Protein in urine

[Jason2233]

I recently just had microalbumin test done to see protein in my urine. It was negative. A week before at the urgent clinic they had found a little bit of protein. I have had history of some protein leakage but not enough to be concerned. But now I am getting bubble urine every single time. Soo do you think the microalbumin test could have been false. My doctor wants to see me back in 3 months and check it again. But I see my urine and I can tell it’s protein. Can someone please explain what it could be?

[DaveThebe]

You can tell it’s protein? So you can “see” better than a test? I also have “bubbles” but my tests say no protein leak, so I stopped worrying about them.

[Tuolumne]

I have heard that some bubbles in your pee first thing in the morning (especially if you're male) don't necessarily mean protein leakage. I'm no doctor, obviously.

[Jason2233 in reply to Tuolumne]

Bubbles are there throughout the day. More in the morning though. When I first started taking losartan it completely had gone away up until 4 weeks ago. Wish I could get some answers.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Jason2233]

Hi Jason, Your feelings are very normal when you see possible health issues.

Bubbles can mean many things to different people as we are all different.

If your microalbumin test was negative at your last doctor's appointment more than likely is is fine.

You are being monitored by a physician who is on top of things; indication that for now you are being monitored in three months and you are on medication.

Urgent care may not use the same laboratory as your doctor. Generally if they see something, they notify your PCP of their findings and also refer you to an appropriate specialist.

Are you eating healthily? Drinking your water? Taking a brief walk every free days? All key points.

Your doctor is there to answer your questions. Due to your continued concern, either give your doctor a call or send them a message via your patient portal and let he/ she know about what you are seeing, your concerns and ask for their opinion at this time.

Your doctor should be your first line of communication who can put your mind at ease. We will be here to support you.

Give him/ her a call; don't suffer in despair.

Bet

[Jason2233 in reply to Bet117]

Bet, It was the stick urine test they do at the doctors office that came negative for protein. It wasn’t sent to the lab or anything. Is another reason why I just don’t trust that test especially when I keep seeing bubbly urine. I am trying to establish a nephrologist appointment which is a disaster since they take so much time unless you are basically needing a kidney transplant. Why aren’t physician try to investigate a certain problem instead just ignore and wait for the problem to develop.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Jason2233]

Hi Jason,

Hang tight as you are not alone.

I can imagine the frustration that you must be feeling as you have been told that bubbly urine is indicative of protein, and the thought of this gives you the jitters.

Bear in mind that every person is different and presents or doesn't present, differently.

I was totally " A - Symptomatic" when they discovered a good amount of protein in my urine during a routine check for glucose due to family history. Had my endocrinologist who treated my thyroid, not run an annual test, I may never have known. I have never had bubbly urine, swelling or a thing.

So, remember that everyone is different.

Most importantly, you are being monitored and you are on a medication that should address BP and Proteinuria.

After my Proteinuria was discovered, the test was repeated three months later before I was referred to a nephrologist as I was also under a great deal of stress, which doesn't help the situation.

My first nephrologist looked at the spot cup herself; my guess is with a dipstick, as she was back within 10 minutes and told me that she saw the protein in the urine and was ordering more in depth testing. I was lucky that it was picked up and diagnosed.

My present nephrologist has me do a 24 hour urine catch for him and a spot urine in the office where he must do a dipstick test as well, as I know that he personally looks at it. The good thing with you is that no protein has been spotted at your last test.

If this is your PCP, ask her for a referral to a nephrologist; you have that right as the patient.

Seeing you every three months to check on you is generally the standard at this point, as you have a baseline to go by, and no protein, so your doctor is not off line there and cautious.

If you want to see a nephrologist and can't get a referral to one, call someone who you feel has a decent reputation and tell the staff that this is to check on protein spilling as you have a family history of kidney disease.

Take the first available appointment even if you have to wait and ask to be put on a cancellation list.

Ask for his/ her fax number and fax them the labs from your doctor and urgent care so they have prior records.

I would also ask if the doctor is participating in virtual appointments as you would be willing to complete ordered labs and conduct your appointment virtually.

Unfortunately this is a challenging time for all of due to the corona virus and medical centers have tight restrictions with many doctors doing both in person and virtual appointments.

As much as it is frustrating, remember that you are among the lucky as you are not in a mess.

You don't have edema, bleeding or other things going on; you are drinking your water, off red meat, watching sodium and are eating healthily which is half the battle.

It's all a process and hopefully yours will be good and you will just need monitoring.

Give this a try and get back to me.

I am waiting to hear.

Bet

[Jason2233 in reply to Bet117]

Hi Bet, After sharing my concerns, my dr had me drop off the urine and they did dipstick again. Protein was negative. But I continue to have foamy urine. I am going to ask them to have my urine sent to the lab and measure a protein and creatinine level to be sure. I really think this dipstick test is not reliable and not picking up the protein level. They either need to tell me why I am having a foamy urine or do further testing. What do you suggest? Would doing 24 hour urine catch be helpful? Thank you.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Jason2233]

Hi Jason,

I am not an expert but here are my thoughts:

There could be many reasons for the foamy urine; many we may not have considered as neither we, nor the internet are experts

If no protein is appearing in two hand dipstick analysis' that is a good thing.

However, if it will put your mind at rest, ask your doctor to run your spot urine in the lab and see what results appear.

Bear in mind, that your hydration level, time of day that the sample is given and lab that spins the test are different from one lab to the other.

As far as a 24 hour urine test, it is generally used to show and average of your results over a 24 hour period, the same as an A1C test reflects the average glucose over a 3 month period.

Keep a record of all urinalysis results as you want to watch for patterns.

Generally, they monitor urine every three months, so if you are being seen at that interval, your doctor is on target.

Seeing some thing that appears abnormal to you and is causing you stress is non productive.

I would have a candid discussion with your doctor about this; voicing your concerns and what can to be done at this point to put your mind at ease.

I think that it is important that you see what he/ she has to say and together decide what is best for you at this point. Think positive!

Please reach back to me and let me know the outcome of your discussion.

I will be waiting to hear.

Bet

[Maggyf2416 in reply to Jason2233]

I don’t have foamy or bubbly urine and I am spilling protein

[Raclette in reply to Jason2233]

Why aren’t physician try to investigate a certain problem instead just ignore and wait for the problem to develop.

Reply exactly prevention would save a lot!

(0)