[Surferboy]

A quick few questions about having "frothy urine" - apologies in advance for some graphic detail :blush:;

Does the presence of a lot of "froth" in urine mean that there is a lot of protein in the urine?

Most of the times I have frothy urine - sometimes a lot of froth, sometimes a little. It is also present after flushing. But then occasionally there is very little to no froth!

I believe that certain factors can cause the presence of protein such as sun exposure or physical activity. Is this true?

My last visit to my Rhumy showed that there was just a "trace" of protein so she diagnosed it as "negative". But the said that they just do a "dip test" and not a proper urine test. Is this normal?

I gave a urine sample to my GP last week and waiting for the result.

 

[nicky00]

I can make froth and there are no kidney problems for me

You are a man and can make froth and this dos'nt mean you have kidney problems.

Urine does froth from a height.

However its not something to dismiss as it can be an indication.
I am not knowledgeable enought to give you further information but Im very sure there are others on here who will help you out with your concern.

 

[greenhaggis]

Hi Surferboy,

As always you should always visit your GP, its not good worrying about it - you will just become anxious and stressed!

Extra glucose can cause frothiness in urine and if you read up on that diabetes will come up, or if your search hard enough so will diet.

Urine is very effeted by what we consume i.e. food, alcohol, lack of water (dehydration), so many problems that come and go are more likely to be caused by these things more often than some serious problem.

Lets hope its just related on what you eat and drink!

Take care,

Lesley

 

[Clare.T]

Nicky! I can produce frothy urine too if I tried really hard and my bladder is full and I am not properly sitting down ...........

Froth in urine might be found when the kidneys are affected, but not always and it would be just one sign. Other symptoms and abnormal test results would also indicate possible kidney involvement.
The dip stick test is perfectly common and is a 'proper' test. Traces of urine can be found from time to time without there being any significance. There are reports of protein being raised after sun exposure and I believe time of day and exercise can influence it

See for example

.[link removed].......................................Edited because link no longer valid CT

See http://www.uklupus.co.uk/kidney.html

There was another very good link provided recently on Sal's thread called Kidney involvement or hypochondria, if I remember rightly. There are also specialist forums.

Many other sites deal with frothy urine, urine testing, and all aspects of kidney disease if you give yourself the trouble of googling which is what I have to do to find information.

No site or forum can replace medical advice. Even if you heard that all our members with kidney disease had frothy urine as a symptom it wouldn't mean your froth meant kidney disease. To put it in context, you would also need to know what all else symptoms they had at frothy urine time.

So, the dip stick test is the most usual one and repeated abnormal levels might warrant further investigation. I think that is a reliable fact but someone can correct me if it isn't.
As patients we do need to be aware of possible signs of trouble and it takes time to know that we can trust our doctors to be looking after us properly. So I am not knocking the need for information. But an essential part of the whole learning process is telling your doctor about symptoms, anything that's bothering you, and getting their reassurance.

Meanwhile might I suggest you avert your eyes.

Cheers
Clare

 

[nicky00]

Claire! Exactly...my improper position became a habit over the years as I used to believe that was a good postion as far as health benefits go.
(something I read)

Nicky

 

[sam101360]

Surferboy:

As a lupie who has kidney involvement (mild but still of concern to Rhumy) I have never had frothy urine, at least that I am aware of - I don't look in the bowl?!?

I really never had much sign at all, just some mild edema and swelling of my extremities, that I put off to the excessive heat and humidity of florida and didn't even ask the rhumy about. My old Rhumy never even tested me for urine after the first time when all was well.

New rhumy runs basic test every 6 weeks as part of scheduled testing. After three +1 or +2 results on tests with RBCs elevated as well plus low WBC on bloods and some other mild abnormalities he ordered a 24Hr...this showed more protien than should be, however not high enough to blow the charts...I think the quote was mildly above normal??? A sonogram was ordered of the kidney and showed no scarring.

A burst of Prendisone on top of normal meds brought this under control. This has now happened 3 times in the last 18 months...so we keep a close eye and pray for the best.

All I can say is, the more you worry about things, especially things that you read have happened to others, the more stressed you become. The more stressed you become the more flares you suffer. The more flares, the higher risk of pushing the disease. DO NOT WORRY so much about things that "could, might, may" happen. Just think about how to feel well and function and maintain a decent quality of life...LET the dice fall where they may.

I am not saying DONT be proactive, make sure your Dr is testing and if he offers a concern or medicine choice, go to work, get all the information to allow you to make informed decisions. Advocate for your health but do not cry wolf, ask about concerns but do not assume the issue already decided. Try not to make your illness a self fulfilling prophecy.

Maybe I am too laid back, I do not try to get sicker, it happens all by itself, I just try to find something to be grateful for each day, and let the Doctor make sure of my disease activity...Of course I have a VERY proactive Dr so I don't feel I need to worry about him doing his job.

Sorry I guess I am just having a day...

I hope your issue is nothing more than sun, food or height from which the urine spilleth...Stephanie

 

[Lily]

Hi Surferboy,

The reason that no further testing was done probably is that a 1+ on dipsticks is usually a trace if a microscopic analysis is done. If it was a 2+ on dipsticks then it's more likely a 1+ on microscopic urinalysis- that's been my experience anyway.



love
Lily