New on here and Scared.

[lookoutthere]

Hi everyone.

I've come on here for some advice as I am really scared about my recent visit to my doctor.

I got back from my Doctor last week. I have a family history of High Blood pressure and have been taking ramipril for the past 4 years. Anyways I had a Urine test in March and when the results came back my ACR ratio showed as 7. The doctor said she was concerned (I'm 30) and carried out a strip test which showed up for Protein. She said it could be the ramipril affecting things or the worst case scenario would be that i would end up having dialysis 3 times a week... which to be honest has shook me to pieces and this past week I have thought non stop about this.

Last year I had a large kidney stone removed and another 2 smaller ones blasted so I don't know if this is anything to do with this?

I've now been referred to a specialist for further examination but am literally so upset.

The results I got were

Albumin - 23.6mg/l

Urine Creatinine 3.5mmol

AC ratio 6.8mg/mmol

[rabbit01]

I can understand you being upset. I was the same when out of the blue a routine blood test showed by kidney function to be 17%.  That was almost exactly a year ago and the doctors still have no idea what caused it. Fortunately my levels have been pretty much static since diagnosis which I put down to cutting out as much salt as possible from my diet (I used to have loads) and pretty much cutting out red meat.  I have also stopped drinking colas and other carbonated drinks and increased my drinking of still water.  I know it is not easy but please try to stay positive. It is good that your doctor has referred you to a nephrologist.  Please stay in touch as this forum is very helpful and supportive.

[lookoutthere in reply to rabbit01]

Hi. Thanks for you reply. I had some bloodwork done in Jan and had this Bloodwork repeated last week. The bloods have come back all clear. When I asked re the eGFR she said it was normal. I also had another ACR test. Last time it was 6.8 and now its 4.4? I asked for the specifics and she said my Urine Albumin was 64 (last time was 23.6) and the Urine Creatinine was 14 (last time 3.5)

So I'm concerned that the Albumin is 3 times it was. I did have an infection for about 2 weeks recently so could this be causing these high Albumin levels? The GP said just wait to see what Nephrologist says.

Will keep updating on here.

[VGCarer]

They have to give you the worse case every time. What a good nephrologist will do is try to maintain your current function as long as possible which gives you the opportunity to plan for future treatment.  3 times a week Hemo is one option, look into peritoneal dialysis,  it's less time invasive and leaves you mobile. You can do Hemo at home but the training takes a while. Above all,  don't panic!  

[Bunkin]

I'm in the same boat! Had my nephrologist apot yesterday. Wasn't sure what to expect but just ordered some tests and follow up in a month. Pretty much said eventually I will need a transplant. Didn't mention dialysis yet! But I have been in a program that raised my GFR from 12 to 15.  I was so proud for doing it on my own naturally but he didn't even acknowledge that. I was a little downhearted but will continue on. Hope and pray all goes well for you. God be with you!!

[rabbit01 in reply to Bunkin]

Bunkin your nephrologist sounds like the first one I had. As you know I was 17% egfr and he told me to go home and carry on as normal, had no advice for healthy eating or any actions that I should take. Giving them the benefit of the doubt these docs are only human and they obviously have a lot of patients that they see so we are each just one of many. Also to someone who is not ill a slight increase in kidney function may seem nothing to write home about whereas to us with a depleted function just a few % makes a huge difference physically and mentally. Well done on getting your kidney function up and long may it continue. Carry on doing what you are doing as it seems to be working for you.

[Bunkin in reply to rabbit01]

Thanks for that!! Will carry on!

[aadd4444]

Dear One, I hope  you won't have any serious problem and I wish you a very healthy long life.

[Bunkin in reply to aadd4444]

Thanks!