?? for mjan...

[catmama]

Hello mjan,

I was reviewing several different posts from you, and read that you experience a rare kidney disorder. Could you elaborate on what types of symptoms, lab test results you have had, just anything may help.

I have a slowly increasing microalbumin level, blood in my urine, but normal BUN and creatinine. My PCP is at a loss for a cause. I do plan to discuss it with my MS specialist at my next appointment. Just curious as to what you might have.

Thank you for your help!

[mjan]

First of all, I am sorry for what you are going through.

I would suggest you see a Urologist first. Have your primary refer you if that is necessary. Not to scare you, but sometimes kidney cancer shows with blood in urine and its a tumor. Most kidney cancers do not have any other signs. Sometimes there is pain, but most are accidently found via ultrasound for something else (like suspected kidney stones). If it is a tumor.. and cancer its very treatable via surgery. And very slow growing. Mine was small, stage 1, but in a precarious position so I had to have the whole kidney removed and I am fine now.

The other disorder is called Gitleman's or another related disorder is Bartters syndrome. It manifests with labs showing low potassium, magnesium. Seems the kidneys spill out electrolytes. It too is very treatable.

But with blood in urine, I would see a Urologist first. Your primary can order the ultrasound first and have the Urologist give you recommendations.

Take this seriously. Get a CT scan if possible.
Gitelman's/Bartters does not look different but a 24 hour urine test and other labs usually diagnose it.

Let me me know what happens hon. Again, its all treatable. You can email me too. My email is in my profile.

Sending you hope and healing thoughts~
Warmly, Jan

[mjan]

Sorry, forgot to add that your primary can do a 24 hour urine test and if anything is abnormal, THEN see a Nephologist. BUT I would still see Urologist first to rule out kidney cancer.

Let me know hon

Jan

[catmama]

To Jan

Thank you for the information. I am scheduled to have repeat labs done in just over a week, as well as an appointment with my primary.

I have noticed that I do have low back pain as well as what feels like bladder "cramps", so I am definitely going to push the issue until I get some definitive answers. I'm upset that the micro-albumin level has been rising slowly since 2011, but I never caught it on my lab results, and apparently neither did my docs.

As you may have seen in my profile, I have been a RN since the stone ages, so I am familiar with most of this.
I also had a beloved cat that underwent a kidney transplant (hence the name catmama), and survived an additional 10 years post-transplant.

Again, I want to thank you for your help and advice, I will keep you updated.