Date: 11/7/12

Symptoms: Blood in Urine

Tests/Procedures in the last 4 weeks:

1. Urinalysis to diagnose an infection (11/9)
2. CT scan: an X-ray but gives much better detail. (11/9)
3. Cystourethroscopy: a cystoscope (a thin, telescope-like tube with a light and tiny camera attached) is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to view the bladder and kidneys (11/21)
4. Cystoscopy & Biopsy (under anesthesia): A thin tube with a tiny camera on the end is passed through the urethra to visualize the right kidney. (11/28)
5. Ureteral stent: a thin tube inserted into the ureter to prevent obstruction of the urine flow from the kidney.Stent inserted (during above procedure) to reduce trauma (11/28)
6. Intravenous pyelogram, or IVP: X-ray of the urinary tract. A dye is first injected into your vein; the dye is filtered by your kidneys and provides contrast so the kidneys are easier to see. A series of X-rays is taken over a 30-minute period, looking for blockages or problems. (12/4)
7. Urinalysis. Stent removed. (12/5)

Results:

1. Negative – no infection
2. Negative – no tumors, no masses, no stones
3. Negative – normal bladder (no cancer), normal left kidney, blood source= right kidney
4. Negative – no biopsy needed – no polyps or abnormal cells found
5. …
6. Negative – nothing abnormal found – no malignant cells, no blockages
7. No infection.  Antibiotics prescribed as a precaution

Next Steps:

• There seems to be NO FOUND CAUSE for the bleeding.
• Continue on as normal
• Hopefully the bleeding will stop or be minimal.
• Contact the doctor if the bleeding increases or there is pain.
• Return for procedure #3 in 4 months.

So how does this relate to running? 

For the most part, I was not in any physical pain during the first 3 procedures.  When I went to my doctor for #1, the PA there told that I had bladder cancer & to go to the hospital for more tests. Test #3 revealed that the problem was not in the bladder. For test #4, the urologist was looking for evidence of kidney cancer.  That has been ruled out for now.

So as you can see, it was pretty scary. And mentally, I could not focus on running…at all.  (I was also very sore after test#4)

Running Post Stress Fracture:

11/11 – 1/2 mi
11/13 – 1/2 mi
11/15 – 1/2 mi
11/17 – 1 mi
11/19  – 1 mi
11/21 – 1 mi
11/23 – 1.5 mi
11/25 – 1.5 mi
11/27 – 1.5 mi
12/2 – 2 mi
12/4 – 3 mi

NO tennis yet. Yes, I am off my half marathon plan already. Not worried…

Here are some photos from my run/walk through the park yesterday.  It definitely lifted my spirits.

Ready or not, I am doing my 12th race of the season (a 5K) in this park around these lights on Dec. 15!!

Happy Running!