CKD?

[carolwil]

Hi this may seem like a am very naive but today I had my scan results given to me by a doctor over the phone. He said I had a fatty liver. He said my kidneys were normal size and said about other things being unremarkable. Said I needed blood tests and to come in to arrange.

Being upset about having a fatty liver as i am not unfit and tend to eat a fairly healthy diet and walk lots. I am vegetarian and drink very rarely. Blood pressure has always been low.

I had been referred for a scan for bladder issues so was surprised about the liver. Because of this I wanted more information and so I asked for a copy of the scan results while booking the blood test at the doctors. The receptionist handed me the printed sheet and I was gobsmacked as apart from the fatty liver it also said - Cortical scaring bilaterally and under the conclusion it said - Kidneys normal size, however bilateral cortical thinning seen.

The doctor did not mention anything about the kidneys other than their size. I have looked it up and it seems that this indicates CKD or am I wrong? So not only is the conclusion saying that the liver finding may indicate chronic liver disease it is also indicative that i have chronic kidney disease.

I am a bit worried now so any info would be appreciated.

Carol

[Hidden]

I've added to this reply a link to a medical dictionary that will help you interpret the language the medics used in the test. It's the best way for a lay person to get the understanding and anything you don't understand you can add to your questions for the next visit. Also, to help you track your blood work and understand the tests and their purpose this link for Lab Tests Online will help you greatly. labtestsonline.org

What I suggest you also do is to get a printed copy of your lab tests and use that link to see what the test was for and understand your particular health issues. There is a further step to take to monitor the trends of your numbers and if you want that information let me know and I can explain it to you.

I know it's a bit overwhelming but take it one day at a time and learn all you can. Knowledge is power and the more you learn the better off you will be to control your healthcare and make the decisions you want for your life.

You'll meet a lot of great folks here that can provide help and information so don't be afraid to ask for information and help.

c.merriam-webster.com/medli...

[carolwil in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply. I will certainly get copies of tests and lab results from now on. If I had not asked today for the copy of the scan results I would not even know about the issues with my Kidneys. My children will ask if I have chronic kidney disease. With what the scan has said do you think I do? It would answer a lot about the last few years.

[Hidden in reply to carolwil]

Hi, You have some concerns that will be answered by the three articles I've included below. Read them and look at all of the links. Keep a list of questions you have and bring them with you to your next doctors' appointment. Two numbers you need to look for in your lab work are your Creatinine and eGFR. Those are what a good physician will look at to steer them in the right direction for making a diagnosis of any kidney related issues you may have. As you will read there are so many things that can lead to kidney disease and you may get a good idea after reading the articles of where you need to research. My CKD developed over a long period of time due to Type 2 Diabetes and High Blood Pressure. I have it under control (as much as anyone can) due to eating a kidney-friendly meal plan, controlling my T2D by diet and exercise only (no meds), control and knowledge of all medications I take. (With regard to medications I use drugs.com to verify that all medications I take will do nothing to further harm my health). I do a lot of research on CKD and know that the more I learn the less stress I have wondering and worrying about my health. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.

rsnhope.org/wp-content/uplo...

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

patient.info/health/chronic...

[Legomegamind]

I don’t thing that livers indicate CDK. The liver has no connection to your kidneys and thier system

[Hidden in reply to Legomegamind]

Actually, you both might like to read the attached article and see the connections between Fatty Liver (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, NAFLD, and CKD).

sciencedirect.com/science/a...

Below is an excerpt from the article that may help to understand the connection.

NAFLD and CKD share many important cardio-metabolic risk factors and common pathogenic mechanisms, and both are linked to an increased risk of incident CVD events

Try not to worry too much until you get more tests done and have the results in hand.

[TaffyTwoshoes27 in reply to Hidden]

I, myself, find that reading many of these articles go right over my head! I feel like I need to go back to school or get a Little Orphan Annie decoder ring! LOL. I still read them, but they are very technical (and I worked as a paralegal handling Medical Malpractice cases!).

Thanks for the advice and links, Mr_Kidney. Your writing is very elegant and your calming nature probably makes newcomers feel less stressed. Kudos for your hard work and commitment.

[carolwil in reply to Hidden]

Thank you.

I asked for copies of the blood test that I was having on friday and the nurse kindly printed a copy out for me. Unfortunately she gave me the same sheet twice omitting to give me the one with all the main ones on. The only ones she gave me was for Hepatitis B & C. and cortisol. I am hoping that the other tests were for both liver and Kidney functions! The fact the doctor has not mentioned the results of the scan concerning the kidneys I worry they have overlooked that bit. I hope I have the results soon as I am worried that both of these organs have something wrong with them. I was diagnosed with side branch Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the pancreas two years ago and just had a MRI to confirm no change in size since diagnoses. There are lots of them apparently but small 1-2mm. I had my gall bladder removed four years ago as I had lots of varying size stones. What more can I have inside me to get problems in!!

I have had pain in my right upper side where my ribs end for four years thats how the IPMNS were found but they said the back pain was nothing to do with that and put it down to muscular. As far as I know no one has looked at my liver or kidneys. It will make sense if it does come back that I have something wrong with my liver, kidneys or both.

Thank you for your information I am reading through it so I can be prepared on what to ask.

[Hidden in reply to carolwil]

Bypass the doctor's staff and contact the Medical Records office of the hospital, clinic or place that did the tests and ask for a copy from them on all of your lab work. This is not secret information as it is yours. You may have to show your ID but you should get it within a few minutes. You might want to call before you get there and they could have it ready for you.

As far as the liver tests look for the section when you get the paperwork describing Hepatic Functions.

[carolwil in reply to Hidden]

Very interesting reading. I have persistently had very low LDL and low overall cholesterol. They said about it once but ignored it since. We will have to wait and see.