Kidney Patient Guide

Hi all,
New to the forum having just been diagnosed with kidney problems by hospital. Abdo scan showed both kidneys were enlarged and follow up bloods showed egfr at 65.
Been referred to nephrology and have first appt on 6october.
What can I expect from this first appointment? What will they likely do? Have had recurrent utis for approx 2 years, not always shown bacteria growth in lab or positive results in urine test, but gp went with 'if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, its probably a duck'. Urination has changed...pee a lot esp at night and often have low back pain.
Is it possible that kidneys are actually ok and this is something else?

Hi loumermaid,

The Nephrologist, may want to palpate (feel) your kidneys, this requires contact with the skin front and back in the area of your kidneys, otherwise, it will be blood pressure, and perhaps listen to your chest, and they may press thumb on your lower legs to test for dimpling.

It is likely that the outcome of this first meeting will be some more tests, blood samples, urine etc.

Best wishes.

Thank you for your reply. Just want answers and to know what I can do to help myself!!!

Hi loumermaid,

There is little you can do, you will have to wait for a diagnosis which, in some cases can take a while.
In the mean time all you can do is try to keep healthy, eat sensibly (five-a-day), drop salt completely (to help keep blood pressure down), and take some exercise (20 min brisk walk 3 - 4 times a week will do the trick).
Brisk walk - if you can talk whilst walking that is too slow but there is no need to push until you are gasping for breath.