Blood in urine

[saskie1]

Hello everyone, I have been testing to be a donor in a paired exchange as my husband needs a kidney and we don't match.  They have at times found blood in my urine and at times it is perfectly clear.  I am female so I understand that at certain times there is going to be blood in my urine.  The doctor's where I am from don't seem to think that it is a problem as my last urine test(done with cathatar) was fine.  The doctor in the city that I will be donating in is very concerned and has stopped the process until the doctor's here speak with me and tell me all the risks.  I am meeting with a doctor here next week to find out what is going on.  Has anyone else ever had this happen?  I am not getting answers from the coordinators here as they want me to just talk to the doctor for answers but I am confused by the different reactions of the doctors to the outcome of the tests.   Any suggestions for questions I should be asking?

[jstx]

Are the doctors in your area nephrologists independent from the transplant center?  If not, I'd get a second opinion from a specialist.  Also, is the blood only showing up in your urine around the time you have your period?  I'd definitely press the issue and find out what could be causing this if not.  It is important for you to think of your health first; I know you want to help the recipient and I totally get that, but be careful and make sure you're getting the answers you need as to what could be causing the blood.  Good luck and keep us posted!

[lawphi]

So much depends on which doctors are freaking out, how much blood is actually in your urine and your overall health. 

A good transplant center will have you receive outside counseling regarding various issues so you can make an informed decision about donating.  Also, a coordinator's job is to assist you in donating.  I am not sure a coordinator would necessarily be able to answer your questions about unrelated bladder issues that might prevent you from donating.  At this point, you shouldn't be too worried until you know what is going on.

If everything is clear, you forward the results and resume testing for a paired exchange program.  If it isn't, you find someone else to enter the exchange. 

Blood in urine can be from "external sources", a mild UTI or other bladder issues.  It doesn't necessarily mean you can't donate.

[saskie1]

Thanks to those of you who replied.  I have now met with a nephrologist here and have answers to my questions.  I will be able to donate and it should not have an effect on my health.  Of course, no one can give me a 100% guarantee, but they couldn't before the blood in the urine came up.  I am already part of the paired exchange and it looks like surgeries will be set for some time in December.  My husband and I are part of a ten person change so it will be very exciting if it goes through. 

[treehugger]

I see this issue has been settled, but I thought I would answer anyway. I had to submit several urine samples, and blood kept turning up (it was at least a week after my period), so they finally took a urine sample directly from my bladder with a catheter and that was all clear. It was simply an issue with my strange menstrual cycle and my anatomy causing the problems.

By the way, I donated in December (2009) as part of a paired exchange, 10-person chain, and my husband was a recipient. Funny coincidence.

Good luck!

Kara

[Scott337]

Wow!  What an incredible way to be part of giving life to so many in need.  I'm happy to hear things appear to be working out to allow you to donate.  Thank you so much for your willingness to think of others in such a way.  Best of luck and we'll all be waiting anxiously for the time to draw nearer.  Keep up with us all.

Scott   

[saskie1]

I see this issue has been settled, but I thought I would answer anyway. I had to submit several urine samples, and blood kept turning up (it was at least a week after my period), so they finally took a urine sample directly from my bladder with a catheter and that was all clear. It was simply an issue with my strange menstrual cycle and my anatomy causing the problems.

By the way, I donated in December (2009) as part of a paired exchange, 10-person chain, and my husband was a recipient. Funny coincidence.

Good luck!

Kara

I have not been online for awhile so just read your post.  This is getting creepy.  I am donating in December as well , so my husband can get a kidney as part of a ten person chain!

[james]

I thought I'd chime in on this topic as well
I too had blood in my urine. In order for me to be cleared to donate, I had to endure a kidney biopsy in order to determine why I had blood in my urine.
The biopsy determined I have Thin basement membrane disease, I have normal blood pressure and normal kidney function so I was allowed to donate.