Kidney biopsy

[Cbailey]

Hello, I am in my 40s and have ckd stage 3. I have inherited kidney disease with no known cause. I also do not have protein in my urine. Within this last year, I have anemia. My kidneys function has been showing a steady decline. My dr has suggested getting a biopsy done, but isn’t sure it would really reveal anything. Has anyone out there had one done? Thank you!

[shouty]

I had biopsy couple of weeks ago & it was very easy. Only the sting of local anaesthetic then a small amount of pressure when they took sample. A few hours bed rest then back to normal. I have to wait a bit longer for the 3rd set of more in-depth analysis of it as it is sent over to another specialist lab. The 1st two parts showed nothing particularly abnormal. Hope that helps Hattie

[DEZIN]

I do not know if you have PKD> It is inherited Kidney disease which the P stands for Polycistic. Which are small cysts in the kidney. I have it. The most important thing to holdon to your existing Kidney function is to follow a Kidney friendly diet. You will learn more

after your Biopsy just try to stay calm. Stage 3 means you still have time to take control

and be vigiligent about your health.

[Cbailey in reply to DEZIN]

I don’t have PKD. There is just kidney disease in our family with no underlying cause. Thank you for your advice! Just a little scared to have it done!

[DEZIN in reply to Cbailey]

Take care, I will send positive thoughts your way. You will get pass this.

[Kidney2014]

Hi! I have no family history of kidney disease, but my doctor suspected something was wrong when my blood pressure suddenly shot up when I was in my 30s and otherwise healthy. Lab work showed decline in kidney function. The only way they could give a proper diagnosis was biopsy. Had it done and finally figured out I had IgA Nephropathy. Without the biopsy, they couldn’t confirm what type of kidney disease and how to best treat it. Good luck!

[Cbailey in reply to Kidney2014]

Kidney2014, thank you for replying! I’ve never heard of IgA Nephorapthy. Are there any other markers that help lead to that diagnosis? I think I’m a conundrum to my drs! Best of luck to you and thank you for your reply!

[Kidney2014 in reply to Cbailey]

Specifically for IgAN, there is no other marker to make a diagnosis other than biopsy. Lab work only shows protein in your blood and urine, but can’t tell you why your kidneys are not filtering the protein. After biopsy, they were able to determine the extent of damage to the kidney and what was causing it. I went through years of adult onset skin rashes and strange symptoms, and through many different types of doctors before I was properly diagnosed. And IgAN is supposedly hereditary, but no one in my extended family has kidney disease. Sometimes you’re predisposed but an event such as a major viral infection can precede the autoimmune disorder. I can’t speak to other kidney diseases, so you might want to get a second opinion with another nephrologist.

[agirlwithhope95]

Hi Cbailey! I just had my biopsy done two weeks ago. I also have anemia. As said by shouty , the LA definitely sting/hurt a bit but afterwards, there will not be any pain. You'll be lying on your stomach during the whole procedure. You'll have the fast for at least 12 hours. There will be breathing instructions given by your doctor while he take the biopsy as your kidney moves while you breath so your doctor will try to get to the correct level. For myself, I had a longer recovery journey despite being young, in my early 20s, probably due to my anemia and the fact that I fell down 3 days after the biopsy. So tip is definitely to not bend too much, the first 5 days of biopsy. Yes, there will be bed rest immediately after the procedure for the hospital to monitor your biopsy site and ensure there are no excessive bleeding. For myself, I couldn't lift up my left leg as my muscle in the left flank hurts after the biopsy on the left kidney. I finally got back my strength now after two weeks. I also could not sleep on my sides due to uncomfortable feeling in my abdomen. Recovery definitely depends on individuals. Due to my anemia, I experienced low bp frequently the first few days after the biopsy as I was trying to go on long walks to compensate for the no-exercise rule put by the doctor so as to not aggravate the biopsy wound. Some may say they don't experience any pain or discomfort after biopsy but it's okay to face some discomfort as felt by me. Everything will turns out fine after a few days. The biopsy will let you know exactly your condition and the gold standard to ensuring if there is anything concerning with regards to your kidney. Don't worry, let us know your concerns. You will be well.