Kidney function . Sickle cell trait

How can I find out if it is my sickle cell trait and what tests do I ask for to see if it is the trait that has caused my kidney not to work ? . Its now gone on for 10 years and got to this stage.

[bluebug]

First get your blood pressure checked. The people I've met with kidney failure had high blood pressure while their kidneys are in the process of failing and this was the only significant sign.

Get your blood tested for urea and creatinine levels as if your kidneys are failing these maybe be out of range. Finally get your potassium levels checked as if your kidneys have failed you can't control this.

I should add the people I've met with kidney failure didn't have sickle cell trait or a family history of high blood pressure.

[Hidden in reply to bluebug]

Thank you . I'll look get this sorted asap. Is there any test to determine if the trait is affecting are organs ? And oxygen levels in are blood ?

[bluebug in reply to Hidden]

I think you need to read some biology books as if your oxygen levels were low you would be in hospital or worse.

On a more serious note there are vitamins, minerals, enzymes and proteins they can test for in different body fluids but these tests are meaningless if you don't have any other signs and symptoms.

You also need to be aware that other genetic and lifestyle factors will also affect your organs and general health.

Most importantly focusing on just one condition isn't helpful to you in the long term, as poor doctors will use this as an excuse when they fail to diagnosis other conditions that are affecting your health.

I've seen this with all people unless they are doctors themselves. When even biological research scientists have to research symptoms and signs themselves to get the right treatment you can understand that medicine is not an exact science and you are at the mercy of those who are treating you.

The people treating you will not take you seriously if you turn up with print outs from the internet unless they are from one of the well known sites they use themselves.

Therefore make sure you understand anything you read from the basics and instead of copying one research paper of the internet go into a university/college library and see if there are others which back the research. With tests you need to know what the limitations of each test are and why results could be confused.

[bluebug in reply to bluebug]

I should add kidney disease due to sickle cell trait is on a few of the well known medical websites doctors use, but only one recognises that those with sickle cell trait can have sickle cell crisis.

So I suggest you look for one of those well known sites and quote that instead of taking in the research paper you found to show the doctor if you want to be taken seriously.

The doctor will likely say "interesting" record it in your notes and then not mention it again.

So remind staff if you think it's important e.g. when they are ordering tests, referring you for operations.

[Hidden in reply to bluebug]

Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia

What is sickle cell trait?

Sickle cell trait

Information and advice for patients

Sickle cell trait means that you carry a gene for sickle cell disease, but do not have the disease. Sickle cell disease is where the red blood cells, which are normally round, become shaped like a sickle (crescent shape). Sickle cell disease effects the type of the haemoglobin that is carried in red blood cells. (Haemoglobin is the substance that carries oxygen around the body and gives blood its red colour.)

What are the symptoms of sickle cell trait?

Sickle cell trait does not cause any symptoms, but people with sickle cell trait are more at risk of the following:

• Blood in the urine

• Being less able to get rid of waste products in the urine

• Damage to part of the kidneys

• A rare type of kidney cancer

In addition to this, if you are in a situation where the level of oxygen in your body is extremely low, you are severely dehydrated or are doing extreme exercise, sickle cells can form and block some of your small blood vessels. This can lead to a sickle cell crisis which can cause the following complications:

• Pain in your bones, muscles, tummy or chest.

• A lack of oxygen to your spleen which can cause part of the spleen to become damaged.

• Muscle tissue breaking down and causing protein to leak into your urine which can cause kidney failure.

• Sudden life-threatening complications.

Despite these, people with sickle cell trait have an average life expectancy similaOther complications

There are some other conditions which seem slightly more common in people with sickle cell trait. However, there is still uncertainty as to how far these conditions are linked to sickle cell trait. Possibly, you may be more prone (compared with people without the trait) to:Blood in the urine (haematuria) - this may be noticeable, or in a tiny quantity found only on urine tests. It may affect about 1 in 50 people with sickle cell trait. If you have blood in the urine, it should be investigated (tests done) to see if there is any particular cause. Treatment is needed in some cases.Bladder or kidney infections (urinary tract infections). These are nhs ones I found . And ive had protein and white blood cells in my urine and pain for ten years . Blood recent . And the latest scan showed the right kidney not working . I'll take you're advice and see what they say first. These sites what there saying 3 out of 4 things have happened to me . Just seems a lot if it was one id be thinking nope but most of the adove has happened .