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> Hello Sue: > You wrote - > >>> Sue Maltais <[log in to unmask]> 07/29/97 09:01am > >>>I have a question...my Dad's been getting blood in his > urine. The urologist said all tests came back fine. He read > in one of his PD books that this can be a side effect of the > levadopa. Anyone else heard of this?<<< > Sue, Just before I was diagnosed with PD, I kept getting urinary infections. In hindsight, the untreated PD may have been a contributer to this. I went on low dose antibiotics for over 2 years, but came off them 7 months ago and have been OK since then. The point is, that although I KNEW I had a problem with these infections, it took some time to get any results back from the lab which said other than "negative" or "no significant growth". Therefore, I am now very wary of a urine analysis which says there is no problem when other factors seem to indicate otherwise. Because of this past problem, I use some reagent strips called "Multistix". They are reagent strips with little reagent patches stuck to them which change colour to denote things like sugar, protein, blood etc in urine. One check that is offered is for "leucocytes". These are white blood cells and when found in urine are a sign of infection. They are very easy to use (best time to check is on rising) and I use them frequently to check for early warning that I have a problem building and an increase in fluid intake is indicated to flush out the wee little beasties, or that a swift visit to the doctor is required. In the UK they are distributed by "Bayer diagnostics" and can be ordered from the chemist. In the USA they may be produced by "Miles inc". They come in various types for specific purposes and the one I use is called "Multistix 8 SG". Any that check for blood and leucocytes will do. They are about =A333 in UK, but contain 100 strips so could last a long time depending on frequency of testing. In checking over the last 3.8 years, I have not personally found that the levodopa caused any blood whatsoever in the urine. Your Dad might consider using these to determine if there is indeed blood, or signs of infection, that needs further attention. If it is blood, it should not be ignored. If you do find out any more about a blood-levodopa connection, please let us know. Ernie. Ernie Peters <[log in to unmask]>