Really high white blood cell count in urine. ..any ideas?

[NameOfTheNick]

I had a urine test done last week and the results came back negative for bacteria and everything else but had a very high white blood cell count, what could this mean?

The doctors just ordered a repeat urine test initially but she didn't really say anything further.

Can still be a UTI. All my urine samples show this but never grow any bacteria. I still have all the symptoms of a UTI and need antibiotics.

Thanks viva.
That's interesting to know and a little reassuring.
I went because I thought I had a uti that keeps coming and going.
Doctor is adamant that antibiotics are not needed as I don't have a bacterial uti.

I was am worring a little as I have mild lupus and know that it can cause kidney problems.

It's called sterile Pyrrha, can still be Uti also other causes of irritation, other bacteria or fungal infections that are difficult or take longer to grow.

Right, doctor didn't mention anything else. Only no bacteria, no antibiotics needed. Go home and drink cranberry juice and take paracetamol.

I'm in pain everytime I pee and feels like hours afterwards ...cranberry juice just does not cut it.

I live in fear of a Dr telling me this. I do believe that I have bacteria.....but that it just doesn't grow/show up on their tests.

Antibiotics sort my symptoms out and if I don't take them I have the symptoms permanently. Literally. I've been on abx every day for three years now as a preventative and I'm hoping the Dr never stops my repeat prescription. If I miss a couple of days I get the symptoms back.

Vivalebeaver, you need a referral to a urologist if you are living off antibiotics. There can be a number of reasons for these symptoms and if you are continually getting no growth that may be because of antibiotic use or because there is another reason.
I get referred people with these symptoms and refer on for ultrasouns and consideration of cystoscopy ( look into the bladder)

I've been to see a urologist and had a cystoscopy. Urologist was shit. Told me I had an overactive bladder which was clever of him because he never asked me how many times a day I go to the loo.

So far today I've been three times, when I got up, lunch time, just now and I'll go again at bed time which is quite typical. So I don't think I have an overactive bladder at all. He then told me that my BMI was really high (29) and if I lost weight I'd be OK. I know I could do with losing weight but I somehow doubt that's causing it. So have given up with crap urologists.

Over active bladder and weight wouldn't cause the white cells, was the cystoscope normal then?

Yes, cystoscope was normal. If I stop taking the abx I always test positive for leucocytes. So I know something's not right.

I've had ultrasounds as well which were fine.

I've self diagnosed myself as having interstitial cystitis. . And if abx control the symptoms ill keep taking them.

I do keep thinking I ought to ask for a referral to some Prof in London who's meant to be the expert in interstitial cystitis but its such a long way for me to go.

Professor MAlone Lee is the chap unless he has retired. intercystitial cystitis is where I was heading . Did they biopsy your bladder?

By the Prof Malone LEe is the loveliest man you will meet, and would be worth the trip. He is very sympathetic and won't brush you off.

No, didnt have a biopsy. Ill ask my GP to refer me then to Prof Lee. Thanks for the advice. Sorry OP that I've hijacked your post, hope you're sorted now.

OP, if you're still having symptoms head back to the doctor. Not all infections result in a bacterial growth in the labs. Like Viva,I have repeated infections which antibiotics always sort out. Cystoscopy and scans all normal too. Currently waiting on a re-referral due to the sheer number of infections I'm getting.

Twice I've run into doctors that wouldn't prescribe unless the lab grew something and twice I've ended up in hospital. Be persistent!

Well after 3 lots of urine tests, they have finally done me a prescription for a weeks worth of anti biotics! After 2 weeks of being in absolute agony!