I was diagnosed last year with Lupus SLE. My rheumy did one urine test with all the blood work before the diagnosis and I haven't had to have another urine test all year. Is this normal? (She has prescribed me plaquenil, prednisone, flexeril, amitriptylin and folic acid. I'm on several other meds for high blood pressure and clinical depression/anxiety.)
I get my urine checked every year with a physical and whenever I go to the rheumy. My dad goes to the rheum. twice a year when he's not in a flare and each time they check his urine. I would ask your rheum about it and just let her know your concern.
I get my blood and urine test once every 2-3months when I see my rheum.
I normally get my urine and blood checked every month but right now i had to do it every week since i had a flare three weeks ago.
I see my rheumy every 3 to 4 months and have blood and urine tests run each time. With having lupus, I thought it was necessary to at least be checked every six months.
I go to the doctor every 3-6 months and she takes urine all the time. I also have a medical doctor who takes the blood, all the results pertainiing to Lupus goes back to Lupus doctor. Thats what happens with me. I am 63 and was diagnosed with Lupus Dec 2010.
thanks lupie friends! I've had a few other concerns about my rheumy, especially after my doctor made a funny face when asked if she had checked it recently. I see her about every 3 months and she draws blood, but the lack of a urine test does make me a bit more concerned.
I think the blood is more important anyway. Thats how you find out what you have. Hope everything goes okay for you.
artchick said:
thanks lupie friends! I've had a few other concerns about my rheumy, especially after my doctor made a funny face when asked if she had checked it recently. I see her about every 3 months and she draws blood, but the lack of a urine test does make me a bit more concerned.
I know she checks the creatinine levels in the blood which is a kidney function key test. So, I'm assuming if that was abnormal, she would request further tests and a urine sample.
My rheumie checks my urine every visit. My bloodwork regarding my kidneys is fine and there is no protein showing up in my urine, but I’ve had microscopic hematuria (blood) since diagnosis 5 years ago. I was referred to a urologist who did a retrograde pyelogram last year and said everything was fine, but the rheumie still checks my urine every time.
I wish my Rheumy would check my urine a little more often, but he has referred me to a urologist. The only prob is I have yet to see him becuz of his hours. I cannot drive anymore and any transportation I can get…well THEY have a life unlike myself. I was going to ask if u were symptamatic of any urinary probs? I do have ongoing symptoms so I guess I nd to find a way to get in…hitch hike? BUT, having sd that don’t u think something wd show up in my bloodwork if there were a prob w/my kidneys? Do u ask ur Rheumy abt this? I guess I nd to do this…lol I hope you find any answers u nd…
gail
I go to the rheumy monthly but he only checks my urine every 3 months or so. Blood work all depends on me but if I’m not well he gets blood. I would say blood work is done every two months on average but I don’t have kidney involvement.
I would at least ask your rheumy why he/she does not check your urine. There may be a good reason. The blood work will tell if your kidneys are in trouble too though. Just ask anyway.
Angel, I think you should find a way to get to the urologist. It will give you (hopefully) some peace of mind. I also put off going to the urologist like my rheumie suggested. I didn’t have any symptoms like you get when you have a urinary tract infection (still don’t) or any pain. My family practitioner minimized my hematuria and said it was nothing to worry about, to go to the urologist if I wanted to or not. A year later my family physician WANTED me to see the urologist. I guess she was finally getting in sync with my rheumie. They work at the same location. As far as something showing up in my bloodwork goes, my rheumie automatically checks to make sure nothing is showing up indicating there might be some kidney involvement. She mentions to me at every visit if there is blood in my urine, that there is no protein in my urine and that my bloodwork isn’t showing kidney involvement. She’s a good rheumatologist. If your rheumie doesn’t automatically mention the results of these three things to you after testing, I’d definitely ask. Better to be safe than sorry and for your own peace of mind. Oh, I forgot to mention I also had a cystoscopy at the same time as the retrograde pyelogram. Here’s a link about the different testing done for kidney problems/hematuria. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/hematuria/
Angel312 said:
I wish my Rheumy would check my urine a little more often, but he has referred me to a urologist. The only prob is I have yet to see him becuz of his hours. I cannot drive anymore and any transportation I can get…well THEY have a life unlike myself. I was going to ask if u were symptamatic of any urinary probs? I do have ongoing symptoms so I guess I nd to find a way to get in…hitch hike? BUT, having sd that don’t u think something wd show up in my bloodwork if there were a prob w/my kidneys? Do u ask ur Rheumy abt this? I guess I nd to do this…lol I hope you find any answers u nd…
gail
well, one problem I get all the time is UTI’s. So I get my urine checked all the time…my rheumy doesn’t have really worry about it. Thanks for sharing… Something elae that I have to ask about
I had my urine checked every other week because I have Lupus Nephritis. I guess it depends on if you are having problems with your kidneys or urinary tract on if they need to do testing more often. I would ask my Rhuemy. I know that I have to continue to see the Nephrologist as long as I am on CellCept. Something about an abundance of lawsuits.
I know that we are all over the board with the answers to this question, but like the disease itself, no two are alike.
DeAnne
If you suspect you have a UTI you should see your general practitioner to get tested and/or treated. Women shouldn’t ignore these symptoms because it could spread to your kidneys, even those without lupus. Having UTIs isn’t a sign of lupus nephritis. The rheumy checks our urine to make sure we aren’t developing lupus related kidney problems. For UTIs you should see your GP, but I’d just mention frequent UTIs to the rheumy, so she can be aware.
Bernadine said:
well, one problem I get all the time is UTI’s. So I get my urine checked all the time…my rheumy doesn’t have really worry about it. Thanks for sharing… Something elae that I have to ask about
I agree with others. Mine is checked at every physical and at least twice a year by rheumy. Definitely ask. Good luck 
hi... I get my exams done all the time, I won t say every months, but almost. I guess u should ask for a second opinion and do all the tests again. Don t forget that some people in some stage don t need all meds and sometimes the disease goes into remission. Take care