I have an auto-immune disease, they can't really take that as a sign of infection.
Protein in urine a cause for concern? 
Clean catch urine samples
Urine testing
Protein in Urine should I be concerned?
Leukocytes in urine, muscle twitches and night time shakes
I've had this a couple of times, the first time being at my first rheumy appt. They were treated as if I had a UTI "just in case". I don't really agree with handing out antibiotics without a culture, and won't allow it again, but this was in my nervous early days. After seeing a rheumy for the first time I had a barrage pf physical tests, including lung, heart and kidney function. There is a cyst on one kidney but apparently that's very common, most people simply don't know about it, and it is no reason to worry. My kidneys are fine.
In your case, your urine is likely to be tested again at your rheumy appt ( mine is, everytime) and in the meantime if the sypmtoms develop more I'd see my PCP/GP
I hope this helps.
Thanks!!! You have made me feel better. The after hours and primary seem to say "you really need to see your rheumatologist" a lot when Im there, which I would like too as well! Only a month left and I'll finally be a regular patient and hopefully won't end up in this holding pattern again. Thanks again for your experience!
Hi Cheshcat
Sorry to read your having bladder problems and got to wait till end of Aug to see Rheumy!. Just wondering if you could ask to be considered for a cancellation to maybe bring it forward?. Has sometimes worked for me. They're the ones who will do the tests you need for lupus and kidneys!. Let us know how you get on. X
I've called a few times just to confirm I'm on the cancellation list. My RA is really flared and the RA board said to ask if I can be seen by the Rhuem nurse. I'm not sure they'd let me since I haven't seen the rheumatologist yet. But I may try Monday.
Good luck Cheshcat with trying for a Rheumy nurse appointment!. You need to be seen as your RA is flaring too.!. X
How’s it going ? . Did you find out anything ? . I have blood in the urine too for 3 years now and it’s the kind where you can’t see , I think it’s called hematuria? , the doctor sent me to see a kidney specialist because I had a camera in the bladder that came back normal but still looking for answers and now I’m just scared that it’s lupus :’(