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Newbie - What could it be?

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2016 12:57 am
by StevenDoe
Hi guys,

I'm new to this.

I went in for a normal checkup and I the doctor found that I had Protein in the urine (Proteinuria). My Blood Pressure is a bit high (140 / 90) and so is my Cholesterol (a bit high). I did a 24 Hour Test (Nephrologist), and an Ultrasound.

My numbers came back, my creatinine (1.27), GFR 72 and the protein in the urine is at 4+ (I think its based on MG). My ultrasound came back with simple cysts on right kidney.

The Nephrologist now wants me to go in for a Biopsy (of the normal kidney) and I am honestly extremely nervous about all this. All my other tests have come back as negative (HIV, etc, etc, etc). My question is, I think the doctor is good and all but he does not explain things to me in great detail which bothers me a bit. I am the type of person who wonders and unfortunately stresses a lot (mainly because I know I have not taken care of myself...). Basically I want your opinion on whether this is the best course of action and whether I have much to be worried about. I am a 36 / M / 270 LBS / Non White (But not black) american. What do you think it could be? Could it be only due to the hypertension? Is it something I can live with? Is it possible to get a diagnosis without a biopsy...really scared tbh, thank you guys, and best of luck with your kidneys as well...Thank you.

Re: Newbie - What could it be?

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2016 10:02 am
by rheaybou
If you really want to know what is going on with the kidney, then a biopsy is the best way forward and to ensure that if any treatment/medication is needed then it is the right choice for what could be going on.

Regarding your Dr, ask questions.....tell the Dr that you want a more detailed explanation of what he is talking about, it could well be that he has all the information that he can give you and needs this biopsy to give you a full diagnosis.

Re: Newbie - What could it be?

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2016 3:36 pm
by wagolynn
Write down the questions your doctor did not cover as you think of them. Take the list with you on your next visit, and use it.

At the moment your kidney function is more then adequate, you should get your blood pressure down (high blood pressure will destroy healthy kidneys), 120/80 is thought to be 'kind' to kidneys, make a start by eliminating added salt in food, when cooking, and eating.

Protein - the American diet tends to have too much protein in it, this may be a factor in the protein in your urine.
On average we need about 80grams, say about 3 ounces of first class protein per day.

Best wishes.

Re: Newbie - What could it be?

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2016 4:16 pm
by StevenDoe
@wagolynn @rheaybou

Thank you both for the quick reply. It is in my nature to stress unfortunately.

I am on fenofibrate of 145mg 1 dose/daily for cholesterol, and 50mg of losartan 1 dose/daily for high bp (they started me at 25mg it did nothing).

I have cut out all animal protein from my diet immediately, even before then, I would only eat meat and chicken a few times a week only. I have to lose weight for sure.

I have a biopsy scheduled next week, so fingers crossed, I know it will be a couple weeks from now to know anything. I was able to speak to another doctor, that took the time out of his non-work day to take my call for free (super kind of him and I will be switching to him). He answered alot of my questions. They both said fsgs was at the top of their list of diagnosis, but biopsy has to confirm diagnosis. And I know it can be alot worse things, but that scares me. I just want to know what I have can be limited in progression. I know it isn't lupus or anything viral, they have tested for those.

So the top things it can be are:
fsgs
iga nephropathy
Other immuno ones
low on the scale but due to obesity & high bp

I guess I just want to know if it is fsgs, can i stop it from getting worse? When you read online, its like doomsday and scary.

Thank you guys so much for replying, I hope you both are doing well with yours.

Re: Newbie - What could it be?

Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2016 7:29 pm
by wagolynn
Hi StevenDoe,

You may have already seen this http://www.kidney.org.uk/help-and-info/ ... ease-fsgs/

I would seek medical advice about cutting protein so drastically, any way, they need to know you have done this as it will affect your test results.
You must have some protein input to maintain your body.

'Lost', protein is not a problem, it is the reason why so much is being lost that is the problem.

This may be of interest http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Pag ... ating.aspx, follow the link to meat for their comments on high grade protein, but the whole thing is 'sensible' diet advice. However, once again, I say tell your doctors if you make changes or better still, talk to them first.

Best wishes.