In need of different perspectives...

[Splinterguitar69]

So to make a long story short, what started as a simple doctor appointment for a UTI has turned potentially VERY bad... I got my results from my urine sample earlier today and there was blood in the sample and no trace of any kind of infection. Normally this wouldn't be a big deal, but I think something is up because they "strongly suggest another appointment to do biopsies" on my bladder and prostate. Now I'm scared shitless. Not going to lie. I realize I could be making a mountain out of a mole hill, but the nurse I talked to was being very stern and pervasive in me scheduling another appointment. I asked what the best and worst case scnario are, and at this point the best case scenario is a kidney infection(urine tests don't represent your kidney health in most scenarios) or a benign growth putting pressure on my prostate/bladder. Worst case scenario is I could have a malignant cancer or MS. And apparently there are maybe half a dozen options in between, but the two best case scnarios are the only ones that are curable.

I guess I'm not exactly sure WHAT I'm asking here. I guess I'm just asking for your takes on this. I know this is primarily for problems associated with drug use, but I don't really know where else to turn. I'm not going to tell anyone of my friends and family until I know for sure what's going on because I don't want to alarm them. Am I over reacting? What would you do in my situation?

 

[suessmayr]

When is the next test? I think the best, most helpful and maturest thing to do would be to try not to worry between now and then. Easier said than done, of course...

 

[Ixchellian]

When a doctor says "a little blood (or protein) in the urine", you need to ask them immediately to clarify. They don't normally, because there are enough benign/mild conditions to cause those things, they're normally temporary, and tend to not be of much concern unless its an ongoing or worsening problem, accompanied by other symptoms.

Docs don't order biopsies of things like bladders and prostates, on the limited evidence of blood or protein in the urine...... Biopsies of those organs are invasive and unnecessary without obvious evidence of tumors, growths, or other abnormalities.

But because you're a guy, with some urinary tract issues, docs will ALWAYS "highly suggest" that you get your man parts checked. This does NOT mean biopsy. It means a few more blood & urine samples, a digital or endoscopic prostate exam, and more kidney function tests which are all done by blood/urine.

To give you an idea of how simple the issue can be..... there can be trace amounts of blood left in the urine simply because the bladder is lacking in some elasticity..... or you held your pee for too long. It'll cause small micro-tears in the bladder wall, allowing some blood into the urine. Drinking enough water and not holding it for piss tests is all that's usually needed.

But no matter what..... ask questions while you're there, not later when all you're doing is working off of guesswork, assumption, and panic. It's a patients' responsibility to ask questions..... doctors can't remember everything, and by being interactive it helps them do their job better.
And above all.... do follow your docs recommendation. Whether you think you need it or not.
Prostate exams are quick, cheap, and prostate cancer is one of the most easily treated..... but only if caught early.