posted
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!
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!
-------------------- My comments on this site are not intended to be taken as medical advice as I'm not a physician. Posts: 206 | From Georgia | Registered: Dec 2008
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cantgiveupyet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8165
posted
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.
-------------------- "Say it straight simple and with a smile."
"Thus the task is, not so much to see what no one has seen yet, But to think what nobody has thought yet, About what everybody sees."
-Schopenhauer
pos babs, bart, igenex WB igm/igg Posts: 3156 | From Lyme limbo | Registered: Oct 2005
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
-
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.
It is odd that diet doesn't affect you though .. I wonder how many with IC aren't affected by diet?
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96220 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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cantgiveupyet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8165
posted
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.
-------------------- "Say it straight simple and with a smile."
"Thus the task is, not so much to see what no one has seen yet, But to think what nobody has thought yet, About what everybody sees."
-Schopenhauer
pos babs, bart, igenex WB igm/igg Posts: 3156 | From Lyme limbo | Registered: Oct 2005
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disturbedme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12346
posted
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.
-------------------- One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar. ~ Helen Keller
My Lyme Story Posts: 2965 | From Land of Confusion (bitten in KS, moved to PA, now living in MD) | Registered: Jun 2007
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
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.
Take care:)
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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