blood and protein in urine

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi All

I have just seen a rheumatologist for the first time since being diagnosed a year ago!

The routine urine test found a trace of blood and protein in my urine.

Has anyone else had this? could it be the PMR or the pred or what?

a bit worried

Koukla

2

Hi Koukla

Firstly, I would hope that your rheumatologist will be following up on this.

It could be a straightforward infection such as cystitis which I know from childhood experience can cause raised protein and blood in the urine.

I'm sure Prednisolone is not the cause as I was reassured at the outset that the steroids would not aggravate my sole kidney function which was already compromised, and my GP informed me that some people with kidney problems are, in fact, prescribed steroids!

One important marker for you to enquire about is the reading of your eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) - a reading of 60 or above will reassure you that your kidneys are filtering out efficiently. This test is carried out as routine on everyone having routine blood tests, for instance when they are taking BP or cholesterol meds or, as in our case, on Prednisolone.

Hope this helps to reassure you somewhat Koukla but I'm sure the rheumatologist or your GP will be carrying out further tests and do come back and let us know how you get on.

Meanwhile, drink lots of water and try and avoid alcohol as that, like coffee, would have a

Very best wishes.

MrsO

3

don't know how the last bit got chopped off. It should read:

\"as that, like coffee, would have a dehydrating effect which you want to avoid at the moment\".

4

I've just had a couple of urinary tract infections (which can lead to traces of blood and therefeore protein in the urine - blood has lots of protein!) but had none of the usual symptoms until it was really bad. I think that the steroids suppress the usual inflammation that causes the pain for an awfully long time. So we'll hope it's that.

On the other hand - even if the rheumy doesn't follow it up, the GP should. And this is an example of why any decent GP should be doing the simple screening tests on us at any opportunity!!

MrsO is right about the dehydration - but a glass of wine, two glasses of water would deal with that without having to give up the glass of wine!

hope it's sorted soon

EileenH

5

Hi, Just to let you know that in my experience the blood and protein in the urine is not unusual. I have had it several times over the last few years ( since PMR) and it has proved to be pretty low level infection. The doctor says it is not necessarily caused by the steroids but we are more likely to pick up infections if we have been taking them long term. As the others say, drink plenty of water and dont worry too much . Greens

6

I've had that on and off over last 2/3 years. It's minor traces and gp and hosp not too concerned. My attitude is more relaxed these days - it's not led to anything so park it somewhere at back of your worries!

7

Hi

Thanks for all of your replies it has put my mind at ease, a little,

I had another test done at my GP and still a trace of both the results come back tomorrow so I will know what's what

thanks

Koukla

8

Hi

Just to let you know my results were negative. Phew what a relief.

I also want to tell you all, as non PMR people don't understand the significance that I am now down to 9 mg pred per day. It was only since I split my dossage morning and evening that I am sailing along with my reduction. so from 40 to 9 in a year I feel quite proud of myself

thanks again

Koukla

9

Excellent news on both fronts! :D

10

Brilliant news. So pleased for you. 9mgs, that was my best reduction as so many of the side effects disappeared at that level!

Regards Lizzie xx

11

Good news all round on here today. Great and lets have lots more. BettyE

12

Hi Koukla,

We are in the same place :D . I started on 40mgs this time last year and just dropped to the magic single figures on Monday and so far, so good :wink: .

I still get tired VERY easily, and sleep at least 10 hours every night :roll: but when I look back to how I was 12 months ago...not even able to walk, I think I have come a long way 8)

Long may the meds work for all of us :!:

Very best wishes, Pauline.

13

Hi Koukla

So pleased all was well with your results today and also that you've reached those magic single figures. :magic: As you say, no-one can understand why we get so excited about taking a successful drop of 1mg......except your friends on here! Keep well now. :D

MrsO

14

Hi I have been having blood and protien in urine sometimes with syptoms some times nothing and been having this for many yrs also suffer from kidney infections and cystocele bladder prolapse getting sent back to urology as this is too frequent