Doctor has scared me!

[Chilly59]

So my family doctor who takes about a month to get into said there was red blood cells in my urine after 2 tests. He has not referred me for further testing says there is too long of a wait list and no I cannot switch doctors there just aren't enough. My question is with Diabetic CKD stage 3b is it common to have that happen. He does not know much and just can't refer me further at stage 3b as all the specialists are booked solid. I am very nervous of this. I am 65. Thanks for any shared information.👍

[S_dillow]

i cant speak for you but i had that happen once and it resolved itself.normal?i dont know but it happens once in a blue moon for me

[Chilly59 in reply to S_dillow]

it’s happened a lot for me I guess if doctor isn’t going to bother about it I should just try to ignore it for now. Thanks for replying it helps to know I’m not the only one!

[PecanSandie in reply to Chilly59]

Did your doctor test you for a UTI?

[Chilly59]

wouldn’t it be automatic tested?

[Chilly59]

what does term urinalysis encompass I mean they must check for everything in test?

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hematuria can happen for many reasons, Some as simple as exercise. Do you take a blood thinner, aspirin or drink Camomile tea? All of those can cause blood to appear in the urine. Not a great thing, but common. However, if not, than further testing needs to be done. With CKD, very small amounts, like microscopic are common in the urine, especially at stage 3 b and lower. If you can see blood in your urine, then there is a MAJOR issue. Keep pushing for a nephrologist visit. Don't let them push you off.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

I agree with Bassetmommer! Pretty much red blood cells in your urine can be nothing, but for some, like me, it was the start of my CKD journey. I know that Canada does not have the medical system we have in the US, but maybe you could chat with your family doctor and have him order repeat urine and blood tests - checking your creatinine and eGFR. Sorry you are stuck, but maybe he will work with you and at least find out if it is anything to worry about or not.

Best of luck and keep us posted.

[Chilly59 in reply to WYOAnne]

how did that work for you it’s a sign of ckd? I already am diagnosed so it is not abnormal if you have ckd? Thanks for any information! I can’t see my dr for a month if lucky

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to Chilly59]

I had a short physical for life insurance and they found red blood cells in my urine and told me to see my doctor. My primary doctor at the time did more tests - blood and urine and found my creatinine was the high side of normal. This was in the '80's. In 1992, I was diagnosed with FSGS. I have since had a transplant over 23+ years ago now.

But one or two tests does not prove that you have kidney problems. It's a trend over time that shows CKD. As previous posts have shown blood in your urine can be caused by a lot of things. That is why it is important to be followed by your primary doctor. Maybe you need to have blood and urine tests every 3-6 months to see if there is a trend or maybe just a fluke. There is such a thing as "lab error" too.

[Chilly59 in reply to WYOAnne]

Thank you my urine test showed them 4 times so...my doc is not a great deal of help.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Remember, it's a whole lot more than just urine tests. That is only part of the picture. Blood work really needs to be done to get the whole story. And all may be fine.

[Chilly59]

oh I had lots of blood work as I go every 3 months and that’s when I usually see my doctor

[Darlenia]

I think you're getting good advice from others here. My hubby's kidneys failed because of diabetes and he never experience blood in his urine. On the other hand, my daughter did have blood in her urine when she was very young apparently from wiping herself too hard. Because you had 4 episodes of blood in urine, I agree that it would be good to see a specialist. It could be something or it could me nothing at all.

[Chilly59]

I guess I can ask him again to refer me next time I can get in to see him. There is 1.5-to 2 year wait though

[Chilly59 in reply to Chilly59]

It’s happening a lot now and not a “normal” amount. I also have lower back pain on my rt side. Wondering if it’s related.

[WildIris]

If your doctor did not seem worried or suggest follow up, I would take the cue and relax. If you're getting more tests in 3 months, that seems soon enough. It could just be a few cells, within the normal limits.

[Blackknight1989]

it isn’t that he can’t he just won’t…be the squeaky wheel

[renegade70]

it happened to me once but was re tested in a different setting ( hospital) 2 weeks later and test came back as normal.i had anxiety when it first happened because i really did not understand what was going on.but i can say the doctor was not too concerned...