Red flakes

[ophelia]

I was sent home yesterday from the urologist with a leg bag because of difficulty passing urine. I've been having alot of cramping, burning in bladder and urethra. I noticed some red flakes in the bag when I went to empty it. Does this sound like an infection or part of IC? I assume they will test for infection today when I get the bag off. I feel like I need to use the toilet all the time with this cath in, but obviously I can't. It is a weird and uncomfortable sensation. I'm sorry I have been posting so much. I just feel that I get better answers from you guys than the doctors!

[tabasco32]

OH NO sorry to hear that. I never heard of red flakes in urine before. I seen white flakes in mine though.
I hope you feel better soon ophelia.

[Katrina]

white flakes yes, red flakes....confused...not sure what to think. I myself would definatly want to check for infection especially since you needed the cath because of such severe retention...catheder + retention=higher risk of infection. The odd thing is the retention should be gone with a catheder...but I know that isn't always the case.
Can't wait to find out what your doctor says about the red flakes. Has me very curious. :grouphug: Sure hope whatever is going on your doing a lot better soon! :grouphug:

[marsi4]

Hello,

Don't ever apologize for posting too much. That is what this board is for. I know exactly what you are talking about. When my bladder was extremely inflammed and irritated I shed bloody tissue as well which I,m sure is from the bladder. When the bladder gets severely irritated it bleeds and that is the bloody tissue shedding from the bladder and being discharged in your urine. It has happened to me several times, but off course the doctors and nurses will disregard it and say it is nothing.

Marsi4

[ophelia]

Hi everyone. I just had some trouble posting, it kept saying I wasn't logged in when I would submit the reply. Anyway, I just wanted to say I got the bag off and I'm going easier, back to my regular crazy frequency. Never thought I'd be happy about that! Had a really nice nurse who helped me learn to self cath(ouch!). She was really great. I told her about what I was going through and she said yes I need another opinion. She took me to the receptionist herself and made sure I got the earliest appointment with the doctor I wanted. She even introduced me to him. He seems very open and nice. All the ladies in the office said he's excellent. I'm hopeful for some answers, I go back in 2 weeks. The nurse said the red flakes were mucous lining from the bladder and urethra from putting the catheter in. Thanks for responding everyone!

[blackcat25]

Hi,
I also have an indwelling catheter in at the moment due to complete retention. The feeling of urgency that you get is probably bladder spasms - if you mention it next time you see a doctor they may be able to prescribe something for it.
I have also had the red flakes, and also occasionally blood stained urine. It may be from the catheter scratching the inside of your bladder - mine is a lot worse if i walk around a lot. I was told that it was caused by trauma and that it was nothing to worry about. Doesn't stop it hurting though.
Feel free to ask me any questions- I have complete bladder failure due to nerve damage so have been alternating between self cathing and foley for nearly a year now as I cannot urinate at all.
Hugs,
Blackcat:cat: