Lab work and no kidney damage: Hi - I found... - Kidney Disease

Kidney Disease

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Lab work and no kidney damage

BenKenobi profile image
12 Replies

Hi - I found this community while looking for some answers. I recently had an eGFR of 55, and globulin in a 24 hour urine test (though total protein was still below 150). An ultrasound shows completely normal kidneys, no stones, no damage, etc. etc.

Any insight as to why my serum creatinine would be higher than normal and why I would have globulin in my urine when I do not show any signs of kidney damage on the ultrasound?

Note, I was very ill on 5/1, and was dehydrated for 30 hours. I took the first serum test on 5/12 and turned in the 24 hour urine test on the 31st. Ultrasound was yesterday.

Thank you in advance.

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12 Replies
RoxanneKidney profile image
RoxanneKidney

HOw is your diet? Do you smoke or drink?

BenKenobi profile image
BenKenobi in reply to RoxanneKidney

Hi Roxanne- prior to my illness on 5/1, I was drinking heavily and eating poorly (lots of meat, like 5 days per week). I’ve not had a drink since 5/1, and I’m eating basically vegetarian. Oatmeal for breakfast, avocado, cucumber sandwiches for lunch, and quinoa, beans, avocados, cucumbers for dinner. Sometimes wild rice, lentils, and other veggies too. Ice cream is my guilty pleasure. My blood pressure has been great. Usually 115/70. I don’t know what it was while I was being unhealthy…

RoxanneKidney profile image
RoxanneKidney in reply to BenKenobi

Your new lifestyle changes will help..maybe you should get tested for tuberculosis. That can actually gravitate to kidneys. There is a blood test for it. Not everyone reacts to the skin test. Having good earned out of the country for yrs, I have tested positive on the blood test and treatment was debated, but in the end...three tests later it was decided level wasn't high enough to treat. But I have never tested pis on skin or lung xray.

BenKenobi profile image
BenKenobi in reply to RoxanneKidney

Thank you Roxanne. I know you can’t diagnose, so I don’t expect a concrete answer. Is it the case that a poor diet and alcohol abuse can temporarily reduce kidney function? If so, why wouldn’t an ultrasound show signs of damage, even if temporary? I appreciate your insight.

RoxanneKidney profile image
RoxanneKidney in reply to BenKenobi

I have a similar situation...no problems except protein in urine. When my mom was dying the stress almost tanked my gfr. So yes diet is your best medicine. You can drive yourself into a hole before you know it. Been there, done that. The kidneys can heal themselves but will not bounce back to 100 percent. And when you do make gains better still live like you are dying because we all are.

BenKenobi profile image
BenKenobi in reply to RoxanneKidney

That’s great advice, thank you. I’m 47. Are we around the same age? I appreciate your words, and I’m sorry for the loss of your mom.

RoxanneKidney profile image
RoxanneKidney in reply to BenKenobi

Thanks. Im 57. I stopped drinking when I was 52. Wish it would have been sooner, but no one told me what was up regarding the ckd. You might want to get on Lisinopril..a small dose, bc even if you do Korean have high BP, it has been found to protect the heart. People with ckd are more apt to die to heart issues than ckd, so a plant based diet is very important.

orangecity41 profile image
orangecity41NKF Ambassador

Welcome to the forum We are unable to diagnose, but here is a link to eGFR information. kidney.org/atoz/content/gfr

Bet117 profile image
Bet117NKF Ambassador

Hi BenKenobi,

A million queries an no answers. Your feelings are very normal as I'm sure that everyone in this community has felt as you do at one time or another; so hang in there.

There could be many reasons for your lab results; dehydration prior to and the day of your draw; urine test can easily effect your results.

The fact that you were dehydrated for 30 hours certainly didn't help the situation or many other reasons.

The good news is

that no scarring or damage has been visualized on your kidneys via the ultra sound.

Your doctor is being very thorough by ordering a 24 urine catch. It is considered the gold star marker among nephroligists as it is measures an average of your urine over a 24 period; similar to the AIC; it being the average of your glucose over a 3 month period. This will give your doctor a clearer picture of what is going on as a spot check will measure only the time that the specimen is given.

Additionally, you have indicated that you are spilling protein into your urine; which needs to be addressed.

At this point, I would make an appointment with the ordering doctor.

Print out a copy of your current labs and check off any results which may flag high or low based on the lab ranges to the right of yours; this includes your blood work.

I would also take a look at the tests done prior to this one and write them next to your current test results to see if there is rise, drop or stability which indicates a pattern.

Be sure to print out a copy of the results of your 24 hour catch and have them explained to you as they will differ from a spot urine.

Write out questions and make sure that they are answered before you leave the office. If you are diabetic and or have high blood pressure be sure to discuss medications and measurements as well.

As Roxanne has indicated, diet is key to any kidney patient; a healthier eating lifestyle. It won't cure any problems but it will help stabilize results. If there is a kidney issue, it will help to stop progression of the specific disorder.

At this point, you have done all that is asked of you. Set up the appointment but give the ordering doctor a chance to complete their testing and assessment to give you specific answers.

At your meeting I would ask for answers and to put together an action plan for you plan based on your individual needs. Including diet.

I will give you a couple of links to food suggestions which will give you an idea where to start lifestyle changes. Drink lots of water, avoid dark colas if possible as well as cigarettes. Eat a low sodium, low protein diet. plant based protein is great. Add lots of fresh or fresh frozen vegetables and fruits which are high in anti- oxidants. Avoid red meat or processed foods, fried foods, and foods high in sugar as they exacerbate inflammation.

Also, watch dairy, potassium found in varied vegetables and other foods as well and phosphorous; found in breads and grains.

This can only help.

You are definitely on the right track as it appears that you have a good medical team and you are moving forward.

Bear in mind that this is all a process which will take time to line up.

Please reach back to us as you are among friends here who will always support.

Think positive!

Bet

nephcure.org/livingwithkidn...

kidney.org/nutrition

aapk.org nutrition counter

BenKenobi profile image
BenKenobi in reply to Bet117

Hi Bet-

Thank you so much for this very detailed and informative message. It was extremely helpful. I see my doc again in August. He’ll have me test again before that meeting. He’s also referring me to a specialist.

Bet117 profile image
Bet117NKF Ambassador in reply to BenKenobi

Hi BenKenobi,

No thanks ever needed. Reach out at any time.

Seeing your doctor in August sounds about right as they will initially monitor every three months.

Great that you will seeing a specialist as they will do their own set of specific tests to try to identify this and move you forward.

Until then and most importantly stay hydrated ; drink your water, especially prior to your next labs. If you work out in a gym, avoid it prior to you have your next lab draw as it may possibly effect your creatinine levels.

Consider making a few tweaks to your diet; say eliminate the red meat and replace it with chicken, eggs and beans if your potassium is normal. I also make wheat or veggie pasta with veggies and add non salt spices. All good.

Cauliflower, onions, peppers, squash, carrots and cabbage to your diet are super. Steam, grill roast with some onion, garlic powder, crushed red pepper and organic smoked paprika. I use olive oil non stick spray on the bottom of my cookie sheet rather than plain oilve oil and often sprinkle with red wine vinegar or a few drops of Ken's lite Olive Oil and Red Wine Vinegar dressing before cooking; 400 until soft. My husband will run miles for it. Lol.

Also, add some strawberries, blueberries and apples into your diet.

Big keys are to drink your water, watch the red meat, sodium and junk.

It will all work out. The most important thing is that you are under a doctor's care and addressing this.

Think positive! You are headed in the right direction and not staying in the dark.

Until the doctor says it's so, it isn't so.

Take Care.

Bet

sparkie88 profile image
sparkie88

Well maybe you ate a little to much protein even plant protein can increase creatinine. Also if you have high muscle mass and it is breaking down can also increase it. This is because only approximately 20% comes from food and the rest from the breakdown of muscles About goublins you have to talk to your Dr about testing to rule out autoimmune issues and other issues related to cancers etc goublins are part of the blood composition high amounts usually of concern so talk to your Dr about it take care

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