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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Chronic And Reoccurring UTI, Urine Test Revealed WBC And RBC, Have Fever. What Does This Mean?

I have suffered from chronic and recurring uti for more than 20 years. Often my samples come back with no growth however the urine has shown blood and white blood cells on dip stick testing. I travel a lot and so each new doctor is loathe to believe there is an infection. I know however from fever, pain and other symptoms and also the presence of blood and white blood cells that there must be something wrong. I am frustrated with doctor's blind faith in lab results. I have just read an article from a London Medical journal that the determination 'mixed growth of doubtful significance' is NO reliable indicator that disease is not present. Where do I go from here?
Wed, 24 Apr 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM.

Thank you for your query.

I can understand your frustration, and also because different laboratories tend to report differently. It sometimes depends on the laboratory technician who conducts the investigation on the given sample.

The first and most important point in your query is the fact that you have been suffering from chronic recurrent or persistent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

In almost all cases of recurrent or persistent UTIs there exists an underlying cause. In my opinion, there is no point in treating the infection over and over again if there is indeed an underlying cause. Treating the cause itself will ensure the complete elimination of the root cause for the UTIs and thus maintain a UTI-free status.

The possible causes for recurrent or persistent UTIs are:
-Stones in the kidneys or urinary tract infections
-Sexually transmitted infections
-Acidic urine due to diet
-Prolonged periods of being seated
-Frequent travelers
-Previously unresolved or inadequately treated infections
-Family history
-Inability to empty the bladder completely (eg. prostate enlargement in men)
-Diabetes
-Pelvic problems
-Promiscuity
-Menopause (in women)
-Long history of UTI (since childhood)

There are a few more less common ones, but my point is that you will have to get thoroughly investigated to find the cause, and treat it instead of concentrating entirely on the UTI here, as it seems to only be a symptom and not the main problem in your case.

In the meantime, make it a habit to consume plenty of water, carry a urine alkalizer with you at all times, and drink 2 teaspoons of it on a daily basis; you could also include cranberry juice as part of your daily diet (as this also carries added benefits).

I hope I have succeeded in providing the information you were looking for. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications. I would gladly help you.

Best wishes.
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Chronic And Reoccurring UTI, Urine Test Revealed WBC And RBC, Have Fever. What Does This Mean?

Hello and welcome to HCM. Thank you for your query. I can understand your frustration, and also because different laboratories tend to report differently. It sometimes depends on the laboratory technician who conducts the investigation on the given sample. The first and most important point in your query is the fact that you have been suffering from chronic recurrent or persistent urinary tract infections (UTIs). In almost all cases of recurrent or persistent UTIs there exists an underlying cause. In my opinion, there is no point in treating the infection over and over again if there is indeed an underlying cause. Treating the cause itself will ensure the complete elimination of the root cause for the UTIs and thus maintain a UTI-free status. The possible causes for recurrent or persistent UTIs are: -Stones in the kidneys or urinary tract infections -Sexually transmitted infections -Acidic urine due to diet -Prolonged periods of being seated -Frequent travelers -Previously unresolved or inadequately treated infections -Family history -Inability to empty the bladder completely (eg. prostate enlargement in men) -Diabetes -Pelvic problems -Promiscuity -Menopause (in women) -Long history of UTI (since childhood) There are a few more less common ones, but my point is that you will have to get thoroughly investigated to find the cause, and treat it instead of concentrating entirely on the UTI here, as it seems to only be a symptom and not the main problem in your case. In the meantime, make it a habit to consume plenty of water, carry a urine alkalizer with you at all times, and drink 2 teaspoons of it on a daily basis; you could also include cranberry juice as part of your daily diet (as this also carries added benefits). I hope I have succeeded in providing the information you were looking for. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications. I would gladly help you. Best wishes.