Confused About GFR/BUN, UTI Symptoms & What Urologist Said

[msplumuniq]

Hi. New here. I'm totally confused. I've had same UTI symptoms since December. Went through 3 rounds anti-biotics from urgent care. Still hurt, heavy pressure, sharp pain, burning, pain in sides & back. Saw urologist in Feb, he ordered US on kidneys/bladder...and X-ray on urinary system. I picked up results; they said "chronic cystitis; hemateria;acute UTI". No stones or masses. I went back to urologist on 3/20/18 (yesterday). He did a cytoscopy that day. He looked at reports and X-rays in person, said I have no infection, all is

clear. No cystitis, etc. He said it's just the hormonal imbalances causing inflammation to the outer lining of my bladder, causing the pain. I'm 57, so makes sense. But, because I have thyroid problems, endocrinologist said I cannot use any hormone products or creams. Urologist said there is one, but very expensive, not covered by insurance, so that's out. He said there is nothing to give to help this pain. It's bad some days. Anyone else this problem?

Also, I brought a CBC report for him to see, done on 2/12/18. It was originated from my pain management, due to showing neuropathy. (I also have fibromyalgia which I read commonly has chronic cystitis associated with it).

Anyway, it showed:

eGFR of 36; BUN of 27; Creatinine of 1.58. Albumin of 4.4. BUN/Creatinine ratio of: 17. Potassium $ sodium & Chloride all good.

So all numbers are normally except GFR and BUN. I was on anti-biotics when test was done if that matters.

I was told that my numbers are normal, come back in 6 months. I'm kind of wondering why bother if there is nothing to be done for the bladder pain and kidneys are normal.

The urologist did NOT ask for family history. My mother has 25% functioning kidneys, has gone through dialysis, etc. My younger brother ended up in a hospital late last year with bleeding ulcet and kidneys functioning very poorly.

I'm reading how ppl have diets for kidneys and thinking, how would I even know to do this if I'm told everything's normal? I have been a salad fanatic for quite a while now, I read that raw veggies are good for kidneys. My gastro tells me not to eat those, due to sluggish digestion, but I do anyway. I eat low protein already, as it's harder to digest. I know I have to work on water intake. With the sluggish suggestion it's hard because i feel so bloated with too much water intake. But I'm trying hard.

I see my GP on 4/6. I'm wondering if I should ask for a second opinion or even ask for a referral to a nephrologist and just skip the urologist.

I'm probably just reading too much into this... But tired of being so tired, which increased in December, tired of all this.

But wanted to see what others thought. Thank you for anyone who takes time to read this and reply!

[Celtic]

Which antibiotic? If it was trimethoprim, that is known to reduce eGFR temporarily.

And yes, you should be under a renal consultant/nephrologist. I see both renal and urology (frequent UTIs).

[msplumuniq in reply to Celtic]

Hello and thank you. Also, sorry for the late response. No, the anti-biotic wasn't Bacterim. I had 3 in succession, which were Macrobid, Keflex and Levaquin. I'm going to ask my GP for a referral to a Nephrologist and to refer me to a different Urologist.

Again, thank you!

[Celtic in reply to msplumuniq]

Hello again. Be careful with Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid). I have been prescribed it a few times during the last year and recently read that it is contraindicated in most patients with an eGFR of less than 45. This is because of low urine concentrations in those with CKD. Also, it was suggested that Trimethoprim alone should be prescribed, not Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazone. And this was in a Gov.UK paper from 2014. Good luck with your referrals.

[Hidden]

Hi, and Welcome

If your doctor saw your GFR and said it was normal, your doctor is failing you. If that is your standalone number for your GFR then you are at Stage 3 of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). If you had other labs done in the past and look to see if your GFR was done then you'll have a better idea of where you are.

I see that you live in the USA so I can offer lots of information for you. You've found this site and you'll come across many people who can share information and answer your questions and concerns.

Go to the davita.com website and register for a free 90-minute class in your area for information on CKD. A professional, knowledgeable in all things kidney related will conduct the class and provide you with a lot of information and answers to your many questions. Any questions remaining should give you a starting point of asking a nephrologist about. Your PCP should give you a referral to see a kidney specialist in your area. Set yourself up with a list of all your medications and dosages, including any OTC meds or supplements you take and for how long.

Also, at the same website, you'll find along their main menu a drop down on RECIPES. You'll find many kidney-friendly meals that will help you eat properly for someone at Stage 3. You need to check your past labs for your values on sodium, potassium, phosphorous, protein, and calcium. You don't want to eliminate any of these because your body does need them, but cutting back significantly will be necessary to slow the progression of CKD.

Speak to the nephrologist about your diet and exercise program and work at it every day. If you smoke, stop. If you drink alcohol, cut way back if not out altogether.

[msplumuniq in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for the welcome, very much appreciated! Sorry for the delayed response. I was very much hoping to receive a response, so I'm so thrilled to see so many replies! Not so thrilled at the answers though. Deep down, I think I was hoping to hear not to worry. But who wouldn't?

I truly thank you for this concern and advice.

I asked my mother when she found out she had a kidney problem and she said it was stage 4. I'm beginning to think that a lot of people aren't told until they're at stage 4, which is counter-productive as far as prevention goes.

Why is anyone's guess.

Again, thank you for the help. I'll be sure to check out that site.

[msplumuniq in reply to Hidden]

Hello. It's been awhile. I have since lost insurance, so no referrals. Hopefully, we'll be on some again soon.

I did ask another Dr I saw if I could another complete blood panel, and he ordered it. I should have the results soon. I want to do some comparisons.

I do have a question though, if you or anyone can answer.

I notice some time ago that my undereye circles have gotten much darker, even reddish. I have always thought these related to my hypothyroidism.

In the last couple of months, I have seen what look like bruises between my eyes and nose. Darker than even the undereye circles. My teen daughter even noticed it one day and asked me about it. It's just strange looking. It's as if my eyes are looking smaller and reddish, with those weird "bruises" near the corners of my eyes.

Does anyone else have such a thing? Is it related? At this point, if it gets much worse, without make-up, it'll look like I've been getting hit!

Thank you for any input.

[Hidden in reply to msplumuniq]

I was unable to find any symptoms of CKD or other internal organs that matched what you described so I did a simple search and came up with the information posted below. I would suggest a visit with your PCP and see if s/he suggests a cause or a specialist. Some of what is suggested sounds right out of the bizarro world (pears, frozen peas, cold teabags) of medicine, but if you're unable to contact a physician, then try the Mayo Clinic online at mayoclinic.org

If you don't mind sharing, I'd like to know what you find out and what works for you. Thanks.

Causes

Dark red under eye circles can have many causes. Allergies and nasal congestion may cause veins under the eyes to change in color, according to MayoClinic.com. Pigment irregularities and sun exposure may also contribute the dark red under eye circles. Thinning of the skin, which naturally occurs from aging, is another cause.

Treatments

Minimize the appearance of under-eye circles by applying cold teabags under the eyes, recommends MayoClinic.com. You can also try applying a teaspoon of frozen peas wrapped in a cold cloth to minimize the appearance of discolored eye blood vessels. Sleeping with a few pillows propped under your head can prevent fluid from pooling under the eyes, according to MayoClinic.com. If you experience a hallowed appearance under the eyes, get more sleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends seven to nine hours of sleep each night. If discoloration is the result of allergies, wash the sinuses with a saline spray, available through most drugstores.

Considerations

Makeup is an effective tool for hiding redness under the eyes, recommends MayoClinic.com. After treating the eyes with cold compresses or other methods, gently apply concealer to the under eyes. Dust with a loose powder to set makeup. Avoid using eye creams that contain glycolic or salicylic acid, which can irritate eye tissue and make redness worse.

Misconceptions

Some people don’t realize the affect sun has on delicate under eye tissue. Use a sun protection of at least 15 under the eyes. Some under eye creams already have sun protection, eliminating the need for two different products. Wearing dark glasses can also prevent pigmentation changes that cause dark red circles under the eyes.

Warnings

Lifestyle factors such as consuming alcohol and smoking cigarettes can make the appearance of red under eye circles worse, according to MayoClinic.com. Limit your intake of these substances to assist in resolving this issue. Also, talk with your doctor if under eye circles don’t improve with treatment. She can evaluate your overall health and rule out potential underlying conditions.

[msplumuniq in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. That's basically what I found as well. I am very pale. And I considered for a long while it could be thyroid off again. It was low as it happened, so maybe that is a part of it.

I'll try the cold tea bags I guess, lol.

And make up, already doing.

I very much appreciate your thorough replies and attention to my posts. I see you help many people and that's terrific! Many thanks!

[lowraind]

I totally agree with Celtic and Mr. Kidney that you do need to see a nephrologist. Your GFR was low and your Creatinine higher than normal. However, I would also advise that if you do use the davita.com site, or attend the class, that you do your own research also. I did attend the Smart Kidney class, and the sociologist who led the class was not very knowledgable and did have some incorrect information in her presentation. Her powerpoint listed squash as a good vegetable for people with kidney disease. Of winter squash, only spaghetti squash is good for us. Also, several questions that I asked, she was not able to answer. While the presentation was decent, a third of it was aimed at dialysis/transplant.

[msplumuniq in reply to lowraind]

Hi and thank you for your response, I apologize for being late to reply. I agree that had Mr. Kidney and Celtic had great advice, and I think yours is as well. I actually have been doing research, which is how I found this site, thankfully.

I really think, if possible, I need a dietitian. It's touch having multiple diseases, as many know. The foods best for one disease may be conflicting to the others.

One day at a time! Again, thank you!

[Betsysue2002]

Hello. Im guessing youre a woman ? If so dont let the doc help you think youve got a hysterical womans disease !

Everything youve been told above is informative and helpful and are good ways to help with your health.

Theres nothing wrong with a second opinion/looking for a doc who will talk to you/going to davita.com and kidney.org for information too.

It doesnt really sound like it but maybe youve got something called vulvadynia. The reason i mention it is because its a condition not much talked about but can cause pain and discomfort. ... tho not all the symptoms youve talked about of course.

Also how about a rectocele and/or cystocele.

Keep in mind the things i just mentioned may not apply at all but by searching the internet maybe you can come up with information and questions you can ask a doc. (Just be sure youre using "legitimate" sites ... not ones that are trying to sell you something.)

People here are really nice and are willing to make suggestions that can help us look for good ways to live healthly lives.

[buddygramma]

I agree with all !! However, again get at least 8 glasses of WATER daily. Hugs