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    crystalbivens's Avatar
    crystalbivens Posts: 489, Reputation: 26
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    #1

    Aug 8, 2007, 12:10 PM
    UTI Protein in urine
    Ok so yesterday I posted a question about a UTI my doctors office called me yesterday to tell me that my labs showed I had a UTI I found it hard to believe because I have had them before and this time I haven't had and burning or feeling like I need to pee all the time.
    Well today I had an appt for my 13 week ultrasound and while I was there they decided to draw some more blood because I told them I have been feeling really bad lately, she also made me pee in the cup to check and see if there strip showed up anything, she said it showed that I had a high protein amount in the urine and wanted me to be seen again within the next week or so.
    So my question is...
    What does this mean?
    Could the fact that I had my gallbladder removed after my daughter was born mean that the protein is because there is no gallbladder,
    Or is this something I shouldn't be to concerned about.
    alkalineangel's Avatar
    alkalineangel Posts: 2,391, Reputation: 323
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    #2

    Aug 8, 2007, 12:12 PM
    They are probably just wanting to stay on the side of caution. Typically protein in your urine can be a sign of preeclampsia... they will probably just watch you for swelling. If you still have it there after 20 weeks and develop swelling and high blood pressure that will label you with pre-eclampsia. I wouldn't worry for now.
    crystalbivens's Avatar
    crystalbivens Posts: 489, Reputation: 26
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    #3

    Aug 8, 2007, 12:15 PM
    But can you show signs of preeclampsia at only 13 weeks?
    I thought this only showed up after the 20th week.
    J_9's Avatar
    J_9 Posts: 40,298, Reputation: 5646
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    #4

    Aug 8, 2007, 12:21 PM
    I have to agree with Al here, I sure do love having her around!! Preeclampsia is a condition where the blood pressure is elevated during pregnancy and protein is found in the urine. How has your BP been as of late? However, this is usually found late in pregnancy, the third trimester.

    I would also like to add that it could be a sign of gestational diabetes. This is very common in pregnancy and is gone after delivery.

    When are urine tests performed?

    A urine test should be expected during your first prenatal exam and then at least periodically in future prenatal visits. It would be normal for your healthcare provider to monitor your urine during each visit.
    What does the urine test look for?

    A urine tests is used to assess bladder or kidney infections, diabetes, dehydration and preeclampsia by screening for high levels of sugars, proteins, ketones and bacteria. High levels of sugars may suggest gestational diabetes, which may develop around the 20th week of pregnancy. Higher levels of protein may suggest a possible urinary tract infection, or kidney disease. Preeclampsia may be a concern if higher levels of protein are found later in pregnancy, combined with high blood pressure.
    What can urine test results reveal?

    Sugar: Sugar in your urine does not mean you are diabetic. It is normal for your kidneys to leak sugar from your bloodstream into your urine. This is particularly expected if you eat a large meal or drink a really sweet beverage. You should be tested for gestational diabetes if:

    * Consistent levels of sugar (glucose) are detected and/or
    * You feel tired or lethargic
    * You are consistently thirsty
    * You are losing weight

    Protein: Protein found in your urine indicates a problem in kidney function such as an infection. If protein is found in your urine late in pregnancy this may be a sign of preeclampsia. You healthcare provider will examine you for preeclampsia if:

    * Consistent levels of sugar (glucose) are detected and
    * You have high blood pressure
    * You have swelling in your face and hands
    alkalineangel's Avatar
    alkalineangel Posts: 2,391, Reputation: 323
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    #5

    Aug 8, 2007, 12:22 PM
    It may not be that... it could be something else all together like gestational kidney disease... it could be nothing. That is why they are watching it. You can show signs of pre-eclampsia this early, but will not be labelled until after 20 weeks. My friend showed signs at around 15 weeks.
    crystalbivens's Avatar
    crystalbivens Posts: 489, Reputation: 26
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    #6

    Aug 8, 2007, 12:27 PM
    Yes she is great, So far my BP has been fine but its only been ckecked once which was a few weeks ago, today they just did the urine and took my temp because I told her I have been having chills and fevers and feeling very drained and lightheaded. Just feeling like I can't hardly get out of bed.
    She didn't say anything about having suger in there just that she wanted to send it to the lab and the stick showed high amounts of protein.
    I have been Extremely thristy like I just can't drink enough.
    I am exausted and very weak
    I haven't lost any weight or gained any really I was at 165 before I got pregnant I am now at 160 which I have been there for the past two weeks or more (I weigh myself every other day)
    I haven't been to sick with this one just losing the bile in the morning then I eat small amounts during the day.
    J_9's Avatar
    J_9 Posts: 40,298, Reputation: 5646
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    #7

    Aug 8, 2007, 12:29 PM
    Any swelling at all?
    alkalineangel's Avatar
    alkalineangel Posts: 2,391, Reputation: 323
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    #8

    Aug 8, 2007, 12:29 PM
    It is probably related to the UTI.. I think the upper UTIs have to do with the kidneys, but Im still learning about them, so J would be the better person to answer...

    *EDIT* I just realized you said they showed High levels of protein... if this is the case... I go back to my original thought... they are probably watching for pre-eclampsia... but just watching right now.
    J_9's Avatar
    J_9 Posts: 40,298, Reputation: 5646
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    #9

    Aug 8, 2007, 12:29 PM
    alkalineangel agrees: and of course, you are the best at getting all the other good stuff... LOL! :)
    Just guess how good I'll be after my OB and PEDS rotation. :p
    buggage's Avatar
    buggage Posts: 1,514, Reputation: 165
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    #10

    Aug 8, 2007, 12:30 PM
    Having high protein in your urine typically is a precursory sign of pre-eclampsia/toxemia. Preeclampsia generally happens after 20 weeks gestation, but it can happen earlier too. High blood pressure and high protein in the urine are warning signs. Also higher weight gain is a sign as well. This is probably the issue they are wanting to address. If caught early on they will watch it carefully to make sure it does not progress. Delivery is the only cure for preeclampsia, however, they will wait as long as healthfully possible for mother and baby before delivering. Having you get an appointment quickly is so as to make sure they can fully evaluate the situation to better keep you and baby safe. Don't worry yourself, this is a fairly common situation these days, and doctors are much better prepared then in previous days. Many women have this situation and go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies. It is something that just has to be monitored very carefully, if you are found to have it. I think if it was a huge concern, they would have had you get a much earlier appointment. It is probably just high enough to raise the point, and they want it to be brought to your doctors attention soon, so steps can be taken to help you avoid it if possible.
    crystalbivens's Avatar
    crystalbivens Posts: 489, Reputation: 26
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    #11

    Aug 8, 2007, 12:32 PM
    Nope no swelling at all, I guess all I can do is take the antibotics and wait till my next appt, it's just strange that I don't have any signs of a bladder infection.
    Does the urinalysis show if it's a bladder infection or can it give more indication if it's the kidneys?
    alkalineangel's Avatar
    alkalineangel Posts: 2,391, Reputation: 323
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    #12

    Aug 8, 2007, 12:32 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by J_9
    Just guess how good I'll be after my OB and PEDS rotation. :p
    I might just move to your area and switch doctors! LOL :D
    alkalineangel's Avatar
    alkalineangel Posts: 2,391, Reputation: 323
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    #13

    Aug 8, 2007, 12:34 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by crystalbivens
    nope no swelling at all, I guess all i can do is take the antibotics and wait till my next appt, it's just strange that I dont have any signs of a bladder infection.
    Does the urinalysis show if its a bladder infection or can it give more indication if its the kidneys?
    I didn't have any signs from the first one I got with this pregnancy... they just called me on the phone a few days later and told me I had one and to give them the name of my pharmacy so they could phone in the prescrip... LOL.

    Don't be surprised if they start checking your wrists and ankles...
    crystalbivens's Avatar
    crystalbivens Posts: 489, Reputation: 26
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    #14

    Aug 8, 2007, 12:38 PM
    LOL that's what they did to me I had my labs done last weeks and then yesterday they called to let me know I had one and they wanted to call in a prescription, I told them that since I had an ultrasound today I would get it then so they did another urine sample and said she couldn't see a sign of a UTI just a high amount of protein but she was going to send it to the lab because sometimes it takes a few days to build up.
    But if that's the case shouldn't it already be built up since they found this from last weeks sample (actually it was on the 27 of July ) so its been over a week.
    J_9's Avatar
    J_9 Posts: 40,298, Reputation: 5646
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    #15

    Aug 8, 2007, 02:03 PM
    It can take up to a week for the "protein/bacteria" to cultivate on a slide/petri dish so that they know just exactly what they are dealing with. It is rather hard to explain to the lay person. You see, they get the protein/bacteria place it on a slide of Agar and put it in an incubator. Then, if there is bacteria, it grows (protein won't grow), then they look under the microscope to determine what kind of bacteria it is. Usually a C&S (Culture & Sensitivity) test is done. It determines the kind of bacteria and what antibiotics it is sensitive to.

    This can take 3 days to a week to accomplish.

    (I loved working in the microbiology lab, LOL)
    crystalbivens's Avatar
    crystalbivens Posts: 489, Reputation: 26
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    #16

    Aug 8, 2007, 02:12 PM
    So this is why you suggest I take the microbiology class, I'm deffently going to thanks J-9
    And everyone else you you guys are great.
    J_9's Avatar
    J_9 Posts: 40,298, Reputation: 5646
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    #17

    Aug 8, 2007, 02:16 PM
    Hun, Micro is required for nursing school, at least where I go. I LOVED it and did assistant teaching for 2 years in the lab. I love to grow microbes. Especially E-Coli, Giardia, and psuedomonas
    crystalbivens's Avatar
    crystalbivens Posts: 489, Reputation: 26
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    #18

    Aug 8, 2007, 02:23 PM
    I wonder why it didn't tell me it was required on my list of classes.
    I'll have to check in to that.
    J_9's Avatar
    J_9 Posts: 40,298, Reputation: 5646
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    #19

    Aug 8, 2007, 02:25 PM
    Check into the BIO courses. Micro is a biology course. I thought I saw it when you sent me your course requirements.

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