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Bladder Cancer Concern

Posted by kdb624 @kdb624, 2 days ago

Hello, I could use some advice on the best path forward. I started experiencing lower abdominal pain about 3 weeks ago. That progressed to hematuria 3 days ago, which has been constant every since, sometimes with blood clots. I went to a small clinic where they did bloodwork and urinalysis, it only confirmed the hematuria and high wbc in urine. They started me on macrobid, but it hasn't helped. They also ordered an abdominal CT, but that's a week out. I'm very worried about bladder cancer. I had Cytoxan years ago for breast cancer and understand that can put me at risk. I don't think the CT is even the right test for bladder screening, is that correct? I'm almost thinking I should go to the ER at this point to get some answers, but would they do a cystoscopy there or just refer me to a urologist?

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dbamos1945 | @dbamos1945 | 2 days ago

@kdb624: Have they ruled out kidney stones.? Your symptoms may indicate a stone moving down or caught. (KUB ultrasound or CT will determine) - macrobid is a first line uti treatment and your infection may need stronger antibiotic, ask if they have results of the urine culture that should have been performed… this will tell them best antibiotic to kill bacteria. Sepsis is to be urgently avoided.
It would be a miracle if a cystoscope would be included in ER visit - but you can ask for it! Sepsis needs to be ruled out sooner than later!
You need to be proactive and a bit bitchy with medical team so they are clear about their need for urgent care until you are convinced of cause of symptoms and relief of symptoms!!!
Think positive, but make some noise.

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pegpal | @pegpal | 2 days ago

I also would like to know if a CT Scan is useful at all for diagnosing the cause of bladder pain and incontinence. Anyone know?

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kdb624 | @kdb624 | 2 days ago
In reply to @dbamos1945 "@kdb624: Have they ruled out kidney stones.? Your symptoms may indicate a stone moving down or..." + (show)
Profile picture for dbamos1945 @dbamos1945

@kdb624: Have they ruled out kidney stones.? Your symptoms may indicate a stone moving down or caught. (KUB ultrasound or CT will determine) - macrobid is a first line uti treatment and your infection may need stronger antibiotic, ask if they have results of the urine culture that should have been performed… this will tell them best antibiotic to kill bacteria. Sepsis is to be urgently avoided.
It would be a miracle if a cystoscope would be included in ER visit - but you can ask for it! Sepsis needs to be ruled out sooner than later!
You need to be proactive and a bit bitchy with medical team so they are clear about their need for urgent care until you are convinced of cause of symptoms and relief of symptoms!!!
Think positive, but make some noise.

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Thanks for your insights. Kidney stones were actually the primary suspicion as I do have history. And I think why she ordered a CT. But the blood clots came after that visit. I'm not sure, would u typically see blood clots with kidney stones? I know hematuria, but I'm trying to imagine those clots traveling in tact down the ureter. Some of them have been rather large. Nonetheless, I think I'm going to the ER later to get more answers.

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dbamos1945 | @dbamos1945 | 1 day ago
In reply to @kdb624 "Thanks for your insights. Kidney stones were actually the primary suspicion as I do have history...." + (show)
Profile picture for kdb624 @kdb624

Thanks for your insights. Kidney stones were actually the primary suspicion as I do have history. And I think why she ordered a CT. But the blood clots came after that visit. I'm not sure, would u typically see blood clots with kidney stones? I know hematuria, but I'm trying to imagine those clots traveling in tact down the ureter. Some of them have been rather large. Nonetheless, I think I'm going to the ER later to get more answers.

Jump to this post

I would think unidentified internal blood flow would prioritize a stat CT scan by your doc for you to determine culprit! Your primary may not see the urgency?
I had a similar, but different situation because the blood clots were from my rectum (no pain, no injury). This only lasted about 3 hours and only the one time. The docs determined the blood was from an internal hemorrhoid.
I can’t think of what could be causing the blood from the ureter/bladder. The only experience I have had with blood in urine was UTIs and after the kidney stone surgeries.
I’m sorry I could not offer you a solution. Let me know what happens, okay? Thx, dbamos1945

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grldweiner66 | @grldweiner66 | 10 hours ago

I had the same issue 5yrs ago.I went to a Mayo urologist for a cystoscopy and I got the result that I was able to see for my self.
It is smart to take care of this kind of issue ASAP.
🙂

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