Kidney or bladder

[phebamom]

A recent urinalysis shows protein and blood in urine. blood tests are showing BUN and creatinine are elevated. So, is this kidneys or bladder. I am drinking a lot of water. Waiting for a call back for appointment with nephrologist. Am wondering of BP meds did this, or possibly Actemra. Or, can PMR/GCA cause kidney issues, not to mention prednisone. Anyone else have similar issues.

[Seacat30]

My routine urine sample at my first rheumatology appointment showed blood and protein. I was told to take another test with my GP 2 weeks later. The protein was gone but the blood remained. I was referred to Urology who could find nothing wrong with either my kidneys or bladder. The consultant said that some people just had traces of blood in their urine and not to worry about it.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

As long as they investigate it I wouldn't worry too much. How elevated is the creatinine? I assume you hadn't had steak for dinner the night before? A high protein meal can send it up!!

[phebamom in reply to PMRpro]

We raise beef cattle so have beef with many meals. I was almost vegetarian before we got married 26 years ago. I still try to limit meat consumption to 4 oz. per day. I love milk and cheese. Sigh! its always something. Just what I need, another specialist.

[SheffieldJane in reply to phebamom]

My father in law was a butcher and had a meat rich diet, very active, healthy lifestyle, cycled for miles. He is experiencing kidney failure currently, red meat is the only clue we’ve got. Sorry to be a downer - but who knew?

[phebamom in reply to SheffieldJane]

We raise beef cattle. I limit all meat consumption to 4 to 6 oz. per day. My rule has always been that a serving of meat is the size of a deck of playing cards, so no big whopping steaks for me. A serving of a side dish is the size of my fist. I am not very overweight, just about 10 pounds. I suspect my kidney problems are caused by my high blood pressure, and the high blood pressure, which is mostly nocturnal is probably being caused by reflux. I learned that just last week, and it came as a surprise. I had surgery twice for reflux, once in 1999, once in 2002. Guess the surgery is no longer working. I lie down and BP shoots up. I wake up feeling like I am choking. Last week had visit with ENT, who scoped sinuses and throat. I have a lesion on my esophageal pharynx area that is causing a globus sensation and choking. He prescribed steroid sinus spray, and told me it was from reflux. A to B to C. I have always suspected that eating beef was not for me. I was almost vegetarian when hubby and I met 26 years ago. I cook for him. He loves his beef.

[nallufl24]

Before I was diagnosed with GCA one of my symptoms was low blood sodium. No one had any idea why. It was not a typical symptom of GCA. I saw a nephrologist where I was restricted from drinking more than 32 oz of liquid /daily. Taking 60 mg prednisone and not drinking much was another catastrophe for me. For some reason my kidneys were excreting all my sodium. They couldn’t find anything wrong with my kidneys. It took about 4 months of water restriction before things went back to normal. I’m assuming it was GCA because I wasn’t taking any medication before then

[Grammy80]

Have you ever had a sleep study? Obstructive sleep apnea can have a direct effect of high blood pressure. I also have some of the health issues you have beyond the autoimmune factor. Wearing a CPAP machine at night made such a difference in BP. It is just a thought....💕

[phebamom in reply to Grammy80]

I am fairly certain I have an issue with sleep apnea. My husband was diagnosed a few months ago. In one week he goes for 2nd study where they decide which cpap machine he needs. The sleep doctor sent me to ENT because I said it felt like I was choking when I lie down. ENT scoped me and found an abscess in back of esophagus/pharynx area. My Prevacid has been doubled, but I doubt it will help much. I have had surgery for reflux twice. A third surgery would be risky and will need to be done by the highest level specialist, but from decades of experience dealing with this I think it is the only solution. I am considering the purchase of an adjustable bed frame to raise my head.

[Grammy80 in reply to phebamom]

You have much to consider for sure. Maybe try the sleep study first?

I too have reflux problems and now take 6 pills per day for it...

I now have an adjustable bed and it does help. I'll just say this...my husband is a lot looser with money than I am. He surprised me with the bed and it was $5K. We had looked together and the $1K was just fine. Actually, I think that is why he went alone 'for the surprise'. Up is up...and the $1K mattress was nice and thick and just as comfortable. Yes, I am grateful but... 😉💕