Question:
Abnormal Urine Results - Post Op

I have been having a few problems post op (4 months - 88 lbs. down) and went to see my PCP. They took a urine sample and she said there was blood in my urine. She asked me to return in 10-days for another sample. Yesterday was the 10-day mark and I again showed traces of blood in my urine along with bilirubin. I had a hysterectomy at age 29, I'm now 37 and I have Hepatitis C - has anyone else ran across this problem after surgery and if so, could it have anything to do with kidney stones or the hepatitis? I can't see my doc again until next week but wanted to ask if anyone had this problem after surgery...I know I need more liquids - I'm trying, I'm trying. :) Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Have a g-g-g-great weekend !    — Lisa J. (posted on August 10, 2002)

August 10, 2002
Lisa, Bilirubin is a bile pigment produced from Hemoglobin breakdown. The breakdown occurs in the liver. When red blood cells become old and no longer functional, they are broken down in the liver. The remaining good qualities is taken out (plasma, bilirubin, and biliverdin) and reprocessed. Bilirubin values increase in urine for different reasons, but the most common are melanoma, and biliary obstruction. (I am going to dismiss the melanoma). With Hep. C, it is highly likely that the bile ducts are stopped up somewhere causing this. More likely, it is a gallstone or scar tissue from the hep. I would not sit around and worry about it because it could just be a fluke. I have had tests worry me to death before, and never amount to anything.
   — Tina B.

August 10, 2002
Thank you for taking the time to answer, Tina ~ I appreciate your words.
   — Lisa J.