The connection between kidneys problems and RA

[Amy_Lee]

everydayhealth.com/rheumato...

[allanah]

Yes kidneys are affected in some RA patients but we are monitored and treated so this problem is checked regularly as is heart disease etc.

I think untreated RA is a much worse problem.

[Amy_Lee in reply to allanah]

Agree! Over here in Malaysia, my rheumy will always check my kidneys, lung, heart and liver conditions.

[allanah in reply to Amy_Lee]

My gp here also does a yearly full check of heart kidneys liver which reassures me. Although I get monthly bloods too prior to my infusions so I'm always aware of my levels!

[Amy_Lee in reply to allanah]

Oh! May I know why you need to have your blood test monthly? May I know what are the things that you will be checked for this monthly blood test then?

I visit my rheumy normally 4 months now, 2 to 3 weeks before that, I will have to go for my blood test and all the main organs will be checked.

[allanah in reply to Amy_Lee]

I cant have my tocizilumab infusion unless my white cells, kidneys and liver are working normally, so I get more infusion blood tests .

[Amy_Lee in reply to allanah]

I see. I take the oral mtx, so I do not know the SOP of infusion. I hope your RA is in control? May I know how long have you been diagnosed RA?

[charisma in reply to allanah]

I only get tested just before infusions; not monitored for five months between infusions.

[Amy_Lee in reply to charisma]

Is there any SOP for how long to monitor your blood test? Your is about 5 months but allanah is about a year.

How is your RA condition now? How long have you been diagnosed RA?

[charisma in reply to Amy_Lee]

What’s SOP?

[Amy_Lee in reply to charisma]

That is for those under infusion, how often you need to do it and how long you need to be monitor via your blood test? Very sorry, this is just for my knowledge as I am not under infusion hence a bit blur why some with blood monitor in a year and some half a year.

[charisma in reply to Amy_Lee]

That abbreviation can mean so many things...

They simply don’t monitor me between infusions until the next is due or I have obvious flare symptoms; no BP either.

No monitoring of liver, kidneys, heart.

So far, that’s how it seems to be done here on the NHS in spite of my age, 67.

[Amy_Lee in reply to charisma]

Very sorry for the abbreviation. We use it here very often hence I did overlook on this.

Since the medicines we take can have adverse effects on these big organs, I do think it is crucial to monitor them regularly. Unfortunately we do have different protocol in different countries.

[charisma in reply to Amy_Lee]

I agree wholeheartedly, Amy_Lee 🙂

I had to call the GP a little while ago for test results, so took the opportunity to ask what monitoring I should get between infusions.

The Receptionist did not know but arranged for the GP to call me on Thursday. They should at least check my BP from time to time!

[Amy_Lee in reply to charisma]

Yes, it is a very smart move indeed. It is so important to monitor through our blood work regularly.

[Hessie5 in reply to allanah]

Lucky you - it's so frustrating how you have some Drs on top of these things and others you have to nag or go private as in my case. You are lucky to have such a good GP. Take care, Hessie 😌

[Amy_Lee in reply to Hessie5]

Agree. It is very important to monitor our condition regularly.

I also had my thyroid 2/3 removed 8 years ago, I need to remind my rheumy to check that for me as they have too many patients hence will over like sometimes.

[Hessie5 in reply to Amy_Lee]

Hi AmyLee - hope all's well for you - Quick question - do you have your heart checked via blood test? I am thinking of getting mine done as I had one some four years ago and nothing since - thanks Hessie 😌

[Amy_Lee in reply to Hessie5]

Yes, every time, about 4 months once, my rheumy will order blood test for all the major organs - heart, lung, kidney and liver.

When I remind him of my thyroid, he will check my medical record. Thyroid will be check once a year according to my rheumy but I always have to remind him to check.

[Hessie5 in reply to Amy_Lee]

Awesome - thank you looks like I shall need to go private then - health check matters. Stay well 😌

[Amy_Lee in reply to Hessie5]

I go to our local government hospital here. Since our rheumy has too many patients so I just have to remind him when it is due. I take it as my duty to do so for my own health benefits.

[charisma in reply to allanah]

The article says so too!

[charisma]

That is very good, thank you Amy_Lee.

Hope you are remaining very well.

[Amy_Lee in reply to charisma]

Yes, the article is indeed very good to be shared. I have been in good health since my remission few years back. I hope I can continue the same until the end.

Hope your treatment is going well for you too.

[helixhelix]

Thanks Amy.

[Amy_Lee in reply to helixhelix]

You are welcome, helixhelix. I remember your condition is also under good control and I hope you continue to be in good health too.