Biopsy query

[fartikins]

Hello - I have been reading a few posts on kidney biopsy. My gfr is 16 and I am concerned that having this procedure done will further damage my kidney. My dr said he would perform this if my blood test do not show a reason for the sudden plunge in gfr. Is this procedure dangerous for someone with such a low gfr - thanks.

[Sarah_402]

Hi fartikins,

I can see your concern, and I would feel the same way. I don’t know the answer, it’s best to ask your physician.

Though, I will share I had a biopsy done about 6 months ago done with a needle, guided by ultrasound. My eGFR is 40, but since the biopsy it didn’t go down, but that is my experience. The procedure wasn’t that bad ( I only had lidocaine, I rejected the Valium). Also I believe they gave me something to help me from bleeding through an IV. I think risk of bleeding is one of the potential side effects of kidney biopsy.

It took me a good 1-2 weeks to feel back to myself again.

I am glad I had it done because it led me to an answer and some treatment for low blood pressure. You would think they could have figured that out but I guess they wanted to make sure exactly what was going on.

Here is a link about kidney biopsy

kidney.org/atoz/content/kid...

Just tell your doctor of your concern. My guess is your doctor thinks it’s worth the risk, but you need to feel comfortable your making the right decision for your body. Best of luck, please share how you make out if your comfortable sharing.

[Sarah_402]

I also just found this study concerning this topic, not sure if it’s a good study or not though.

karger.com/Article/Pdf/511798

[jodaer]

You didn't say how much your eGFR went down? I had a biopsy last October. I was put under and had to stay over night in the hospital. That is due to the chance you might starting. Mine was done because my proteinuria went way up. I'm a T-2 diabetic but it's under good control. Usually then the proteinuria is not all that high.

[48750]

I am scheduled to have a kidney biopsy done this coming Tuesday. My number of 20 was holding for several months. Yesterday during my appointment I learned it dropped to 17. My dr is ordering the biopsy because of leaking protein and hopes to find the reason for it so it can be treated. My worry is that there’s so much scarring that he’ll suggest dialysis or transplant. Both treatments scare me to death and I’m worried that with such a low number my kidneys will fail and death will follow. Sorry to be so morbid, but that’s where I’m at.

No help to you fartikins other than we both have concerns over biopsy. I wish you luck. Your worry is different than mine.

My sister recently had a kidney biopsy and she said her worry ahead of time was worse than the test. She recovered quickly and said it was rather simple and only had some pain in back for a day or two. She has been trying to reassure me there’s no need to worry.

Take care fartikins and hope you the best

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

For me at least, the kidney biopsy gave me an answer for my CKD. I am not diabetic nor did I have high BP. The biopsy was guided thru ultrasound. My R kidney was biopsied since it was bigger than my L and was healthier looking. For me the biopsy diagnosed me with FSGS - basically showing my kidneys were getting all scarred up inside. They determined it was all due to the nephritis and strep infection I had when I was 9. I had to stay laying flat for an hour to prevent any bleeding.For me my creatinine was unchanged. This was 1992 and they didn't calculate eGFR.

I had a transplant in 1999 and have been doing fantastic.

Best of luck to you. A biopsy can be a good thing, since it lets you know the cause of your CKD. Keep us posted.