Does anyone have regular urine dipstick tests done either at the hospital or at the GP practice?

[John_Mills]

Some doctors/consultants recommend regular urine dipsticks in cases where there has been kidney involvment or the risk of kidney involvement, as the kidneys may become involved without any outward sign.

[vivdunstan Volunteer]

I used to at hospital, for some years, at the consultant's insistence. I had recurring bladder problems, and he thought they were due to bladder infections. I always aced the tests. We discovered, after I was finally referred to a urologist, and had a full round of tests, including urodynamics, that I have a neurogenic bladder due to the brain damage and can't control my bladder muscles properly. This means that I wet myself a lot, and go to the bathroom up to every 15 minutes, all night, all day. I have to wear incontinence pads permanently, since my early 20s. It is similar to people with multiple sclerosis, and is a problem other people with cerebral vasculitis in Vasculitis UK have described. But I don't have a bladder infection. And the consultant no longer tells me to drink cranberry juice! I have no kidney involvement in my disease. And I only tried Cyclophosphamide recently, which gave me some temporary bladder problems, but they passed.

[tracynoe]

I am tested every time I go to the Hospital and sometimes in between at GP's if things flare up. I constantly have blood in urine and sometimes protein all tests, kidney and bladder tests were clear last time, although in the past I have been told that I have a floating kidney and my bladder bleeds but we don't know why so it's ok to let it continue. No one knows why, this has been going on for 30 years.

[PaulBingham]

Hi John and Susan,

Yes I am tested every time I visit my consultant. which is approx 2/3 times a year.

The reason I am tested is because my WG manifested itself by destroying two thirds of my kidneys. According to my consultant the dipstick urine test is the easiest and most reliable way of seeing if the kidneys are giving me a problem

[hamble99b Volunteer]

every app't with gp and hosp.

sometimes a small amount of protein or blood shows but is gone on repeat.

I had a small tumour on my bladder removed 5 years ago and am clear at the follow up scopes.

regards,

sandra.

[Jann]

As above every time I visit the hospital for an appointment.

[shanat19]

Every time I go to hospital. They always find protein and blood, which, as I understand it, is a sign of kidney disease. More and more, though, monitoring is being passed to my GP - or rather one of the practise nurses, who never seem to know why I am there or what they are testing for. I always take a urine sample, so they feel obliged to test it anyway.

[mandijt]

(wg) I have mine dipped at each hospital visit (once a month) and my gp will dip and send off for analysis if i feel as though i have a UTI. I have noticed though that my samples are almost cloudy now.

[Wellsie]

Every consultant visit I am tested

[sukiuk]

Every hospital visit, but the nurse tells me every time it is ok.....seen the consultant on my last visit, and I asked him and he said that there was a trace of blood, but not to worry

[JacquiM Volunteer]

Every hospital visit to the renal clinic which I attend every six weeks. I have kidney failure thanks to WG

I get copies of the consultants letters and I can see that the amount blood and protein in my urine has gradually decreased

[shanksy]

Every time I go to hospital for cyclophosphamide and to see consultant. There is usually a very small trace of blood but nothing that worries the professionals.

[BronteM]

Yes, at every GP and hospital visit. Usually some traces of blood, sometimes protein. But I have struggled with recurrent bouts of cystitis in the past, and last summer realised that my bladder is very sensitive to PPI's. So now I alternate - PPI'S for as long as I can, then a 'rest' on ranitidine for a bit.

[Hidden]

my urine is tested each clinic visit and sent off for urinalysis as it always tests positive for blood, protein and leukocytes but my kidney function is ok ie creatinine within normal limits. I was given a box of dipsticks a while ago by a clinic nurse....they can only be obtained otherwise by private prescription and cost about £48. I am hoping that the ramipril I take for high blood pressure will help seal off the small kidney arteries causing the problem.

[jackrussell]

you can get a box of urine dipsticks ( the same ones your GP uses) 100 per box from Amazon cost under £9. received within 2 days of ordering, which is also free p/p.

[John_Mills Volunteer in reply to jackrussell]

This is excellent! Thank you Jack Russell

[Sandy_T]

Yes, I'm tested every three months when I see my consultant

[MiaTilehurst]

I am not tested at routine hospital or GP visits. However urinalysis carried out at a private hospital that I attend every 6 months shows a amount of blood.

[kath12341]

Same here I am tested ever time attend hospital which varies from 6 weeks to 6 months

[Chris-Bromsgrove]

I have MPA with kidney involvment. My urine is tested at every consultant appointment

[JimL]

Hi Susan and John,

I have a urine dip test every four months when I see my WG consultant. My GP's surgery does a dip test every year on all those they think likely of becoming diabetic.

[deniseann]

I have regular test at GP surgery and my Consultant appointment.due to WG kidney involvement and recently dxt with diabetes.Also have HbA1c glucose test every three months ,

[Jean9618]

I am tested every time I go to the hospital (approx. every six weeks). This was how they detected recent kidney involvement.

[SusannC]

I'm tested every time I go to Renal Clinic. It usually has blood & protein in it.

[John_Mills Volunteer]

Thank you for all the replies... it is important dipsticks should be used regularly . ... and abnormal results followed up... sadly not everyone has regular urine tests but it is something Vuk can promote ...

[LyndaGould]

I have my urine tested every month by the treatment room nurse - it's a part of my regular blood check up. I was told that it was because cyclophosphamide can increase the chance of getting bladder cancer, so they are checking for blood in my urine. I bought the sticks from amazon and use them regularly just to keep an eye on things myself.

[EGPAGuy]

Hi John. We just buy a pack and do them regularly at home. Takes a bit of effort to get used to understanding the colour coding and what it means but given the ammount if pred most if us are on staying on top of how our kidneys are doing is pretty important.