Mild Proteinuria. Can it be temporary?! - Kidney Disease

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Mild Proteinuria. Can it be temporary?!

Sethabish profile image
8 Replies

In December 2022 i was exposed to extreme cold for straight 12 hours and after that i started noticing foamy urine, my urine analysis and first void protien creatinine ratio and fine. But when i did a 24 hour urine test it showed 184mg protein which have 60mg of albumin. From then i developed a severe anxiety and cant stop thinking about it. My doc says its nothing to worry about and he said to retest in 3 months. But when ever i pee and see foam my anxiety doubles. Can any one shed light on this, can this be temporary?!

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Sethabish
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Bet117 profile image
Bet117NKF Ambassador

Dear Sethabish,

Your feelings are very normal. Any time people hear that labs are not 100% it produces fright.

There could be many reasons for the sudden appearance of protein in your urine. The important thing is that it was identified in case there is a problem.

I'm happy that you are under a doctor's care and the proteinuria being monitored. To re- test you in three months is standard procedure when protein spilling is found, so don't be alarmed.

Your doctor is very conscientious to order a 24 hour urine test as it is considered the gold star marker among nephrologists as it shows an average of your kidney functions etc. over a 24 hour period; like an A1C check every three months for diabetes.

This is more accurate than a spot sample which shows your output at that given time.

I totally understand your feelings of anxiety at this time, but bear in mind that until your doctor tells you something is so, it isn't.

Yes, foamy urine can be a symptom of protein spilling but not always; to continue to look for it will just cause you more anxiety which isn't going to help and isn't good for your body.

Breathe deeply, take a walk, sleep and take care of yourself. Tell friends and family about this and let them be there for you.

In the meantime, drink plenty of water, avoid red meats, foods high in sodium, NASID pain relievers such as iduprofen, dark colas and foods high in potassium such as tomatoes, potatoes, and phosphorous found in excessive dairy.

Eat well but sensibly.

Please reach out to me at any time if I can be of support. I have been through this and know the anxious feelings of those words; protein in the urine.

Be confident that you are doing all of the right things and are in good hands.

Stay strong and positive!

Bet

Sethabish profile image
Sethabish in reply to Bet117

Thank you so much for your reply, ya i have to control my anxiety, been very depressed over a month and can't stop thinking how my life will change if its permanent. There is no information online regarding temporary proteinuria and how long does it last. My blood test results are also normal, still i can't contol my anxiety hmmmmm

Bet117 profile image
Bet117NKF Ambassador in reply to Sethabish

Hi back, Sethabish,

No thanks ever needed. I am happy to support.

As I said, anxiety and fright are very normal responses. Depressed feelings come from the anxiety and unknown.

I'm sure that every community member has felt as you do at one time or another.

Remember that you are doing all of the right things, have normal blood work and are in good medical hands, which is a positive right there.

Unfortunately you are waiting ; " stuck" as you have no idea what is causing this; and having to wait 3 months for your follow up test which adding to your frustration.

Yes, when you hear the words kidney issues, it's frightening, but again, you are speculating as to the cause without a specific diagnosis.

Your GP may refer you to a nephrologist; a doctor who specializes in kidney issues. They will run their own specific tests and determine what is causing this and go from there.

Once you know what this is, or is not, your medical team will set up a medical action plan which is geared to your needs; even as a preventative. It may involve a few changes to your diet, adding specific medication, exercise and check-ups to see if the plan is working; monitor. Get a diagnosis first.

My thought at this point is to stay off the internet as not all information that you read is valid and applicable to every person because every person is different.

Your protein spilling was just discovered; give your body and doctors time to assess your case and go from there.

Once your doctor knows why you are spilling protein, he should explain it to you. Until then, you may read something that is not appropriate to you and cause more anxiety.

I know the " what" and " if"s" weigh heavily on your mind and nerves, but until your doctor says its so, it isn't so.

Again, in the meantime, take the best care that you can of yourself. Drink your water, watch your protein and salt intake and avoid red meats.

Let your friends and family see you through this. Try to continue to do the things that you love to do to relax.

If you have questions, call or see your doctor and ask for answers. It's his job.

It's important to go one step at a time as this is all a process.

Please feel free to reach out to me at anytime as I am happy to support.

Stay strong ! It will all work out.

Bet

horsie63 profile image
horsie63

Remember humans are very adaptable. My life changed 100% with this and now am on dialysis but I'm adapting and moving forward. You got this.

userotc profile image
userotc

It seems that, at least here in the UK, proteinuria of <1g/24h is not of interest to the NHS ie mild. My mum's has been up to 0.44g but her nephro's unconcerned and urologist states "some" proteinuria is inevitable.

You received wonderful advice here, I have also seen all of your posts over on Reddit. Great advice there as well. You really need to get a handle on your health anxiety. I know the waiting is really hard. A few therapy sessions might help a lot. Good luck to you.

RoxanneKidney profile image
RoxanneKidney

Not to send you over the edge or nothing but I have those numbers without the foam. Retest.

LLWegeners profile image
LLWegeners

Hello Sethabish. I just had labs and I went from stage 3b to stage 4. Not a biggie as I teeter back and forth depending on the lab I use and how active I've been during the last 3 months between labs. Three months ago, the amount of protein in my urine was +2 (US). The labs I just had done said negative for protein. I believe the reason for the amount 3 months ago was because it was earlier in the morning when I gave my urine sample. I had my couple cups of coffee and not much water so the urine sample I gave was not diluted. With this most recent one, it was a later in the morning, I drank several bottles of water and peed several times before going to the lab. Even though there were quite a few bubbles in the cup I peed in, it still said negative.

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