What is going on?

[Stubbyandlily]

Hello I am a 69 year old woman who has been healthy almost all my life. About 3 years ago I started to have what you might call twinges on the right side of my lower abdomen. I had a sonogram that showed nothing and a CT scan that showed nothing. But it's progressively gotten worse . Now I have severe pain on the right side and on my back on the right side above the waist. I live with severe headaches. So fatigued. Bloated most of the time. My urine has become clear. And I know this is silly, but I am getting weird rashes! So for the 3rd time I have asked a doctor last week. He sent me to get an MRI no contrast. He said he is looking to see if I have a pinched nerve.

Lord knows I don't want to have CKD but I do have some medical background and I really don't think it is a pinched nerve. Any suggestions?

[Stubbyandlily]

Oh, I forgot to tell you that twice my blood work has showed low GFR and high creatine levels.

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome to the community.If you get a negative report from this next physician and you're worried it might be CKD then your next step would be to meet with a nephrologist. A kidney specialist will do a full blood and urine workup and give you the results. Until then, try not to do anything too strenuous and thereby aggravate your pain area. Be prepared for the nephrologist to also schedule you for an ultrasound. The two leading causes of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure. Even if you have neither of those health issues there are other illnesses that can cause CKD.

When you have a diagnosis, come back here and we can provide you with a lot of information and resources to help you slow the progression.

Best of luck.

[Stubbyandlily in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much. He put me on Gabapentine. That had only helped with the headaches but that's something anyway. 😀

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI StubbyandLilyYou say that your lab work showed low GFR and High creatinine. And...you have a medical background so no wonder you are struggling with this lack of support from your doctor. You did not say what your levels were. But if the GFR is below 60, you should be concerned. The other thing is that with the kidney, nothing may come up on a scan. But what you are describing to me sounds almost like gallbladder. Did they scan that? How about a blocked duct?

The headaches and rash are curious. Have you been tested for gluten or celiac disease? What about lupus? ( I ask because of the rash)

We are not doctors and I would never venture to give a diagnosis. Just keep plugging a way and advocating for a result. Do not let any doctor blow you off. I have had several try to do that. Tells us what your labs showed.

Best to you and hang in there. We got your back.

[Stubbyandlily in reply to Bassetmommer]

Oh, sorry, my GFR was 53.5 in November and 56.5o in December.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador in reply to Stubbyandlily]

So here is a website that talks about CKD. There is so many reasons for a lower GFR including as simple as being dehydrated or even age. And CKD doesn't usually cause the symptoms of a rash or even headaches at the GFR number you are showing. I would ask the doctor to review what your GFR and creatinine were last year, if you have blood work done then. The test of CKD is decline over time. So if you GFR is pretty stable at 53-56, then it may be just your number. But you said you creatinine was higher too. Become as educated on CKD as you can. It will help you to stop worrying and go into action if something needs to be done. Most people with stages 2 and 3 can slow or halt any progression of CKD with diet and lifestyle changes.

kidney.org/atoz

[Stubbyandlily]

And I did have my gallbladder out 4 years ago.

[Stubbyandlily]

Thank you, I will definitely study it.

[Hidden]

Since your gallbladder was removed four years ago I have to ask if you are keeping a minimal fat diet? Without a gallbladder, you have to be very careful with what you eat. I had mine removed 15 months ago and my kidney-friendly meal plan did include some fish. I had to switch those cuts out for ones with lower fat content. If you overdo anything with too much fat you could have a painful period of explosive diarrhea. As I mentioned previously it could be kidney related and an ultrasound will be able to find indications of kidney stones.

[Stubbyandlily]

I appreciate all words of help. Thank you. I will hopefully know something when I get the results of my MRI. More to come...

[Stubbyandlily in reply to Stubbyandlily]

Ok, my MRI didn't show anything but a bulging disk and the doctor wants me to go to a pain clinic. I have a husband that has gone to a pain clinic for years. Addicted. I don't want to be a slave to a clinic having to rearrange my life for the next treatment. So I have decided to go to a Nephrologist. My question is in the first visit(s), what will the doctor do that will diagnose kidney disease or no CKD?