possible kidney problems.....

[jhmom]

Hi all,

Just an update. I had my nuclear stress test and the results were normal (thank God)

I also had a 24 hr urine test last Monday. There was no protein this time (last test in June 2006 it was 398* BUT my creatinine clearance test came back low (43), normal for my age is at least 80. My rheumy said I should see a kidney specialist to get a second opinion. From what I've read this indicates kidney damage. I will be finding a specialist first thing in the morning. I hope I don't have to wait long for an appt.

When lupus attacks the kidney's does your rheumy care for you or do you have to see a kidney specialist?

So much has been going on between family issues, chest pains, almost passing out, terribly low BP, abnormal EKG, protein in urine 6 months ago and now this with my kidney's. If it's not one thing it's another, when will it stop? When will this disease stop wrecking havoc on my body?? I am sorry to whine. I will keep you all updated on when my appt is and what they say.

[Lily]

(((((((((((Stacie)))))))))))))

What happens with me is my lupie doc handles it as far as recommending a kidney specialist (well in my case Neurologist) and then he gets their report and depending on that will take action to help control the Lupus more adequately.

However many Lupus patients see a Neprhologist who will take care of all their needs in that area. Do your homework and find someone good, its a shame your Rheumy didnt recommend someone good who she sends her other lupus patients to :(

Good luck and hang in there, there's obviously something hanging around that needs to be looked at closer and possibly a change of meds to knock it on the head. Take heart though in that at least they are onto it, I know the relentlessness of Lupus gets really old real soon though :hugbetter:

And yes, stress and problems with family will make it all the more worse as you are discovering :foryou:

love
Lily

[jhmom]

Thank you Lily. I have made an appt with a kidney specialist for this Thursday. I was happy to find out a lady I go to church with uses him too. She said she loves him, so I hope he's a good one! I will let you know what he says.

[pnutts]

Hey Jhmom,
I see a nice nephrologist and I too am in Ga. Where are you located? The doc I see is in Lawrenceville are you near there?

Good luck

Cath

[chlomalee]

Hi Jhmom,

Wishing you all the best with your appointment,
That is good that there was no protein in the urine,You measure your creatinine different to the way we do in the uk, so I am not sure of your results.


Here in the uk, the renal team have looked after my lupus and renal problems for the last 22 years, although I do see the lupus team for my discoid lupus and I see the the rheumy team for my osteoarthritis,


Take care and all the best,
Marie xx

[jhmom]

Thank you both!

Cath, I am in Cherokee County, the doctor I found is in Canton. He has offices in Woodstock and Atlanta. I am very familiar with Lawrenceville, my mother lived out there in for many years.

[april_bride]

hi jhmom,
my rheumy referred me to a kidney specialist based on the result of my 24hr urine collection. then when i met with the kidney specialist she ran additional test and when the results came back she suggested i do a kidney biopsy. i hated the whole procedure but was really glad at the end i did it. from the biopsy they diagnosed me with Phase IV Diffuse Nephritis, 25% of my kidneys have been damaged. I had no idea my kidney was starting to fail. My Nephrologist told me if I didn't do the biopsy my kidney would have failed and I would've ended up as a kidney dialysis patient. :eek:
From what i know now - when they send you for a kidney biopsy they already know you have a kidney problem but the biopsy confirms the extent of the damage on your kidneys which would then give them a good idea what type of medications you need to keep your kidneys stable.

good luck to you and keep us posted!

[jhmom]

I went to the see the kidney specialist yesterday. He wants to do another 24 hour urine test, a kidney ultrasound, which is scheduled for Tuesday and he wants to see ALL of my labs for the past year (from my rheumy). I go back on the 15th, hopefully I will know more then. Thank you all for your well wishes.