Home Forums All Categories Newly Diagnosed, New To The Forum Not diagnosed, but testing and scared

  • Not diagnosed, but testing and scared

    Posted by Kris00 on May 9, 2017 at 10:13 pm

    This is all new to me, but I’m looking for guidance. I’m 41 years old and I’ve been having some problems. About 2 years ago I had a routine pap and urinalysis. My gyno said I had trace blood in urine along with protein, but she wasn’t concerned since I had just finished my period. Fast forward and I’ve been having some pain on and off on the right side of my back and stomach area. Nothing major just some aches and not a consistent pattern. I was told I needed more fiber. Now I’m wondering if it’s been my bladder all along. In February I wiped after peeing and saw blood on the tp. I did not notice any in the toilet. I had bladder spasms and hurt a great deal. Got diagnosed with uti. Today I asked for a urine test since my urine appeared cloudy with strong odor and a feeling of pressure on my lower stomach- bladder area. My tests came back with blood, protein and wbc. He said I have another uti and is sending me for an ultrasound. Ok- thanks for staying with me after that long intro. My questions- shouldn’t he send me to a urologist and if I have bladder cancer (as he mentioned we need to rule out) would an ultrasound be the right test?
    I’m very nervous but trying to be proactive. When you have blood in your urine is it usually a sign of cancer? From what I’ve read they often mistake cancer as uti’s. I would think that the urine test would show more infection than cancer.
    Thank you for taking the time to read this.

    Kris00 replied 7 years, 5 months ago 5 Members · 19 Replies
  • 19 Replies
  • Kris00

    Member
    June 13, 2017 at 12:40 am

    Update…
    My CT scan didn’t show anything on my bladder. It did show kidney stones though. 3mm and 7mm in left and 1.5cm in left. Also, mild hydronephrosis (urine going back in kidney).
    I got those results from patient portal and still waiting on my Dr to call to let me know what we do next.
    My bladder scope is scheduled for Thursday. I’m hoping all my issues are due to these stones.
    Thanks for listening to me and giving advice. I just wanted to update you.

  • Alan

    Member
    June 2, 2017 at 2:21 pm

    Kris,

    The Ct Scan you are awake and inside a tube for what I remember is10-15 minutes as they take pictures. The cystoscope is where a small tube is inserted through the urethra and they look at all side of the bladder. They probably don’t spend any more than 1-2 minutes in there. A numbing gel is also done prior to lubricate and minimize any discomfort. While no fun, it is over quick. For the males from what I understand is a little more uncomfortable as it passes through the prostate. I tell myself it is NOT painful and more like an “uncomfortable” feeling and over in 5 minutes. Usually I will burn a little while urinating for a couple of voids. If this is what it takes to have “peace of mond” for another year, so be it. If they see anything suspicious or needs to be biopsied, another test the Trans Urethral Resection of the Bladder (TURB) would be scheduled. A procedure where you would be under for maybe 15-25 minutes and for most of us a non event.


    DX 5/6/2008 TAG3 papillary tumor .5 CM in size. 2 TURBS followed by 6 instillations of BCG weekly with a second round of 6 after a 6 week wait.
  • Kris00

    Member
    June 1, 2017 at 11:55 pm

    Alan,
    It’s already finished? That’s great and I’m glad to hear you are doing well. Thanks for your support. I’m glad I’m getting the gold standard!! Just wish it would hurry up though I’m really scared about that bladder thing. It sounds painful and embarrassing really. Do they put you to sleep?

  • Kris00

    Member
    June 1, 2017 at 11:53 pm

    Thank you, Sara Anne. I know you guys aren’t Drs and can’t diagnose me, but it does help elevate some anxiety because I know you are well versed with bladder cancer information. I keep telling myself there are other things that can cause microscopic blood in your urine, but my mind wonders with fear. I will call them tomorrow to ask about cancellations. I don’t think 6-8weeks is reasonable when his office is in a main hospital. Just send me and let’s deal with it so the pain can stop for good. It’s not a persistent pain but it’s there often and somethings (like tonight) it’s pretty intense. I should not have taken my Drs word 2 years ago that this is constipation. I regret that.
    Thanks again for your words of encouragement and wisdom. I’ll post again as I move further. This site really does help you to not feel alone. :)

  • Alan

    Member
    June 1, 2017 at 11:46 pm

    Kris,

    Glad you will be getting the CT Scan with contrast and the cystoscope. Those 2 are the gold standard and so much better than ultrasound. They will guide you to whatever step is necessary afterward. As Sara Anne said doctors often have cancellations. I would ask to be put on top!

    Yes, I had triple bypass 14 days ago and doing well. Thanks for asking.


    DX 5/6/2008 TAG3 papillary tumor .5 CM in size. 2 TURBS followed by 6 instillations of BCG weekly with a second round of 6 after a 6 week wait.
  • sara.anne

    Member
    June 1, 2017 at 11:26 pm

    So sorry that you are going through this. Keep up the pressure on them to schedule your tests; ask to be put on the cancellation list if possible.

    And no, bladder cancer usually doesn’t cause any pain….except occasionally like a UTI

    Sara Anne


    Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
    BCG; BCG maintenance
    Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
    Forum Moderator
  • Kris00

    Member
    June 1, 2017 at 10:14 pm

    Update. I finally got in to a urologist. My urine test was negative except for blood. He is ordering scans with dye and will look in my bladder. I’m still a nervous wreck and just want to know what is going on with me. I’m actually hurting a lot right now on the right side and right side lower back. It’s awful. The receptionist said the tests could take 6 weeks to schedule. I guess it’s insurance crap. I don’t know. I’m frustrated and hurting and still feel like I’m in the same clueless spot. I don’t feel frequency or urgency for urination. Just the pain. Are there questions I should ask him when I see him again? I plan to call his office tomorrow to discuss this level of discomfort/pain and ask what I should do. Is this pain typical of bladder cancer?
    Alan- hope all is well and you recovered well from that procedure. I’ve kept you in my thoughts.

  • Alan

    Member
    May 13, 2017 at 5:12 pm

    Glad you are getting the referral! Just make sure they see lot’s of bladder cancer as some practices see prostate oriented. You will get to the bottom this and I have hunch it will be minor and, should it be BC its treatable and beatable. I have already posted too much because speculation is a time waster!

    Thanks for your concern on my procedure. Unfortunately, it looks like I am headed for bypass surgery. One day at a time!


    DX 5/6/2008 TAG3 papillary tumor .5 CM in size. 2 TURBS followed by 6 instillations of BCG weekly with a second round of 6 after a 6 week wait.
  • Kris00

    Member
    May 13, 2017 at 2:45 pm

    Alan,

    I plan to. I’m waiting for my Dr to refer me which should be on Monday. He was out of office last week. I’m hoping to get in sooner rather than later.
    I hope your procedure went well. Thank you for all your advice. I’ll keep you posted.

  • Alan

    Member
    May 13, 2017 at 1:39 pm

    Kris,

    I repeat although none of us are doctors, you really need to see a Uro and get a CT scan and cystoscope. An ultrasound simply wont do the job.


    DX 5/6/2008 TAG3 papillary tumor .5 CM in size. 2 TURBS followed by 6 instillations of BCG weekly with a second round of 6 after a 6 week wait.
  • Kris00

    Member
    May 12, 2017 at 12:59 pm

    My bladder ultrasound came back. I viewed it on my patient portal and waiting for my dr to call.
    Interpretation: precious 367 ml. Post void 6 ml. No mass lesions seen.
    Impression: no definite abnormality seen.
    Questions: is this a decent indicator or no cancer? I still plan to see urologist for my symptoms and pain. Just trying to ease my mind. What’s the no definite abnormality? Does that mean there might be one?
    I thought his order was to look at my kidneys too, but they didn’t. I really feel this is either my bladder or my kidneys causing all this.
    Thanks for everyone’s response. I do have a history of having kidney stones, but I haven’t had any for at least 10 years that I know of.

  • Hannah01

    Member
    May 12, 2017 at 10:16 am

    Hi Kris,

    If its UTI it would be an unusual one, also check for stone blockage. A CT scan will be a good predictor. Hope things will move positively forward…

  • Kris00

    Member
    May 11, 2017 at 8:45 pm

    Thank you for giving me those statistics. It does help to put things in perspective. I just wish that perspective would stay. :)
    I find it disheartening that testing and appointments take time. I am jealous of the rich and famous that can get anything with one phone call, but most of us have to wait. Blah.
    I guess my bladder ultrasound results will be in tomorrow. I know that doesn’t rule everything out should it come back ok, but it’s something. My heart goes out to everyone on this board. Here I am scared to death and complaining on what could be while others face it. It makes me feel a little selfish to be honest, but no matter how hard I try to stay positive and not dwell…I can’t. I do appreciate the time that you guys have taken to help me. I guess it makes me not feel as alone in this.
    Whatever is going on with me I hope to find out soon. Blood in pee both visible and microscopic are never good. I believe protein is due to Kidneys and not sure about white blood cells. Sigh….I should have been more aggressive 2 years ago when I started to hurt instead of accepting the diagnosis of more fiber. Thank you again for that article. I appreciate it.

  • morelife

    Member
    May 11, 2017 at 8:23 pm

    This is intended to reassure you as you proceed to see a urologist for a cytoscopy, which seems to be obviously worthwhile whatever is causing your symptoms. Bladder cancer onset in a 41-year-old woman would be very rare. I don’t know where to get comparably refined statistics for the US, but in the UK, the Excel detail downloadable here —
    http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/bladder-cancer/incidence#heading-One — says the incidence rate for that cohort is about 1/100,000, i.e., 25 new cases per year in the entire UK. Of course, that’s no reason to avoid testing.

  • Alan

    Member
    May 11, 2017 at 3:54 pm

    Can you self refer to a URO? That is where I’d start.


    DX 5/6/2008 TAG3 papillary tumor .5 CM in size. 2 TURBS followed by 6 instillations of BCG weekly with a second round of 6 after a 6 week wait.
Page 1 of 2

Sign In to reply.