I’m a bit concerned that Ryan might be getting another urinary tract infection (UTI). For the past several days leukocytes (white blood cells) are showing up in his urine. This is an indicator that Ryan’s immune system is engaged. The one thing that is giving me hope is the absence of nitrites; a sure sign of infection when leukocytes are also present.
It was on my Monday — my birthday — that the urine dip test strips alerted us. For the next three days, there was no change in either direction. His urine was free of foul odor and not cloudy. Beyond this, he was showing no discomfort. Then yesterday I was happy to see that leukocytes went from +1 to trace. Things were moving in the right direction.
Until last night.
It was a rough night for Ryan. His pulse was up over 25 beats per minute as compared to his baseline. He was restless and squirming. Something was bothering him, for sure. After getting him up for the day he settled down. I inspected his urine and it was clear and of normal odor; both good signs.
After Ryan’s first urine output of the morning I did a urine dip. Leukocytes immediately went to +2, a purple color (which is the greatest). It happened the instant the urine hit the stick. There’s no question now, Ryan’s immune system is going hard.
Nitrites might be present, but it’s a tough call. The challenge in these home test kits is discerning the faintest change in shades. It’s oftentimes difficult to see the difference between white and the palest shade of pink, especially without ideal lighting. Unfortunately, I think I see it just slightly. I included a picture (left) of a chart similar to what we use.
I’ll check his urine again this afternoon. It’s the only way, short of sending it out for culture, to know.
If I am convinced nitrites are present I’ll send his urine out. The culture will tell us the exact bacteria causing the infection. One thing I’m going to do differently — unless it’s a highly resistant bacteria — is hold the antibiotic until Ryan presents clinical signs (foul and cloudy urine odor, physical discomfort, etc.) . Although not likely, perhaps this bacteria has harmlessly colonized and will always be present after antibiotics have completely cleared his system.
Hoping you had a better night and Ryan rested better. Always thinking of you.
Ken, Just read post and am hoping and praying Ryan does not have UTI and hope he has a better night ..Think of him often and know because of you and Sue and your constant vigilance Ryan will get better.. Always here Love Gail
Praying that all will be ok. Only drawback in waiting is posible infection involving the ureter’s or either kidney.
I love your idea of using the big electric fan outside to keep away mosquitoes! Praying about the UTI–hoping a UTI wasn’t the cause of Ryan’s restless night. Maybe it was just a dream. Have his sleep waves been tested before? Does he dream?
Hi Ken, thank God you are able to assess the situation quickly and then formulate a response. I am praying this does not escalate into a UTI … it’s so unnerving, and I don’t like the way it seems to take days to find out the exact bacteria causing it. I’m grateful Ryan seemed to be calmer once he was up and into his routine today. It does make you wonder what might have been troubling him during the night == whether it was physical or if he was having dreams? Does Ryan always develop a fever with UTI’s?
Praying for you both today, that it will be a good day and that any UTI that may be brewing will go away. Looks like there won’t be any patio time for the next week or so — except perhaps early in the morning or at night. And now we have the mosquitos to worry about because they are testing positive in nearby counties for West Nile virus…blah.
Thank you for keeping us informed about Ryan’s health, and we will await your next update.
Praying for good health, sending love, & hugs
Paula
I don’t ever recall Ryan having a fever with a UTI.
So sorry to hear Ryan had a rough night. As always, you are right on top of the problem. Praying whatever is bothering him, that his body is just fighting it off naturally and he will feel better soon.
Keeping Ryan in our prayers.
Oh no! What a way to start your morning — this is not good! Just so you know, we are praying.
sorry to hear this….hoping it is remedied soon….
Praying that Ryan’s strong body can conquer this infection on its own, whatever it is. I say to keep trusting your instincts, and call in support whenever you need it — we are here for you guys!