It Changes Your Pee

***DISCLAIMER:  I am NOT a medical doctor, therefore this is not an all inclusive list of everything that could be the cause of abnormalities.  If you have any questions or concerns about things mentioned here, discuss with your doctor.***

I originally was going to write a post about how I simplify complex information for patients at work that undoubtedly makes someone laugh.  However in thinking of examples for this entry, I realized many things affect your pee, and decided instead to tell you about the magic of pee and what it can tell you.

First, the ones from the original post idea of how I simplify things.  A common example is someone comes up to the counter with a vitamin bottle in their hand asking if it is, in fact, what the doctor was trying to recommend to them.  Their next concern is usually what would happen if they were already getting enough of it or another vitamin that is in the pill.  Now, one could go into the whole explanation that your body won't absorb it if it's one that is water soluble.  My response is usually: you'll pee it out.

My favorite vitamin to explain is B-12 though.  As a vegetarian, I was concerned about getting enough of this one and often others are as well when they ask questions about it.  Here's a fun way of knowing if you need to be taking B-12 in pill form:  if your pee is green, you're getting enough then and you are wasting your money on the vitamin.

One thing drug companies like to add to meds is hydrochlorothiazide or, hctz.  For example, a person can be on lisinopril and the doctor decides to change it to the combination of lisinopril/hctz.  Patients usually have no idea what hctz is.  I wouldn't either had I not had this job.  Most understand when one tells them it is a water pill.  However, when that doesn't work, I tell them it just makes them pee more which then jogs their memory of what their doctor had told them.

Interesting factoid (that I'll let you look up yourself which one it is): a particular drug is actually made from pregnant horse pee.  Of course, I would never break this disturbing news to someone picking up their prescription for it....unless they are really rude to me for no reason.

Your pee can also be an indication that something is wrong.  If your pee smells and you haven't eaten any asparagus recently, then there is probably something wrong.  Like, you have a UTI or yeast infection wrong so get thee to a doctor or minute clinic.  If it is cloudy, ye should also seek medical advice as it could be an infection like mentioned before or an STD.

Now, the color of pee can be alarming too.  If it's green, you probably are getting too much of a particular vitamin.  Consult with your doctor.  If it's a bright orange, it's probably the cause of a medication you are taking.  If it's clear or a very pale yellow, it's probably because you drank a lot of fluids recently.  A good way to tell if you are dehydrated is if your urine is a dark yellow/orange.  Fun fact: your urine will typically be the darkest in the morning when you first wake up, assuming your're not dehydrated or drank a full glass of water in the middle of the night.

Lastly: if there is blood or it hurts to pee: see a doctor immediately as this is something serious.  Not going to tell you what because I would rather scare you into going than you ignoring it for a few days, especially if you are a guy because why you don't go to doctors is beyond me.  Hint: women go to doctors and live longer than men on average.....just saying.


Now I'm sure I have either grossed you out, entertained you, or have made you think about your pee in a whole new way.