Intravenus Urography (Pyleography)

The last of the major tests I underwent before my diagnosis was an Intravenus Urography -  a test that uses X-rays and a special dye to help assess the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.

Intravenous urography (also known as intravenous pyelography) is an X-ray procedure which is used to assess problems in the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. These structures make up the urinary tract. The ureters are tubes which go from each kidney to the bladder. The urethra is the tube from the bladder that

passes out urine.

The urinary tract does not show up well on ordinary X-ray pictures. However, with intravenous urography a contrast dye is injected into a vein ('intravenous' injection). The dye travels in the bloodstream, concentrates in the kidneys, and is passed out into the ureters with urine made by the kidneys.

The dye blocks X-rays so the structure of the kidneys, ureters and bladder shows up clearly as white on X-ray pictures The X-ray pictures produced are called an intravenous urogram (IVU), but can also be called an intravenous pyelogram (IVP).

The process of Intravenus Urography is very similar to going through an X-ray of any other part of the body.   I was given a hospital gown and asked to remove my bra as the underwire would affect the pictures.  I was then laid on a bed and asked to stay very still when they were taking the x-ray pictures.  After a few 'normal' shots, the doctor came to give me the injection of Contrast Dye.  It feels as any other injections, just a small scratch.  As the fluid is working round your body, it can make you feel warm as it's spreading and does give a sensations that makes you feel like you need to urinate but I assure you, you won't pee yourself!

The doctor then takes a few more shots and the whole process is over in about 45 minutes.

This is not a very invasive or uncomfortable procedure, in fact I actually fell asleep and had to be woken by the x-ray technician... embarrassing!!

My results came back as there being no problems with my kidney structure and this aided my consultant Nephrologist (Kidney Doctor) in diagnosing Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome.

Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome is something called a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning there is no test to prove you have it - it is only diagnosed when several tests and procedures show no other reason for the symptoms, blood in the urine and kidney pain.


In m next post I will speak about the beginning of my LPHS treatment and the doctors involved in it.