Are these tests routine or for a reason?

[Cazz1993]

I've been bloating a lot and have had stomach pain. I had a blood test and the receptionist said "the doctor look at the results and doesn't need to see you."

Then I had an ultrasound to investigate the pain further and I was told one of my kidneys is unusually small but functions well.

2 months on and I got a letter from my surgery saying that once a year, starting on my birthday next March, they want me to have a blood test, blood pressure test and my urine examined. The letter says "as per hospital's recommendations, but no information about why.

Is this to keep an eye on my smaller kidney's function? I say this because I know that kidneys filter your urine. If so, why do they need to check my blood pressure as well?

The last question is, why the long wait? March is 8 months away, so why send the letter so soon? Also is this because now that I'm in my mid twenties they want me to go for more health checks (I don't go for regular checks, I only see a doctor if I feel something is wrong) or because they want to keep an eye on my kidney?

I know there aren't doctors in here but any advice is welcome

[bantam12]

Best to ask your GP all these questions as he /she has access to the hospital letter so can tell you what's been said and why.

[cyberbarn]

There has been incentives given to GPs to screen patients every year with various blood tests. So the 'birthday' blood test is unlikely to do with your kidney, and everything to do with the extra incentive for prevention.

Do you have access to your full medical notes? It is definitely worth signing up for that because then you can see exactly what is going on with your health and why. Either ring up the surgery or go to the surgery's website and they will tell you how to sign up.

[KidneyCoach]

We can't answer why to anything as we have less information than what's available to you. Go to Doctor you're supposed to see next March and ask all your questions there. Make a list of detailed questions. Take notes of answers you receive.

High blood pressure can damage vessels in kidneys. It is the second leading cause of kidney failure.

Blessings

[Lovethyself71]

Get checked out hydrate yourself well look for home remedies that will help your kidney and don't drink alcohol, don't know if you do but generally it doesn't help. To your good health.

[Hidden]

Hi

Definitely go back to your Dr, write everything down. I always do this as I tend to forget when I get in there. Love and hugs Lynne xxxx