Good day everyone, I'm here to seek hopefully professional opinions out there regarding my condition. I am 38 yrs old male, overall very healthy. From the age of 19 to 36, I have been a recreational bodybuilder and have used anabolic steroids for that period of time on and off. Couple of years ago I have decided to come clean and put my health as a priority. Recently I have gone through a whole bunch of blood and urine test that have shown that I have proteinuria with an ACR of 33.4mg/mol during a 24 hr urine collection. The doctor so far have told me that steroids have scarred my kidneys and that is why I now spill out so much protein. However, no biopsy was done yet. that condition all the following came back within normal range : Blood pressure, Serum creatinine, urine creatinine clearance, normal GFR (over 100), normal BUN, normal serum protein, normal serum sodium, potassium, chloride etc. Essentially, the only data that is currently off is the urine protein, rest is #1. Assuming I would have FSGS, would I not have other markers that would be out of range? or could that mean that I am in very early stages? Being dad to a 5yrs old, it worries me a lot and would like to do everything in my power to slow down any kind of progress. To note : I exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, don't smoke and have very good nutritional habits (recently reduced protein consumption and cut out all protein powders.
Many thanks,
Written by
s0me1else
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Welcome to our community! Lots of wonderful and supportive people here.
I can totally understand your feelings and concerns regarding the possibility of having a kidney disorder; they are perfectly normal, especially being the parent of a little one.
At this point, my thoughts are that until your doctor tells you that you have any specific kidney disorder as FSGS don't go there. A biopsy to generally will confirm if in fact this is FSGS, which it may not be.
Your doctor or consultant should be your first line of communication in any situation.
I would print out a copy of your current labs with questions and speak to the ordering doctor for discussion.
If the ordering doctor is not a nephrologist, I would ask for a recommendation to see one as they are specially trained to assess various kidney diseases.
They will perform specialized tests and evaluate results as to try to find out exactly why you are spilling protein. They will also put together a medical plan to address his/ her findings to reduce it.
It is clearly to your advantage that your labs are normal other than the fact that you are spilling protein; especially with years of heavy workouts, steroids and protein powders.
Let the nephrologist give you a definitive diagnosis.
Kidney issues can't be cured but with diet, reasonable exercise and medication, it can be dealt with with the goal to prevent progression.
In the meantime, tweak your diet a bit and discuss it with your doctor as watching labs are key.
It's more of a lifestyle change.
Low sodium ( 1500- 2000mg) watch your protein; no red meats, fatty or high sodium meats as sausage, cold cuts or bacon.
Chicken, fish and eggs are a better choice. Stop the protein powder unless your doctor allows them.
Watch your intake of potassium and phosphorous which will include dairy and vegetables such as potatoes and tomatoes.
Add in fresh or fresh frozen vegetables such a cabbage, cauliflower, onions, peppers, parsnips, egg plant, and squash. Roast, grill, steam or air fry with non salted spices such as onion, garlic powders, pepper and smoky paprika.
Salad with lots of veggies and low sodium dressing is good.
Add fresh fruits such as apples, strawberries and blueberries.
Drink plenty of water, avoid dark colas and NASID pain relievers such as Advil and Aleve.
Below are a couple of diet links which should help you with healthier changes.
Thanks a lot Bet, the comment about having FSGS actually comes from a nephrologist opinion after getting a written note from my doctor but I have yet to see a Nephrologist and a biopsy but it is part of the plan over the next few weeks / months. That upcoming appointment will hopefully shed more light on my situation as I find the FSGS diagnostic to be very premature at this point.
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