Kidney update and possible gallstones: Hi everyone... - LUPUS UK

LUPUS UK

32,210 members28,555 posts

Kidney update and possible gallstones

MusicalFurbaby profile image
5 Replies

Hi everyone, it’s been a hot minute since I posted about my kidneys! A few weeks ago I found out I had leaky protein, but I saw the specialist (who was pretty thorough) and he’s not worried about it. And if he’s not worried, I’m not worried! We’re gonna review in 3 months’ time. I’m so glad it turned out to be nothing to freak out about!

In other news, it appears I may have gallstones. First time ever. Two weeks ago I woke up with constant nausea that hasn’t gone away, with intermittent pain in my upper abdomen that radiates to my back. I’m tender all over my belly but especially in the pancreas area. Pain gets worse during and after eating. It hasn’t gone away, and a week ago I presented to hospital due to the pain. CT and ultrasound were normal, but bloods showed a mild elevation in pancreas markers. Even though scans are yet to find any gallstones, it’s our working theory that gallstones have passed through the pancreas and somehow irritated it. I’m seeing a surgeon tomorrow. I’m off work until this is resolved.

Does anyone have experience with gallstones or pancreatitis? Can gallstones be so small that scans can’t pick them up? Even though lupus doesn’t cause gallstones, is it possible lupus could be contributing to inflammation, or perhaps attacking the pancreas directly? Any words of wisdom welcome!

Written by
MusicalFurbaby profile image
MusicalFurbaby
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
5 Replies
Poshcards profile image
Poshcards

hi, I have had Lupus for over 31 years and about 25 years ago, I had gallstones, they were excruciating, ending up in a and e a few times, eventually had them removed, they thought it could be down to my Lupus x

MusicalFurbaby profile image
MusicalFurbaby in reply toPoshcards

Thanks Poshcards for your response. Did they ever work out how lupus could have caused the gallstones? I know gallstones are not peculiar to lupus—anyone can get them—but I just wondered if there was a particular inflammation or similar caused by lupus that could have led to the stones.

Otherwise, if we can’t find gallstones, we’re looking at a random inflammation of the pancreas—which lupus could certainly trigger.

Poshcards profile image
Poshcards in reply toMusicalFurbaby

No, nothing ever said xx

Cherwin profile image
Cherwin in reply toPoshcards

How did you cope post op did it resolve any further pain? What type of surgery did you have to remove the stones, I have Mcas snd sm so worried about the effects of surgery.

Poshcards profile image
Poshcards in reply toCherwin

It was years ago, I had keyhole but it was quite extensive, took me a few months to recover, been fine ever since x

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Kidney pains

Ok so I'm not yet diagnosed with lupus, but everything is pointing to it... I have so many symptoms...
Wiki_pie profile image

Lupus and Sunlight

I know sunlight is a huge trigger for lupus flares, and I do use sun cream regularly (sunsense)....

Possible lupus diagnosis

I’ve been having a variety of symptoms for years now but things started getting worse about a year...
Jacbar profile image

Opp update

Hi Folks as you know I went to see anaesthetist yesterday regarding my upcoming hysterectomy , he...
svfarmer profile image

abdominal pain, could it be pancreatitis?

hi all, I have what the drs would call mild Lupus SLE, I’m having a gastric/abdominal pain flare up...
SWinNorfolk profile image

Moderation team

See all
Debbie_kinsey profile image
Debbie_kinseyAdministrator
chelseawong profile image
chelseawongAdministrator
michaellasmith profile image
michaellasmithAdministrator

Top community tags

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.