blood in urine

[tasty]

I just had a cystoscopy 10 days ago, and everything was clean. As I have posted previously, I've been on IC for the past 6 months and have been doing very well. I was able to watch the cystoscopy I had in May as well as the one I had last week and there was a dramatic improvement in my bladder. Yesterday I had blood in my urine when I first cathed. The next two times were clear, but the urine was dark when I cathed before bedtime. However, I couldn't determine if there was blood. This morning there was definitely a reddish tinge to the urine. There were no blood clots or mucus, and I don't feel sick. My urologist is two hours away, and it's usually impossible to get an appointment with him in under a month. My intention is to monitor things through the weekend. My sphincter is very tight and I may have nicked something with the catheter. This happened when I first started cathing. If it doesn't clear up by Monday morning, then I'll call the urologist. Am I being too casual about this, or should I take more immediate action? It won't do me much good to call the urologist because I can't get there today and he wouldn't be able to see my anyway. This really isn't an ER situation, or is it? This stuff is all new to me.

[tasty]

I can't figure this out. Looks like there's blood in the AM after first cath, but I just cathed again and it was clear. I don't have enough experience with cathing to know what's going on.

[SCI-Nurse]

HI,

It's hard to tell exactly but if the bleeding is small amount and only infrequently, it could be related to trauma from cathing. Increase fluids,check your temperature and monitor for any symptoms over the weekend. If it worsens or you develop any of these other things, I would call your doctor right away.

Do you notice a difference when you cath with a smaller or more flexible catheter?
AAD

[tasty]

I'm already using the 16 coude' tip catheters. I still feel fine. I will definitely take your advice if their is any change. By now I won't be able to reach him until Monday anyway. If anything looks serious or I start to run a fever, I'll go to the ER.

[quadfather]

If urine is dark red (merlot) for more than 12 hours, then ER is called for
If urine is tinged red and still see through (White Zinfindel), then you can watch and wait
If it just a little blood on the end of the cath, then it is likely a prostate/urethra/sphincter injury (in this case go REALLY slow inserting it)

Were you carefully trained on using the coude style cath? They can do more harm than good if not used properly.

[tasty]

I guess the crisis is over as there has been no blood since yesterday AM. I must not have been paying attention and was too rough inserting the catheter the other day. If I hadn't had such a clean cystoscopy a week ago, I probably would have been more concerned. Thanks to those who responded.

[jwr18]

I have a super pubic and colostomy. Friday I started urinating a lot then lots of blood in urine. After panic I waited and urine cleared up. There was blood clots in tube. Yesterday everything was fine. This morning I wake up to urinating a lot then lots of blood. After panic I changed tube and urine is clear. I wonder if not having a bowel movement for a week or so has something to do with it. I feel fine too with no fever.