I’m being referred to a urologist yet again but was wondering if a nephrologist would be the better option. Anyone have any advice?
This was the symptom that got me referred to the nephrologist. Probably best to be seen by one - if there's nothing there, at least you'll have peace of mind!
Finding blood in your urine when you have lupus is definitely something worth taking seriously, and it's smart to be asking these questions!
With lupus specifically, blood or protein in the urine can be a sign of lupus nephritis — inflammation in the kidneys caused by lupus. This makes kidney involvement a real consideration Show Full Answer
Once we're diagnosed with nephritis, we lupies must see nephrology regularly.
Thanks everyone. I had seen a urologist in the past and all was good. I had also seen a nephrologist that followed me for a few years. He diagnosed me with a glomerularnephritis but felt I was stable. He would do 24 hour urines that showed minor spilling of protein. I will definitely seek a nephrology consult
I suggest you see a nephrologist, Nancy. If they don't believe it's a kidney issue, it makes sense to see a urologist. Post-menopausal women sometimes have a small amount of blood in the urine due to atrophic vaginitis, which comes with age, but we lupies must take this seriously, especially if the urine protein to creatinine ratio is elevated. Was it?
Obtaining a catheterized urine specimen can help exclude atrophic vaginitis as the cause, and the urologist can do this.