Ultrasound

[Sdillow]

I got a new kidney doc who wants me to have an ultrasound.is this typical and what are they looking for?

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome to the community.

An ultrasound is one tool that can be used to determine the cause of CKD. Along with my medical history, an ultrasound was used to determine that diabetes was the primary cause of my CKD. I also have HBP which is controlled with medication.

There is no cause to worry. One thing you can do is become proactive. Learn all you can about CKD, ask your doctor(s) questions and continue to ask until you understand.

[Hidden]

They are looking for any problems in your kidney like cancer, cysts, tumours etc, they will also measure your kidneys as well to see what shape and function there in, it’s a standard check.

[Kbristow]

Hi Sdillow, Yes this is standard when you're first diagnosed with CKD. It is not anything to worry about but I agree with Mr_Kidney - find out all you can about CKD. It will better equip you with knowing what questions to ask at each appointment. When I was first diagnosed, I began tracking my GFR. The ultrasound may give the doctor some idea of what's causing your kidneys to struggle, and while CKD itself is not really treatable, the underlying cause may be (such as HBP). My nephrologist said my ultrasound revealed polycystic kidney disease, a genetic disease that causes cysts to grow on kidneys - except that he read it incorrectly. That wasn't anything I would have known except that because I had been reading up on CKD, I found his other advice and information questionable. So I got a second opnion at UCSF, one of the top nephrology/transplant centers in the country. My new nephrologist who told me the cause of my CKD was not PKD, and that I should get evaluated for a transplant right away even if I was still feeling well. It may not have changed the treatment or trajectory of my disease, but it did remove the worry for my children. (My first nephrologist told me to talk to my children's pediatrician and to look out for CKD in them in case they had inherited PKD). UCSF's diagnosis had been confirmed by others, and I did get on the wait list right away. Because the wait at the time in San Francisco area was 8 years long, I needed to be proactive. Two years later I did get a kidney from a living donor who is my superhero. Bottom line: Take it one step at a time; don't worry about the ultrasound until they may be a reason to, and even then, keep learning about your CKD. Information is power and you'll be a better advocate for yourself once you know the questions to ask, the quality of care you're receiving, how to adjust your diet and other steps to take care of your own health.

[Sdillow in reply to Kbristow]

Thanks for the heads up .I'm new at this too so that's a big help

[Sdillow in reply to Kbristow]

Man,that helps a lot.thank you for the information

[jj76541 in reply to Sdillow]

this will also show any kidney stones, if present, so you can get them out early, as well!

[gagajones in reply to Kbristow]

What did the first nephrologist say that made you question the diagnosis since you did have cysts?

[suzell56]

It's all perfectly normal for ultrasound. I switched nephrologist and that was the first thing my new Dr wanted, he's is super proactive which makes me more so. I found that the DaVita website is a wealth of information, great kidney friendly recipes, and I highly recommend signing up for their free "Kidney Smart" class.

[DEZIN]

I had an ultrasound as well. Your test will show the size of your kidney and any cysts.

[Sdillow in reply to DEZIN]

Thanks for letting me know.itll be a first for me so I got curious

[DEZIN in reply to Sdillow]

You are so welcome. I have been dealing with kidney disease for a long time now.

When i was first diagnosed everything was scary to me. I completely understand.

[Norma519 in reply to DEZIN]

Hi I’m new to the group. I found out in September that I have stage 4. I am very upset as my PCP didn’t think that my loss of kidney function was of importance to me until it got bad. Even then I had to find out in her notes..she still was not going to tell me. So she’s gone. I found another PCP. That got me going to a nephrologist..I have an ultra sound scheduled for Dec7. I finally got in to see a diabetic educator this Monday. All the doctors are I no hurry to help. I have also been off my blood sugar meds...(metformin is what did this to me)for 2 months now. Just this week my readings went down to the 150 range. Not good but better. I have been muddling through with diet changes and such. I am scared out of my mind of what is going to happen. I’ve had no one to talk to about it. I don’t want to tell my family (my husband is the only one that knows right now) until I know more for sure. I want to work on what ever function have left. I don’t wNt to do dialysis yet. My GFR is 28. I started taking iron pills also. My blood pressure is under control in fact it’s running a little low. I have lots of energy...I’m not tired and the muscle weakness I had is gone. So sorry so long I am so confused and scared...I feel like I’m on a slipper slope to my“ death”.

[DEZIN in reply to Norma519]

I have been stage 4 for two years. My nephrologist was happy for me when my GFRwent up from 18 to 27. My blood pressure is under control also. You have to control

your test results from the Best Diet that suits your needs. And Exercise as much as

you can. The Exercise will also help your mental state. You are lucky that you have

energy. I was scared 20 years ago. I have learned self-help and education about

the disease has left me feeling less scared and more in control. I followed the

advise of my nephrologist, but i read everything i can, especially about any and all

medications he suggest before i take it.

You can also check information about Kidney Transplant wait list. I am not on

dialysis, but if it came down to it I would go. I know someone who is and is doing OK.

Please do not think of Death and Listen to your doctor. It took me some time to

find a doctor that I trust. You have to be determined to take care of yourself and

you will overcome the scary thoughts.

[Norma519 in reply to DEZIN]

Thank you so much!! I have already taken steps to change my diet. BP is under control in fact I’m running a little low. I have been reading anything I can find but to be honest it’s a bit depressing. because all the articles go right to dialysis. I stayed up way to far into the night before having a fit over this. My attitude was not the best yesterday. I have an ultra sound on Dec7 and another appointment with the kidney doctor on the 10th. I am very interested in what is going on with me. But as you explained....I am not going to accept defeat. I am going to save what function I have left. If it comes right down to it...then ok, I’ll go.My husband and I are newly retired and we have a new motor home waiting to roll. I also have a 5 year old grandson. He’s the only one I will have...I plan to see him graduate from high school.

Thanks again.

[DEZIN in reply to Norma519]

We have some things in common. I also retired a year ago. Please keep in touchwhen you need support.

[Norma519 in reply to DEZIN]

Thank you

[DEZIN in reply to Norma519]

I forgot to mention Davita. They have a website that is helpful regarding Diet andNutrition for Kidney Disease.

[Sdillow]

Cool.thanks for writing back

[TaffyTwoshoes27]

Yes. I had one Nov 12, 2020, for the 5th time. They are watching a cyst to see if it has changed in size. They also did an ultrasound of my bladder. If you are on the Transplant List, they are trying to determine and keep current on your healthiness.

I find that getting the RESULTS of the ultrasound from my Transplant Hospital is a pain in the arse. No one has told me anything.

Good luck!