Microscopic blood in urine

[PootlesBigSwingBand]

Hi was wondering if anyone has had experince of persistent microscopic blood in urine. This was picked up during my pregnancy 3 years ago. During this pregnancy i had recuurent uti's. Since then i have had many tests ie: camera into bladder, dye xray test, ultrasound scans etc all of which have been clear. I had visable blood and a lot of pain passing urine on one occasion about 6 years ago, the camera in bladder was a result of this. No visable blood since but onging microscopic. 2 weeks ago went to gp for blood pressure and urine dip. Unexpectedly blood pressure was very high, has since come down, urine showed blood ++ and trace protein. Had bloods for kidney/liver function....all normal range, ecg...normal, cholesterol good. Am so worried about this blood. Nurse stated today it is old blood not fresh, not sure what this means? I dip my own urine..obsessively and its really starting to get me down. Also have dull ache in bladder/pelvic area, frequent urination (15 times a day and once or twice during the night). Any info or experinces of same would be great, google is not my friend :(

Hi,
My sympathies. After YEARS and YEARS of traces of blood in urine and occasional UTIs I was diagnosed with a bladder wall infection. Like you, ultrasounds, camera, dye test had all come back negative, and testing my urine for bacteria also came back negative. I got to the bottom of the problem because I was seeing a urogynae for birth injuries who has an interest in persistent UTI problems. He did a cystoscopy and bladder biopsy and the biopsy showed infection. He explained that when the bladder has been infected and traumatised for that long, it bleeds very very slightly when it stretches when it gets full of urine. I was on antibiotics for about 8 months. I've had a repeat biopsy and it's almost cleared, so I'm anticipating a few more months of antibiotics. Did you have a biopsy? Not sure how the nurse can tell that it is 'old' blood not fresh. From what I remember of the dipsticks, it's just blood they test for, not fresh vs old blood?? If you are in London I can recommend my doctor, Vik Khullar. He's FAB. It is so miserable . X

Thanks fo reply, i do get discomfort when my bladder is full, i was laso on antibiotics for a year, but didn't feel any benefit from the same. I have never had a biopsy, the urologist concentrated on the fact he felt my bladder wasn't emptying properly! Urodynamics back clear also. The nurse stated that when the blood is hemoglobized (sp) it is not fresh !? Unfortunately i live in Ireland, would love a Dr who would take an interest, mine keeps saying its "normal for me". Glad your getting sorted.

Oh Pootles - I'm sorry . Second (or third) opinion???

Have been round every gp in the surgery!! Oh well :s thanks anyway cardamonginger :)

What about another urologist or a urogynaecologist??

Thats what im considering at the moment, will probably have to pay. Will wait until after christmas!

Maybe the if the second opinion thought that you did need further investigation/treatment he/she would write to your GP asking for a referral so that you could be transferred to the NHS? Hopefully you'd only have to pay for the initial consultation. I think consultants are generally sympathetic to people who don't have health insurance. Good luck and hope it doesn't spoil your Christmas! X

Thank you so much cardamomginger, you have been lovely. Nurse sent away a sample on tues, rang today for results and was told another sample required as i have "mixed culture". This is after years of leaving in samples all of which have returned "normal". Am convinced my bladder is irritated or inflamed so will seek a private consultation. Thanks again and enjoy your xmas:)