just a simple question...

[laine_az]

My mom had a ratio of 1.5 and GFR of 36.8 about 6 months ago...then they noticed a blockage from the heart to the kidney. They went in and unblocked it. Ran some tests a month after that and said she is "out of the red" needless to say we were all relieved. Well last week she was told that her test came back at a 2.5 no mention of the GFR. I am very puzzled how it can change so quickly and also could use some insight into how should we proceede...any suggestions would be helpful!!

[Beth Witten MSW ACSW]

My suggestion would be to ask the doctor what your mom's GFR is and whether it has changed (better or worse) since the last time it was measured. If you know certain lab tests (creatinine at least), her age, and her ethnicity, you can do a basic GFR calculation using one of the online GFR calculators like the one on http://www.nephron.com. If you know what the GFR level is, you know approximately how much kidney function someone has. Based on the GFR level you can tell what stage her kidney disease is. Based on her previous GFR of 36, she would be categorized as Stage 3 chronic kidney disease (GFR = 30-60). Stage 4 is GFR 15-29 and Stage 5 (kidney failure) is when GFR is 15 or less. Because she has kidney problems, she should be seeing a nephrologist regularly. If she is not seeing a nephrologist, I'd make sure that she goes to one to get the best advice about what to do and not do to protect her kidneys

In the meantime, you might want to visit Kidney School at http://www.kidneyschool.org to read about kidney disease, lab tests, and any other module that might be of interest to you and your mom. Working through the modules will give her an action plan that will help her know things to do and to ask the doctor to be an active participant in decisions about her care.

[dewashko]

I think I have KD and the more I read about it, the more convinced I get. I don't have any medical insurance and I'm new to Florida and apparently it's impossible to get checked without running up a very costly bill. I have a paralized bladder and have been expressing it for years. I get chronic bladder and UTI. My right kidney has been inflammed for years. I was checked out a year ago and was told that my kidney is inflammed but there is no kidney damage. She said it's a matter of time before this occurs. The past 3 months the right side of my lower back hurts when I cough or sneeze or twist too much. Last saturday I came home from work with bruises all over my legs from the knees down. Both feet and ankles were swollen. Sunday I woke up with bruises all over the top of my right leg. My feet were more swollen. Monday I took off from work since it hurt so much to walk. I walk all day at work. I also had more bruises on the top of my left leg now. Tuesday I stopped getting any more bruises and my swelling went down some. I went to work and my feet swelled up so big I couldn't even get a shoe on. Today the swelling is very minimal on my right foot and gone in the left. Although it still hurts to bare all my weight on my right foot. Is it possible for my kidney to have messed up but then fixed itself? By tomorrow my foot and ankle should be normal and if it is I'm going back to work. Do you think that the worst is over? I think the brusing was caused from anemia. Can you go back to normal after a bout with that? I'd realy appreciate any help I can get from anyone. My daughter is very worried and called some doctors who told her that I could be in the advanced stages but I don't have enough pain to believe that it could be that bad.
Thanks for your help,
Diana

[DoriSchatell]

Dear Diana,

I'm not convinced that it would cost a lot of money to get checked for kidney disease--you'd need, minimally:
-- A urinalysis (which would include a check for protein in your urine)
-- A blood chemistry panel (which would include a serum creatinine and check of your blood sugar)
-- A blood pressure check

Urgent care centers could probably do this sort of exam. Or, there may be community health centers in your area that might be able to help you. In Wisconsin, where I am, there is a "First call for help" number in the phone book where they will refer you to social services. Please look up "Public Health Department" in your phone book and ask if they can refer you to someone who could get you tested. Once you know what's going on with your health, you can figure out next steps.

[dewashko]

Thank you for the information. I'm definitely going to look that up. I checked out the urgent care centers and they cost between $60-$170 for the exam and that's not including any tests they run. They don't make payment arrangements either.
My question is this: Could my kidney have acted up and then started healing itself? Can you have a lot of symptoms and then return to normal again? If you have anemia, can it go away and you go back to normal? From what I've read, the anemia comes in the begining stages but the swelling comes at the end, if this is correct, what does that mean for me? Could this be another problem and not my kidneys? I woke up this morning andmy foot doesn't hurt just walking around my house has it really sore again. Is this typical or normal? It just doesn't make sense to me. I'd really appreciate it if you could answer my questions. I'm really getting worried now since I woke up I'm having a hard time getting urine out. It is yellow in color and foggy with things floating in it and it has little bubbles at the top of the cup. (around the edge of the cup) this may be normal for me since I've never checked it before. Can you tell me this? How will I know if this is really serious or when my life could be in danger? I certainly don't want to risk my life but I don't want to go into debt to find out it was a kidney or bladder infection that could have just run it's course on it's own. I'd reallly appreciate it if you could answer these questions as soon as possible.
Thanks for all your help. I honestly really appreciate it.
Diana

[Black]

Diana,

I don't want to alarm you, but if I were to have those symptoms I would go to an emergency room as soon as possible. If you are financially unable to afford care, ask for an application for financial assistance.

Lorelle

[DoriSchatell]

My question is this: Could my kidney have acted up and then started healing itself? Can you have a lot of symptoms and then return to normal again? If you have anemia, can it go away and you go back to normal? From what I've read, the anemia comes in the begining stages but the swelling comes at the end, if this is correct, what does that mean for me? Could this be another problem and not my kidneys?

Diana, we are not doctors, and can't give you medical advice. Your problem could be related to your kidneys (swelling is certainly a common symptom)--or not. It certainly sounds as if you might have a UTI, and a UTI can travel to your kidneys. The swelling, bruising, and pain are troubling. You don't want to be saving a couple of hundred dollars at the expense of your long-term health and ability to work. If I were you, I'd get to a doctor.