Kidney issues, sick again

[PennyPru]

I was doing so much better yesterday, then my hubby and I went out and I had a steak dinner. I've now realized that the days after I've eaten a lot of protein, I've been really sick: diarrhea, puffy ankles, sore spine, and urinating constantly.

I had a urine catch a couple weeks back and I have bilirubin, keytones, and rare WBC in my urine. Two months ago I had a trace of protein. They said I was dehydrated and told me to eat rice.

Today I've noticed that the tops of my feet look reddish blue, like a bruise that doesn't hurt. I feel reallly awful, and very thristy but I'm scared to eat or drink anything. I nearly went to the ER an hour ago, but I talked myself out of it b/c I've been there twice in the past 5 weeks and last time they just gave me a tranquilizer and sent me home.

How does a person know if they are having Lupus nephritis? I have half a brain about me today, which is better than last week when this happened, but I keep urinating ... I don't know where all that liquid is coming from? Not having a DX, how on earth would I go to the ER and get them to investigate SLE neprhritis? Should I just avoid protein til Monday when I see my rheumy and pray that he will peice this together for me? What can I do to be safe?

Penny

[helloos]

Hi Penny.

Iwould say it certaintly would not hurt not to eat protein over the weekend if you suspect that is what it is. I agree, that Monday you need to discuss all of this with the rhemo and write it all down so you remember every last word of it.

The frequency of urinating can definitely be investigated.

Let me know how you make out on Monday and until then, have someone treat you like a queen.

You deserve it.

[RJN929]

Hi Penny

I found this for you, Hope it helps. Ronee

http://www.lupus.org/education/brochures/kidney.html

Edited by Lily - link added to comply with copywright laws

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Clinical Course Of Lupus Nephritis
There are very few signs or symptoms of lupus nephritis.

It does not cause pain in the abdomen or back.
However, when protein leaks from the kidneys, it is eliminated from the body in the urine
Foamy, frothy urine and getting up to urinate during the night can suggest excessive protein loss.
The loss of protein in the urine from lupus nephritis may then lead to fluid retention with weight gain and swelling (edema). This is often the first symptom noticed of lupus nephritis.


The edema generally appears as puffiness in the feet, ankles and legs.

This swelling will be absent in the morning, but will gradually worsen as the person walks about during the day.
The clinical path of lupus nephritis is highly variable.

1) Often the signs of lupus nephritis are seen only in urine studies.

In many people, the urine abnormalities are very mild and may be present during one examination and absent the next.

This form of lupus nephritis is rather common and generally does not require any special medical evaluation or treatment.

2) In some people, though, abnormal findings in the urine studies may persist or even worsen over time.

People with this type of lupus nephritis are at risk for loss of kidney function.

These individuals will need additional studies to assess the extent of their lupus nephritis and to determine the best treatment for controlling the disease.
It is important to recognize that not all kidney problems in people with lupus are due to lupus nephritis.

Infections of the urinary tract, with burning on urination, are quite common in people with lupus and require antibiotic treatment.

Also, signs or symptoms of kidney disease that can be confused with lupus nephritis may be caused by some medications used in lupus treatment. These problems usually go away when the medications are discontinued. Two medications that can cause fluid retention or loss of kidney function are:
-Salicylate compounds (e.g., aspirin)
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)[/b][/quote]

[Lily]

Hi Penny,

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hugbetter.gif I understand your worry and concern whilst waiting to find out whats going on with you. It can cause great anxiety and thats normal, but it might be an idea to discuss all that with your GP and see if you can get some help with that. It may take a while to sort things out for you possibly and you may need to be able to step back and take a deep breath whilst these investigations are ongoing (((((((((Penny)))))))))

I'm glad you are seeing your Rheumy soon, you must tell him all that you have told us and relay your fears and concerns to him.

I'm wondering if the frequent urination has anything to do with your magnesium intake, it can cause excess urination and diarrhea in some. I know you have a thyroid problem too and that can be influenced by magnesium - I dont know enough about it all but its worth mentioning to your doc. Its important they know everything we take especially when interpreting symptoms and blood and urinalysis results, some things can alter them and send them on a different chase altogether. If they know about it then they can take that into consideration.

A trace of protein is entirely normal in a majority of the population, and sometimes it comes from skin contamination when giving the sample. If it went above that or became consistent then they would be more concerned. The bilirubin, I'm not sure, I have that myself sometimes and they arent sure why. The ketones can indeed be from prolonged vomiting and / or diarrhea because your body has few nutrients and goes into starvation mode. Its also common when we havent eaten properly for a few days. I'm not sure what kind of 'rare' white blood cells you have in your urine, but thats not a sign of Lupus Nephritis. Lupus Nephritis presents in different stages with many of us but some of the key findings are high protein, red cells and casts, there are also blood tests available to determine how well your kidneys are functioning.

I wish you good luck at the Rheumy, but please tell him how you are feeling about all this and your worries etc. He can help calm your fears and if there's something to be concerned about then he will investigate as long as he has all the facts. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hugbetter.gif

Hang in there, diagnosis limbo is not a nice place to be but stress and unneccessary worry are going to get you in a real state. Find out if there is something to be concerned about first and take it from there, we will be here anytime you need to vent Penny style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

love
Lily

[PennyPru]

Thank you (((((((((((((((((all))))))))))))))))). These ideas help me. I'm just so scared that I'm going to die before they figure out what is wrong with me. I have two little girls and a wonderful husband and beautiful life and I'm not ready to go! It is so frustrating and frightening, especially when I feel like the writing is on the wall about what I have (SLE) and no blasted specialist can seem to call it. Don't get me wrong: Idon't WANT SLE, but I just continue to believe that's what I have, especially when it seems so few doctors actually know true diagnostics behind it.

I get scared that they aren't running the right tests to make sure everything in me is working right. I know I am absolutely stressed out of my gord, but I feel like I'm running out of time and that's not helping my mind any.

Monday I'll see the rheumo and tell him my urination/swelling issues. I'll also tell him about the beach trip and outside correlation with my fatigue and see what he says. I may print off the guideline sheet and show him the symtpoms I have. I'll let you a ll know. Thank you for making me feel I am not alone in this. I feel like I am fighting for my life right now (physically AND mentally) and having you all on my side is really helping.

Love >|< Penny

[iris.phillips1]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/foryou.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/foryou.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/foryou.gif
hi penny,
im so sorry your not well again im sending (((((((((((((((((((((((((big hugs)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) you make sure you rest
hope to speak to you soon penny love genette xxxx style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rotfl.gif