Kidney biopsy

[itzmich]

My nephrologist is recommending a kidney biopsy because of protein in my urine is increasing. I have stage 3b for about 8 years. I hesitate because I know this damages my kidney. Knowing what kind of kidney disease I have is not important to me. Why should I have one? Any help is appreciated.

[jodaer]

I was in this situation a few years back. I'm a type2 diabetic and the first signs of CKD was proteinuria. My neph thought my CKD was caused by the Diabetes. All of a sudden the protein increased big time. He had second thoughts and advised a biopsy. His reason being is that there might be a different reason for the CKD and if that were so there were different ways to treat that cause. I had the biopsy, and it is the diabetes causing my CKD but now I know. I can't remember the name but there is another disease, and it has a different way of treatment. It's something like IgA

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador]

itzmuch,

I know the thought of a biopsy is intimidating, as I felt the same way.

Nephrologists call for a biopsy to identify kidney diseases, in your case probably due to your increase in protein spilling.

As jodaer told you, the nephrologist was being thorough by ordering a biopsy to check that there was nothing else going on, especially when diabetes is involved.

In any procedure there are risks but highly unlikely.

Talk to your nephrologist and ask about the procedure and who will be performing this.

The procedure is not long, you have a team, a sedative and local numbing. You rest and are monitored in the hospital for at least an hour after and produce a urine sample.

Bed rest for the day and maybe one after. No heavy lifting.

At least you will know exactly what you are dealing with and therefore receive appropriate treatment.

Know that you are not alone as we will all be here waiting to know that it's over.

Stay strong, ask questions.

Bet