Hello, and hope everyone has had the best possible weekend so far. I feel a little ignorant posting this, but the only dumb question is the one you don't ask.
Are there any tell tale signs that it is lupus disease activity causing kidney issues? I do not have a rheumy right now to turn to.
I have been in a rough spot with my overall health. More than lupus to contend with. I am honestly struggling and scared.
At least one kidney is in trouble, and my primary has yet to have me see a specialist. History of tiny single stones (grit) once in a while for 20+ years, recent CT showed none when done, also uti off and on, and now blood in my urine not visible to the naked eye, no infection. Blood pressure really out of control too (kidneys regulate that), and have been released by the cardiologist, clean heart cath. A family history with kidney failure not related to diabetes or alcoholism, cause unknown. I have had pain above the waist one side of my back, and it's not related to spinal stuff. I wake up in a lot of pain in that spot until I head to the bathroom. It's getting worse. Alright enough. TMI.
Doing all I know of to not stress my kidneys. Any helpful suggestions would be very appreciated.
Your doctor can run a urinalysis to check out your kidney function In the meantime you need to cut WAY back on your sodium and remain adequately hydrated- without caffinated drinks If overweight you need to lose weight now. Your blood pressure can be elevated without kidney disease and lifestyle goes a long way in controlling your blood pressure.
I'm calling tomorrow to get back in to be seen at my primary. He has to make a referral to the dietician otherwise they won't see me, even though my insurance doesn't require it. I have always struggled with my weight, but eat like a bird. Low fat, low sodium, fresh and organic when I can get it, no junk foods, and rarely store bought stuff to throw in the oven I haven't made from scratch. I'm not able to be active any more like I once was. I do stretching, meditation, anything else as able. If anything my body is in starvation mode perhaps, and eating more will help. No appetite.
I don't want to wake up one day, and find myself headed to get a stent placed for dialysis. Thanks for the helpful suggestions, will try to see where I can make any changes!
Lupus nephritis shows up in the urinalysis - with different casts, red blood cells white blood cells and protein. Kidney biopsies may then be done to determine extent of damage but the urinalysis is what is used to track kidney disease as well as basic blood work But there are many other causes of kidney disorders not related to lupus as ohsoperplexed has noted. My sister had rheumatoid arthritis and kidney failure as a result of kidney stones not her autoimmune disease
my biggest fear is the kidney... trace protein each time we test but never a real issue... my labs are horrendous in everything else though... low platelets, low white blood cells, etc... time will tell...
I am one of the 1% according to my Rhuemy that is ANA neg. That said, for approx 10 yrs I have had elevated protein in my urine. Normal is .01-.95 per ml. but because of my neg ANA nothing else was ever done for it. Now tho my doc is thrilled that I am down to 3.something as I was 13.94 when I had my stroke. You are absolutely right about it regulating your BP so if that is uncontrolled, that is a sign. As high as my protein was I was approx 1-2 weeks from complete kidney failure that even dialysis or transplant would not have saved my life. My point is that this is another indicator, but it usually affects both kidneys and the entire arterial system. If your protein is continually above normal that could be a good indicator and I would insist on more tests and perhaps even a biopsy.
The damage to my kidneys is done, however by being vigilant I should make it for a while longer :).
ASK YOUR PCD TO SEND YOU TO A KIDNEY SPECIALIST, AND FIND A GOOD RHEUMY, HE WILL BE A BETTER PERSON TO GO TO ,TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS AND GET YOU TO THE RIGHT DOCTOR. I WISH YOU WELL, WILL PRAY FOR YOU THAT ALL GOES WELL.
Years ago when i was 29 i had kidney problems and losing blood in my urine and now they're still playing up, your sides where your kidneys are swell out and the pain i get is a proper stabbing pain and i sympathize with you as they can be very hurtful.
If your urine is dark you may have a kidney infection which your GP can help you with but otherwise your urine is usually tested and a biopsy can also decide if they are bad.
The link below explains everything on kidney disease with Lupus plus blood pressure involvement occurs also.
Thanks for the helpful replies everyone. I have the site set to no notices, and just saw them! Terri. link appreciated, will bookmark it to study.
Pain has now begun last couple of days on other side as well. Not happy about it. Honestly feel like I am falling apart, and can be frustrating when one symptoms eases or is dealt with and another rears it head. Oh well, tomorrow will come and holds promise of surprises too.
Can't get into primary until October? What? A patient with a funky EKG, extremely high blood pressure, and history of kidney stones, with current back and flank pain calls saying they need an appointment and must wait 10 weeks. By then I will be with someone new. Oh yes I will.
So, for now I am my own doctor. If I get in real trouble, guess it is, yuck, the ER. Sorry for sounding down, determined to continue living as well as possible. My chronic illnesses can't have my marriage, joy, or dominate my entire existence. Off now for some mindless television therapy.
That's a long time to wait to see somneone it's sick but if it's spread to your other one...it sounds like a kidney infection, get some pearl barley and boil it and when it's cooked get the juice drained into bottles or get someone to help and once it's cooled stick them in the fridge and drink them in one go as much as you can, if you don't like the taste then add a little sugar, as pearl barley clears the kidneys out and also drink loads of water because of dehydration mate...if the pain from them both feels like stabbing pain and your sides swell, then your body is'nt getting enough fluid.
Takecare and all my thoughts and love are with you. ((Hugs Terri)) xxx
ohsoperplexed said:
Thanks for the helpful replies everyone. I have the site set to no notices, and just saw them! Terri. link appreciated, will bookmark it to study.
Pain has now begun last couple of days on other side as well. Not happy about it. Honestly feel like I am falling apart, and can be frustrating when one symptoms eases or is dealt with and another rears it head. Oh well, tomorrow will come and holds promise of surprises too.
Can't get into primary until October? What? A patient with a funky EKG, extremely high blood pressure, and history of kidney stones, with current back and flank pain calls saying they need an appointment and must wait 10 weeks. By then I will be with someone new. Oh yes I will.
So, for now I am my own doctor. If I get in real trouble, guess it is, yuck, the ER. Sorry for sounding down, determined to continue living as well as possible. My chronic illnesses can't have my marriage, joy, or dominate my entire existence. Off now for some mindless television therapy.
Terri, thanks! Keep pearl barley and other grains on hand. sounds like you know a lot about natural and holistic ways to be as well as possible. Wish I did, trying to learn. How much of the barley to boil, and how long will the liquid keep? Have been eating asparagus and saving it's tiny bit of cooking water to drink as diuretic, have been retaining fluid in hands, lower legs and feet.
Sorry i'm a day late replying...i know some natural remedies through generations of family using stuff in the old fashioned way but when i drank those 5 bottles of barley they soon flushed my kidneys out and the blood stopped.
We use boxed barley here, you need a large saucepan the old fashioned ones and one box is enough or a box and half, when it's cooked let it cool before draining the juice into bottles then stick it in the fridge and try and get the amount of bottles you've done down you in 2-3days as it's better for your kidneys that way.
My hubby loves asparagus on the dinners but i've stopped having it because with drinking water and that ontop going to the loo is joke.
the fluid your holding can be the kidneys but inflammation can cause this besides...how you been with them since i last got intouch as it had spread to your other one.