Feeling anxious about appointment....

[Suncheek1991]

Just wondering if anyone can shed any information that may help me understand. I've been unwell most of 2023, was in hospital for 8 days with suspected pneumonia. Prior to this I've had abnormal blood tests for a while.

I'm anemic but my iron levels, vitamin b12 levels are fine...

I've had a number of UTIs this recent couple of years and have now pushed for my GP to look into it, I've been referred to a Nephrology consultant.

My Acr is 23.1mg/mmol

Egfr is 74

Serum Urea & Creatinine are both above the range.

Is this all a sign for CKD? I'm 32 and fairly active and healthy.

What will happen at my first Nephro appointment?

[userotc]

Yes your readings could indicate CKD eg see kidney.org/content/kidney-f...

My mum's nephro hasnt been helpful (also others' on here) but I suggest you take someone with you and make notes. As obvious questions e.g. why have I got CKD at a young age, what is the plan going forward....etc. Then report back on here. Good luck.

[OldTownhammock]

Hopefully you will have good news and update us😊

[Suncheek1991]

Thank you, my appointment is 2nd Feb so I will come on here to update.

[Darlenia]

Oh my...opinions can be as varied as casseroles. I'm purely speculating that you may not have kidney disease. Your ACR is good - that's important. At the same time, you've have been experiencing lots of utis - those can also be influential in your labs. Essentially, utis produce inflammation which in turn elevates the creatinine in your urine samples and, of course, that creatinine figure then also affects your eGFR and so forth. You've also gone through a serious bout of pneumonia. I wonder if perhaps you were given antibiotics that disturbed or reduced the normal urinary environment and provoking those utis. And then, since the urinary system and kidneys are closely intertwined, it could be something else not mentioned here - no one of us here are medical experts. I'm sure your doctors will evaluate your situation and give you a sense of direction. For sure, it's hard not knowing what is going on. I truly hope you get information soon. Hugs!

[crackers2 in reply to Darlenia]

Hi, I too have a UTI every three month. I get antibiotics for that. Urologist checked kidney and bladder and everything looks fine, no problem I am told. A few days ago I hat urine test for UTI and it was clear, but I still have content mild vag burning. Test showed no yeast infection. With a referral to a Gyno dr takes 3 month to get in. My GP, Shruggs and can't help anymore, she won't even give a referral to a nephrologist because she thinks my labs for stage 3 isn't that bad. I'm very uncomfortable eith this burning but have no where to turn. I'm 82 and think older people aren't getting the care they deserve. Living alone, there is no one to take to Dr. with me. I feel hopeless. I wish everyone well from the bottom of my heart.

[Darlenia in reply to crackers2]

I'm so sorry you're not being taken seriously. Ageism is a real problem. My hubby and I are also seniors and sense we're also not taken seriously at times. Recently, my hubby's dermatologist delayed seeing him so I sent him to mine - an 80 year old dermatologist who saw him immediately and promptly took action on his suspicious lesions. His patients, also older, adore him. But many doctors simply shoo the older folks away. If you're on Medicare, you may want to check the Medicare website and look up gynecologists who will take Medicare in your area. medicare.gov/care-compare/?... You may find another gyno to see you sooner than later. Then, also contact your local Area Agency on Aging and ask for assistance with transportation. eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Ab... Occasionally, your local churches and senior citizen centers can help with transportation too. I have volunteered in that capacity in the past. Sending you lots of love and hugs your way. I'll always be here to offer you support. Where there's a will, there's a way!

[crackers2 in reply to Darlenia]

Thank you Darlenia for your caring answer and support. I will check out the two sites you suggested. I am glad you have this good dermatologist to help your husband. Good Dr's do exist.

In the meantime we olsders 😉 have to stand up for ourselves, not always easy.

Best wishes.

Crackers2

[Suncheek1991]

I thought I'd give an update for my appointment today with nephrology. I am going to have a kidney biopsy in the next few weeks, they are thinking I may have a form of vasculitis that affects Lungs & Kidneys, I have tested positive for an antibody called ANCA?

I don't think they are concerned about CKD but more the vasculitis.

[Darlenia in reply to Suncheek1991]

Thank you so much for the update. Your nephrologist's speculation that you may have the ANCA form of vasculitis makes sense in regard to your history. Hopefully, the biopsy will give your nephrologist a firm diagnosis which will then lead to an effective treatment plan and a much better quality of life. 21st century medicine has come a long ways! Let us know how your journey goes!