Protein in Urine

dtd

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Just joined the forum and boy, wish I'd known enough to talk to my son sooner. He works out daily, is a two sport athlete (soccer and swimming), lifts weights and is preparing for the CFA. He hydrated before the physical today but not to the max and he worked out yesterday. The physical by CONCORDE went great except for the fact dr. wrote that he wears retainers at night (I wouldn't think that would be a problem) and that he had protein in his urine. So, from my reading of prior posts it sounds like he will be told to re-test -- is this correct? Any guidance on how long that will take and what I should tell him re: workouts/gatorade drinks etc. in the meantime. We are collectively bummed but trying to not get too freaked out. Wonder why they don't tell you to not work out strenuously with the test packet? Thanks for any advice.
 
Our son is dealing with the same issue right now. 3'sport athlete, running cross country now. He was notified that a remedial was needed very soon after the initial physical (by letter). He took a three day break from running and working out and stopped the protein shakes......and....no protein in the urine the second time round. He is waiting for the DODMERB all clear and that has been really frustrating because there seems to be a back log at Concorde.
 
Thanks very much for your post; it helps to know others have navigated this issue successfully. I'm glad your son got negative results the second time around. Hopefully we'll get the retest letter soon then and can good results as well. It seems like if this is not uncommon for athletes they'd suggest not working out before the test. It is the waiting, of course, that is the hardest.
 
Might sound weird, but also tell your son not to masturbate or anything for one day prior.
When recruiters take kids to meps it is often said to not do this. If there is any trace of seamen it will increase a protein reading.
 
Thanks -- I'll let my husband tell him that one -- thanks much -- would have never thought of that!
 
We were under the impression that a urine sample was no longer required. My DD had her physical and was not asked to submit one. You would think the standards would be the same across the board. :scratch: Scratching my head on that one.
 
Wonder why they don't tell you to not work out strenuously with the test packet?
For future physical exam takers, read your instruction packets completely. They give you all the information you need to know right on the DoDMets website including to avoid strenuous exercise two days prior to exam. The strenuous exercise could show up as protein in the urine.

Below was taken directly from the DodMets site:
  • Physicals can be performed even if you have a minor illness.
  • Drink water prior to your appointment in anticipation for the Urine Analysis. Avoid strenuous exercise two days (48 hours) before your exam.
  • Avoid all stimulants such as coffee, tea, or cola at least 24 hours prior to the exam.
  • Soft contact lenses must be removed at least 3 days prior to the date of your optical examination.
  • All other types of lenses must be removed 21 days prior to the date of your optical examination (90 days for ortho-keratology or corneal refractive lenses).
  • Failure to remove contact lenses for the proper amount of time may result in a repeat examination at your own expense.
 
Thanks - that was not in the packet you are told to download from DODMERB. We should have checked the website.
 
Might sound weird, but also tell your son not to masturbate or anything for one day prior.
When recruiters take kids to meps it is often said to not do this. If there is any trace of seamen it will increase a protein reading.
I'm so glad that DS downloaded and read all of the info. Med cleared just fine back in July. We just had a good laugh over the masturbation issue. His answer was Duh...Dont you know that is like eating a cup of poppy seeds and taking a drug test. It is so much fun talking with my boy.
 
DS's AROTC contracting was delayed because of high protein in urine on two tests. He of course, told us nothing and did nothing until after the second hot test. Can't remember all the preparations an Internist family friend recommended. (It can be easily found on the internet.) I do specifically remember, he was advised to abstain from physical activity for 48 hours, stay very hydrated, consume nothing diuretic (especially caffeine and alcohol), sleep a lot two nights before. I don't remember specific recommendations about diet.

Third time was a charm.

Best of luck!
 
Thanks so much. I think we may check with our family physician too. I've told him to keep working out and hydrating since we don't know how long it will take DoDMERB to process the physical but to hold off on caffeinated drinks. It helps to hear of others who re-tested successfully.
 
I had protein in my urine last year, and didn't even have to go back. they just qualified me. If the protein isn't over a certain threshold they don't care. Large amounts of protein may indicate impaired kidney function which is why they run the test.
 
Hi thanks so much for your post! That would be great -- they didn't say how much -- they just said protein in the urine. It would be terrific if this turned out to be ok. Crossing fingers -- and thanks again.
 
Not to worry. My son had the same issue. They will send you to a lab to retest. Literally takes 5 mins and results are updated in about a week. Just make sure that he drinks a lot of water for the 48 hours prior to his test
 
Update -- Got the letter from DODMERB as fully qualified; a new test after 3 days of no workouts was negative. I understand from a former DODMERB official that urine tests are no longer required but that some contract doctors/companies do not seem to have gotten the word.
 
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