Unexplained Kidney Pain - Can you help?

[Melbyb76]

Hi,

Sorry I’m advance for the long message.

I’m new to this forum so I don’t know much about kidney disease. I’ve been having consistent kidney pain for the last year. I had a CT scans and an ultrasound which show everything is fine in February. However I have had blood in my urine (not visible) in the last 3 urine tests I have had done since November last year to date, and at a recent visit I was identified as having kidney pain. Another CT scan was done which once again shows nothing. My bp is increasing and I now have regular chest pains too, to the point that I’m unable to go to sleep. My ankles are both swollen throughout the day too. My Gp is trying to prescribe me meds for fibromyalgia. I have not had a physical exam for fibromyalgia and he has diagnosed this over the phone because there appears to be no other explanation to all the pain I’m in.

Earlier this year I got a print out of my Gp records. It shows my Serum Sodium test results in December 2019 as being 140 (range: 133-146); and GFR >90. There is an EGFR comment on the results stating that the results should be multiplied by 1.159 if patient Afro-Caribbean, which I am, however there is no note on my records that this has been accounted for. I have just called my GP to make him aware and he just asked me if I am Afro-Caribbean although he has seen me face to face multiple times!

The rest of my results are:

Serum Potassium - 4 (3.50-5.30)

Serum Urea - 3 (2.50-7.80)

Serum Creatinine - 69 (50.00-98.00)

I turned 44 on Monday but my health seems to be deteriorating fast. I took an overdose 20+ years ago after being prescribed Prozac, which made me suicidal. However, my kidney function does not appear to have been followed up regularly since the overdose.

I’d be extremely grateful if anyone could shed some light on what might be going on, and what I can do next.

Thanks

[Hidden]

My first suggestion is for you to make an appointment to meet with a nephrologist. The diagnostic readings showing differing results are in part due to the quality of the person performing the test and the radiologists' ability to read the results accurately.

If you wish to learn more about CKD, I'd go to davita.com and register for a virtual Kidney Smart class. It's informative and will provide you with a lot of resources. Until then you can go to kidneyschool.org and watch the learning modules on CKD. At the very least they will provide you with the guidance you need to ask appropriate questions.

[Melbyb76 in reply to Hidden]

That’s really helpful, thank you.

[KristiS_NKF]

Hi Melbyb76,

I agree with Mr_Kidney that you should make an appointment with a nephrologist. You can also contact our patient information line, NKF Cares.

NKF Cares is a hotline that you can utilize to ask specific questions and gather more information and resources. NKF Cares offers support for people affected by kidney disease, organ donation or transplantation. You can speak with a trained professional who will answer your questions and listen to your concerns. NKF Cares is available Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 5:00pm est at 1.855.NKF.CARES (1.855.653.2273)

kidney.org/nkfcares

Best,

Kristi

[Melbyb76 in reply to KristiS_NKF]

Thanks Kristi.

[BarronS]

According to your lab results, your kidney function is fine. This doesn't mean something could be going on, it just means that your kidneys are still doing a wonderful job of filtering out thee waste in your blood.

[Melbyb76 in reply to BarronS]

Thank you that’s reassuring!

[Pdbird]

I have no advice unfortunately, I just wanted to send you a big (((hug)))