i have been treated by a urologist for over a year for pain after urination/sometimes vulvodynia, and was always told my urinalysis came back negative.
Just found out at last visit however, that they always contain white blood cells and blood, but when they culture, they come back as "contaminated" .
So I have never been treated (well i was once anyway probably b/c i was in so much pain).
I've done enough Urine tests to know how to "not contaminate", so i dont get it.
just wondering if these facts could mean anything in relation to lyme disease, b/c i am pretty sure my bladder issues are caused by it. Thanks!
Posted by ugagal (Member # 18471) on :
Hi Mina,
Have you ever heard of a bladder condition called Interstitial Cystitis? I suffered from IC prior to my Lyme diagnosis and I now know that it was probably related to the Lyme as it loves the bladder for some reason. I would have debilitating bladder pain and spasms accompanied by the inability to completely empty my bladder. It was confirmed by a bladder biopsy which revealed small bleeding ulcers and mast cells in the bladder lining.
With IC, most urinalysis come back normal. After being properly diagnosed, I had to irrigate my bladder daily with meds using a catheter and I was placed on a drug called Elmiron. I achieved relief from the painful symptoms after about 4 months of therapy.
I still have some residual bladder problems such as urinary frequency and some mild incontinence. However, the severe pain has thankfully not returned. Hope you feel better soon!
Posted by mina222 (Member # 19825) on :
yes i have read up exensively on IC, but my urologist who is supposed to be very good says my cystoscopies show absolutely no evidence of it.
Also diet does not seem to have an effect my pain at all.
I"m kind of a mystery to them but at this point i think its related to lyme.
I guess i was just wondering if the WBZC and blood in the urine possibly signified anything?
Posted by mina222 (Member # 19825) on :
yes i have read up exensively on IC, but my urologist who is supposed to be very good says my cystoscopies show absolutely no evidence of it.
Also diet does not seem to have an effect my pain at all.
I"m kind of a mystery to them but at this point i think its related to lyme.
I guess i was just wondering if the WBC and blood in the urine possibly signified anything?
Posted by cantgiveupyet (Member # 8165) on :
I have IC and often will have WBC show in my urine. I went to a walk in clinic and they put me on abx based on the WBC being in the urine. I also show contaminants.
Some theories are that there is a low level infection present....who knows.
I know i feel better on cipro and levaquin.
However, my urologist who specializes in IC will not treat unless something comes back on the culture. I see you are in NY do you see Dr M(well know urologist)?
Have you been evaluated for pelvic floor dysfunction- that can also cause bladder symptoms.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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While all these chronic infections really do bother our bladders, (for women) there also may be more to it if you are over 35 years old.
I recently started bio-identical hormone replacement, after 10 years of menopause.
My bladder urgency - and vulva pain - eased up tremendously within a week. Unbelievable.
There is also a soothing gel, I'll come back with the label.
Keebler- Do you feel it is lack of progesterone that could cause some of these symptoms? I suffer the most during Ovulation.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
A cystoscopy will not necessarily show IC.
It is odd that diet doesn't affect you though .. I wonder how many with IC aren't affected by diet?
Posted by cantgiveupyet (Member # 8165) on :
Lymetoo- I know of a few that arent affected by diet. One lives with extreme bladder pain...but she can eat whatever she wants. She tried the diet and she didnt see a difference at all.
Posted by disturbedme (Member # 12346) on :
I have bladder pain off and on. Today it has been bad. Other days it doesn't bother me at all. I've been told it's IC and that the lyme and/or co-infections cause it.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Blood and WBC's on a urinalysis usually signal infection. When your culture came back positive for contaminants (usually normal skin flora) i'm surprised the office didn't call you to repeat the test. Or at least make sure you weren't still having symptoms.
Next time, ask for a couple extra wipes. Always wipe front to back, throw away, repeat with another wipe. This should prevent the contamination.
If you're still coming up with unusual results maybe you should request a cath sample. Not a pleasant procedure but not the most terrible either.
And, if your doctor really doesn't care and doesn't want to help you figure out what's wrong, try another doctor.